Using the social analysis method to examine the evolution of three-dimensional printing materials technology

摘要

Three-dimensional printing has seen rapid development around the world, being regarded as an important component of the third industrial revolution. The industry has focused on lowering cost and improving efficiency, while prioritizing the pursuit of innovation in material technology. This study examines the evolution of three-dimensional printing materials technology using patent searches, patent citations, and by surveying the technology's momentum. First, the study analyzes the social networking produced by the relationships among patent citations for patent technologies. Second, the evolutionary momentum of patent technology is discussed. Then, the patents emerging from the developing technologies are identified from the cited patents. The study analyzes approximately five thousand United States patents to describe the evolution in three-dimensional material technology. The study contributes to current research by analyzing the technological evolution and future development trends in the patenting of three-dimensional material technology. The main results should provide businesses and research institutes with a reference for technology development decision making.