Top 3 3D Printing Trends That Defined 2018

The 3D printing sector continued its rapid evolution in 2018, driven by breakthroughs in materials, speed, and precision. From my standpoint, metal additive manufacturing surged, new polymers grew stronger, and production cycles shortened dramatically. To pinpoint the most influential movements, I turned to Google Trends, a publicly available tool that aggregates worldwide search queries and highlights emerging interests.

For a visual walkthrough of my analysis, you can view the accompanying video. If you prefer a quick read, here are the three trends that dominated 2018 according to Google Trends.

#3 – The $10,000 3D‑Printed House

The Icon 3D Printed House captured the #9 and #12 spots on Google Trends’ 3D‑printing queries. Built in just 48 hours for roughly $10,000, the project captured global attention and earned the company $9 million in seed funding. The Texas‑based startup now aims to deliver rapid, affordable housing solutions for developing regions and disaster‑stricken areas.

#2 – 3D‑Printed Guns

Although its popularity spiked for only about a month, 3D‑printed firearms were the most searched topic in the past five years, according to Google Trends. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of 3D‑printed guns—initially ruling them legal, then delaying, and eventually deeming them illegal—sparked a dramatic surge in public interest. The intense media coverage and legal debate propelled this trend to the forefront of 3D‑printing discussions.

As a long‑time enthusiast, I find it regrettable that 3D‑printed firearms generated such hysteria. You can read my thoughts on this issue here.

#1 – The Ender 3 Hobbyist 3D Printer

Creality’s Ender 3 became the most searched 3D printer in 2018. This budget‑friendly, hobby‑oriented machine—available from the original brand and numerous clones—gained traction thanks to its low price point and extensive affiliate marketing. Google Trends confirms the Ender 3 as the top‑searched 3D printer of the year.

Conclusion

While my daily work focuses on the broader 3D‑printing landscape rather than popularity alone, reflecting on 2018’s most searched topics offers insight into public fascination. 3D‑printed homes, firearms, and affordable hobbyist printers dominated online conversations, yet they are not the trends that excite me most.

From my perspective, 2018 witnessed a broader adoption of metal additive manufacturing, along with new processes and advanced materials. The most compelling development is the use of 3D printing for end‑use, mass‑produced parts. Industry forecasts predict that by 2030 the 3D‑printing market will be worth $400 billion, with the bulk of that value stemming from end‑use components here. I look forward to seeing where 3D printing takes us in 2019.