FOCUS ON ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING also encompasses many technologies including subsets such as 3D printing ; rapid prototyping ( RP ); direct digital manufacturing ( DDM ); layered manufacturing and additive fabrication . AM categories include VAT photopolymerisation ; binder jetting ; material extrusion ; powder bed fusion ; sheet lamination and directed energy deposition ( DED ).
Image : Zygo .
Market drivers and barriers
According to analyst Grand View Research , the global additive manufacturing market size was valued at US $ 20.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow a CAGR of 23.3 % from 2023 to 2030 . A total of 2.2 million units of 3D printers were shipped globally in 2021 and the unit shipments are expected to reach 21.5- million units by 2030 .
The analyst expects factors such as the growing demand for prototyping applications from various industries and industry verticals ( particularly healthcare , automotive and aerospace & defence , as well as aggressive research and development in 3D printing ) to drive growth of the market .
“ However , misconceptions among smalland medium-scale manufacturers about the prototyping processes are hindering the adoption of additive manufacturing . These manufacturers are deliberating before considering investments in prototyping as accountable investments , rather than trying to realize the benefits of prototyping . The general notion is that prototyping is merely an expensive phase before manufacturing . Such perceptions and the looming lack of technical knowledge and standard process controls are expected to restrain growth of the market ,” cautioned the analyst .
The additive manufacturing market has witnessed a significant degree of innovation , marked by continuous advances in printing
Additive-manufactured part for AUDI . materials , printing technologies and the expansion of applications across diverse industries . Ongoing research and development efforts have led to the introduction of more sophisticated and efficient 3D printers , enabling the production of complex and functional objects with improved speed and precision . The dynamic landscape reflects a continuous quest for innovation . Additive manufacturing is increasingly positioned as a transformative technology , driving advances in manufacturing and design processes .
The global additive manufacturing market size was valued at US $ 20.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow a CAGR of 23.3 % from 2023 to 2030
An eye on innovation
“ The target market is also characterised by a high level of mergers and acquisitions by the leading players . This is driven by the pursuit of market consolidation and strategic expansion . Companies engage in these transactions to access complementary technologies , broaden their product portfolios and achieve economies of scale . The dynamic nature of the industry , coupled with the need for innovation and global competitiveness , motivates businesses to pursue mergers and acquisitions as a strategic approach to enhance their position in the evolving additive manufacturing market ,” added Grand View Research .
According to the analyst , the industrial 3Dprinter segment dominated the market in 2022 and accounted for a
revenue share of more than 76 %. Industrial 3D printers are being adopted extensively across various for applications such as prototyping , designing and tooling . Desktop 3D printers are now increasingly being used for household and domestic purposes . Schools , educational institutes and universities are also adopting desktop 3D printers for technical training and research purposes .
“ Smaller businesses are typically adopting desktop 3D printers and diversifying their business operations to offer additive manufacturing and other related services . Hence , the demand for desktop printers is expected to rise significantly over the forecast period ,” added the analyst .
Market characteristics
The additive manufacturing market faces regulatory scrutiny , with authorities focusing on ensuring the safety and quality of printed products , especially in industries such as healthcare where medical devices are produced . Impactful regulations play a role in shaping industry standards and influencing the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies , particularly in fields where stringent quality control is paramount . As additive manufacturing continues to advance , ongoing regulatory developments and
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