Desktop 3D printing is gaining ground with engineers, especially as it shows capability to combine technologies into one part, such as mechanical and electrical. Here’s how Nano Dimensions views the future of 3D printing.

With the combination of 3D printed electronics and multi-material print capabilities, additive manufacturing is going to change dramatically over the coming years. We will see greater demand for 3D printed elements that combine electronics in them, such as sensors, antennas, embedded components, circuit boards and more.

But we also see this technology acting as a major disruptor for Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things because companies will have options for designing and 3D printing their own electronic parts for competitive advantage, creating new designs and form factors never before possible. They also will be able, for instance, to conduct small-batch component making in-house using specialty printers, or 3D print electronic elements to replace broken or damaged items in their local or edge networks.