3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping Services industry has leaped ahead in recent years, driven by rapid technological developments, falling costs and new applications for 3D printing technology. Over the five years to 2012, revenue is expected to grow at an average annualized rate of 7.2% to total $662.4 million. Industry revenue decreased 10.7% in 2009 due to recession-related declines in demand, but it bounced back in 2010 (11.6%) and 2011 (18.3%), as downstream markets recovered. Revenue is expected to grow 18.5% from 2011 to 2012. The industry's fate is tied to the manufacturing sector. Most companies use 3D printing to create prototypes, since most 3D printing is limited to certain materials. “Developing a prototype is an essential part of product development, and manufacturers are often weighed down by the time and costs involved in the traditional prototype manufacturing process,” said IBISWorld industry analyst Nima Samadi. “Because of this, during good economic times, manufacturing activity is major driver of industry revenue.”

HP continued to maintain its lead in the global HCP market with more than 39% market share and more than 13.7m units in the fourth quarter, says IDC.

Though the worldwide hardcopy peripherals market declined by 4.5% year over year in the fourth quarter of 2011 on shipments of 34.9m units, the global market experienced year-over-year a growth of 0.7% with shipments approaching 126m units¸ according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker.

Ink titan Fuji Xerox has unleashed a brand new printer which, the company claim, will be able to revolutionise the way in which creative professionals create advertisements and marketing pieces.

The Fuji Xerox Phaser 7800 A3 colour laser printer now contains a number of improved quality tools as well as extensive media handling capabilities and a plethora of professional finishing options.

Epson has reinforced its commitment to the small-business sector in the Qatar with the addition of three new all-in-one printers, specifically designed to help smaller companies save time and money, while delivering outstanding print quality.

The Epson Stylus Office BX305FW Plus, BX630FW and BX935FWD, offer efficient printing, scanning, copying and fax capabilities, plus a greater range of connectivity choices.

A report from UK supplier Cartridge Save has found that large businesses in the UK waste money on what it terms “needless printing” each year.

The statistics are taken from the quantities of money and consumables wasted throughout a year and the average person’s working career.