As 2018 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on Nano Dimension’s first year of commercial sales for the award-winning DragonFly Pro system and identify the key trends to leverage during the year ahead. So here they are – the top three highlights of 2018, followed by three exciting trends as we head into 2019. 

Highlights of 2018

1) Two New Regional Offices in the U.S. and APAC

Nano Dimension opened two new offices in 2018 – one in Silicon Valley in the US and the other in Hong Kong’s Science Park. Located right in the innovation hubs of the East and West, our regional headquarters bring the benefits of electrifying additive manufacturing a huge step closer to those who need it the most. This paves the way for years of global partnerships and collaborations ahead.

2) Successful Expansion of Global Footsteps with Growing Reseller Network

Along with our new regional headquarters, we have also been nurturing a steadily growing network of channel partners across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Not only does operating with a partner’s network mean faster response and support, no matter where our customers are in the world, our resellers also bring the DragonFly Pro to key market players amongst their large customer bases   .

Consequentially, the figures speak for themselves. The first year of commercial release for the DragonFly Pro additive manufacturing system for printed electronics saw our sales figures increase rapidly quarter upon quarter.

3) Achieving Innovation through Strategic Alliances and Collaborations

Through strategic alliances and collaboration with high-tech companies this year, we have uncovered multiple new use cases and applications for the DragonFly Pro system.

One of our key partnerships this year with Harris Corporation and Space Florida has produced a 3D printed radio frequency (RF) amplifier that will be launched to the International Space Station for in-space testing. Also on solid ground is a partnership with Techniplas to create an intelligent car steering wheel with responsive lighting, as well as more collaborations with Zuken and Dassault Systemes’ SOLIDWORKS.

 

Key Trends of 2019

Although 2018 has been a good run, it certainly doesn’t stop at the stroke of the new year. Understanding what lies ahead and preparing well in advance to leverage key trends is essential to Nano Dimension’s long-term growth. Here’s what we picked up from the latest market dynamics:

1) Increasing Support from Large Industries

As 3D printing becomes an increasingly stable and reliable manufacturing option, large companies are starting to value the benefits of in-house custom production, reduced time-to-market and lowered costs it brings to the electronics industry. As such, huge multinational companies such as HP, General Electric, Dassault and Siemens have been increasingly involved with additive manufacturing and will be expected to be even more active in the years ahead.

With our U.S. Department of Defense Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, Nano Dimension is well poised to engage in business with large agencies within the U.S. federal government. Currently, there are several organizations within the U.S. Armed Forces leveraging the power of electronics additive manufacturing with the DragonFly Pro.

2) Deeper Synergy Between Additive Manufacturing and IoT

Research has shown that the Internet of Things (IoT) is set to expand rapidly in 2019 across both consumer and industrial sectors, even as security and privacy concerns are still work-in-progress. As such, additive manufacturing of electronics, with its promise of in-house rapid prototyping meaning faster development, novel solutions and lower costs, is quickly being recognized as an excellent tool to address the challenges related to designing IoT systems.

Furthermore, the drive of IoT towards incorporating ever more electronic systems into intelligent networks compels designers to consider transmission, reception and where to put the processing. This means greater reliance on radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, antennas and new sensor applications. This trend will also mean smaller sizes, more customizable shapes, better performance all whilst targeting lower costs. Given the ability of additive manufacturing to help meet the above requirements by enabling non-planar and multi-layered functional electronics, it is increasingly adopted as the go-to platform for testing and building better IoT systems.

For example, check out how Phytec New Dimensions has been utilizing the DragonFly Pro to produce various sensors that can be incorporated into IoT systems here.

Read PHYTEC Case Studies

3) Continued Drive Towards Production-Scale 3D Printing

Last but not least, as 3D printing technologies, materials and software continue to improve, we are looking at the real possibility of additive manufacturing entering the realm of full-scale production. 

“Additive manufacturing is on course to produce parts of greater size, strength, complexity, and functional value. With the ability to reduce part numbers as General Electric is proud to celebrate, combine electrical and mechanical functionality and disintermediate value-chains, this industry has answered the ‘if’ question,” explained Nano Dimension USA President Simon Fried. “Additive manufacturing has earned it’s place in the manufacturer’s toolkit, companies like VW and BMW are using 3D printed parts in commercially available vehicles. The shift to a focus on “how much” will we additively manufacture has happened. How much of a final product can and should be 3D printed?”

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What do you think of these highlights and trends as we prepare for yet another exciting year ahead? Have an idea for additive manufacturing to play an even greater role in the electronics industry? Schedule a meeting with us to discuss about new possibilities and partnerships.

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