Strong sales have also helped push the company into a global market leadership position, with 24% of total market revenue, and with its impressive growth rates, Kempton only sees MakerBot continue to consolidate its position as a consumer market leader.
“We believe that consumer growth will have picked up substantially during the holiday season as shoppers are enticed to make their first purchases of 3D-printed products and printers,” adds Rachel Lashford, VP Analysis, Canalys.
“In the past few months, Amazon and eBay have launched marketplaces for customising and 3D printing a limited selection of consumer products.
“Additionally, leading vendors are extending their presence in consumer channels. MakerBot, for example, has started selling through Home Depot in the US, and 3D Systems’ Cube line of 3D printers are now available from Ryman in the UK.”
Large retailers bringing 3D printing into their stores is a hugely positive sign for the market, adds Lashford.
While it is early days, Lashford believes there is “clear present and future demand” for 3D printing that retailers are eager to capitalise on.
But undoubtedly the biggest news in the 3D printing space has been HP’s announcement that it will enter this growing market, which has created a "huge buzz" according to Kempton.
“This certainly brings with it a great deal of validation to the work of the companies that have been operating in this market for decades, but HP will not be bringing an actual product to market until 2016, which gives competitors time to react," he adds.
“The company has claimed there are a range of potential future developments it is working on, such as increased flexibility, a wider variety of colours, and even conductivity capabilities.
“But it remains to be seen whether it can actually achieve some of the claims it is making, particularly with regards to using its technology to print with metals.
“HP has deep pockets for spending on research and development, but all the investment money in the world can’t change basic material science.”