Building multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) for professional-grade printed electronics requires high-quality and predictable materials and equipment. Electronics manufacturers who typically outsource production are experiencing long turnaround times with PCB prototypes. According to a survey conducted by Nano Dimension Ltd., these manufacturers are looking for cost-effective, faster, and safer means of prototyping.

The 3D PCB Printer Readiness Survey, conducted over several months, garnered responses from nearly 300 electronics manufacturers and designers around the world. Survey responders ranged from engineers to designers and project managers, serving in a variety of production roles. Industries ranged from PCB manufacturers and OEMs to engineering, defense, manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, medical, sensors and wearables, telecommunications, energy and others.

Among the key findings, 16% of respondents said their companies spend more than $100,000 each year on PCB prototypes, and 17% spend between $50,000 and $100,000. 44% of respondents noted PCB spending of between $10,000 and $50,000 annually. Just 23% of respondents said their companies spend less than $10,000 on PCB prototyping each year.

According to Nano Dimension, the traditional off-site PCB prototyping process has several challenges: it’s expensive, time consuming, and it puts intellectual property at risk. Chief Business Officer Simon Fried says the survey indicates the market is ready for 3D printing.  “The time is now for engineers to print their own quality multilayer PCB prototypes in house- cheaply and quickly.”

While the bulk of the respondents were from North America, the survey brought in results from around the world, including nearly every European nation, Australia, India, Israel, and a variety of Asian, African and South American nations. Respondents included a mix of company sizes, with nearly three in four working for companies of fewer than 500 employees, and slightly more than one quarter working for companies with more than 500 workers.

According to BCC Research, the global market for electronics contract manufacturing (ECM) services should total $515.6 billion in 2015, reach nearly $561.2 billion by 2016, and $845.8 billion by 2021, a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2016-2021.