According to a 2018 report from Sculpteo, respondents said they use 3D printing and additive manufacturing for the following:

17% — industrial goods,

12% — consumer goods,

7% — aeronautical or aerospace applications,

6% — healthcare,

6% — education,

5% — high-tech industries,

5% — services,

5% — automotive,

5% — mechanical and metal,

3% — in electronics and electrical applications

The report notes that the typical engineer will use a 3D printer for 55% of his/her prototyping needs. The engineer will use this technology for 43% of his/her production needs, 41% of proof of concept needs, 18% for marketing samples, 16% for education, and for 10% of their hobbies.

When asked why they use 3D printing, 48% or the engineer respondents said to conceive complex geometries, 39% said to reduce lead time, 30% said to reduce cost, 29% said to produce small batches, 28% said for redesign, 22% said to reduce assembly steps, 20% said to create parts with internal channels, 19% said to create tooling, 18% said for continuous improvement, 16% for mass customization, and 8 % for remote production.