Diffusion of 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

3D printing technology has been perceived as a disruptive technological innovation in many areas as it can revolutionize existing systems. It has many potential advantages in various areas such as medicine, aerospace and customized goods in terms of integrity, cost and speed. This study aims to visualize the evolution of 3D printing technology related patents by patent mapping, in the process, diffusion of 3D printing technologies to different business fields can be traced and evaluated. Patents represent the scientific knowledge that has been already commercialized or is ready to be marketed. The historical evolution and current framework have been demonstrated by using social network analysis on CPC codes of the related patents. Results of the study suggest that most technologies connected with 3D printing depend on B29C (shaping or joining of plastics; shaping of substances in a plastic state, in general; after-treatment of the shaped products, e.g., repairing.).