FOCUS ON ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
manufacturing’ s role in digital, end-to-end production workflows. However, it also pointed out that high initial costs and unclear ROI( return on investment) continue to limit AM adoption among small and mid-sized manufacturers.
AM markets
In its August 2025 market analysis report, Persistence Market Research believes that the global additive manufacturing market size will reach US $ 129.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 22.1 % by 2032.
“ The industry has evolved from prototyping to producing functional, end-use components across aerospace, healthcare, energy and tooling sectors. This growth is supported by rising material options, demand for lightweight parts and high customisation,” said the analyst.
“ The market’ s rise aligns with the increasing adoption of 3D printing systems, with global shipments surpassing 4.5 million units in 2024. Entry-level systems under US $ 2.5k witnessed notable growth, while industrial-grade printers showed signs of saturation. Although consumer models have gained traction, industrial applications( such as those for complex aerospace and medical components) continue to drive the core value proposition,” it continued.
According to the analyst, North America holds an estimated 32.1 % share of the global 3D printing market in 2025, backed by a strong industrial foundation and ongoing advancements in materials. Europe, it confirmed, commands 27.8 % of the global additive manufacturing market in 2025, underpinned by innovation-led economies and growing adoption across industrial clusters.
“ Powder bed fusion captured approximately 29.8 % of the global market in 2025 due to its ability to produce detailed, durable parts for demanding industries. Its widespread use in aerospace, healthcare, and automotive is supported by the precision it offers and compatibility with metals and polymers,” explained the analyst.
“ Prototyping held the largest market share in 2025, estimated at 39.8 %, driven by demand for faster design validation and shorter product cycles. Companies across sectors like automotive, aerospace and industrial equipment are leaning on 3D technologies to cut down development time and cost,” it added.
It highlighted that the aerospace and automotive sectors are driving demand for lightweight, geometrically complex, 3D-printed components. Smart factory integration is also accelerating additive
An AM-manufactured part.
Image: Shutterstock. com.
AM and AI
AI( artificial intelligence) and generative design tools are reshaping how components are conceptualised, optimised and customised. Additive Manufacturing( AM) and AI are converging to create“ smart manufacturing,” where AI optimises AM from design( generative design, complex geometries) through production( real-time monitoring, error correction, parameter tuning) and quality control( defect detection, predictive maintenance). This leads to the faster, more efficient, customised and costeffective creation of complex parts with reduced waste in aerospace, medical and other industries.
This powerful combination is ushering in a new era of intelligent, adaptive manufacturing with rapid adoption in critical sectors like aerospace and healthcare for producing complex, custom components.
There is great potential for AI to drive new innovations and improvements within 3D printing( e. g. predictive analytics can help to optimise entire supply chains connected to additive manufacturing).
“ Additive manufacturing in 2026 is more industrialised, material-rich, automated, innovative and interconnected than ever. For industry professionals and hiring managers, the message is clear: success will hinge on adaptability and skills. Hiring in the AM sector will increasingly favour candidates who blend deep technical AM expertise with digital-savvy, material science knowledge and strategic thinking about production and sustainability,” concluded Kensington Additive( part of Kensington Consulting Ltd). n
3D-printed part hinges.
Image: Trideus.
36 | ismr. net | ISMR February 2026