Additive Manufacturing

The Additive Manufacturing market research study delivers current market analysis plus a five-year market and technology forecast. The study is available in multiple editions including worldwide, all regions, and most major countries.

Market for Additive Manufacturing Grows Despite Macroeconomic Headwinds

Additive Manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, is defined as a manufacturing process that creates a three-dimensional object by adding layer upon layer of material. This contrasts with traditional subtractive manufacturing. ARC’s research on additive manufacturing shows that the AM ecosystem has reached a pivotal point of opportunity with the crisscrossing of macroeconomic headwinds and advancement of technologies. Users and solution providers in this space are cognizant of the benefits of additive manufacturing on the digital transformation journey. Intersection of 3D printer innovation, software advances, and material creation combined with the supply chain shortages of the pandemic are shining new light on industrialized additive manufacturing. As part of a broader digital transformation strategy, additive manufacturing is part of the solution for disrupted supply chains, operational efficiencies, and new product development.

Additive Manufacturing Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the Additive Manufacturing market research provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues as follows.

Expand Use Case Mindset    

Additive manufacturing continues to evolve from prototyping or proof-of-concept to serialized parts production. 2021 demonstrated this continued shift in mindset from utilizing additive manufacturing as a R&D system to parts production platform, with companies demonstrating the ability of manufacture through use cases such as:   

• Car parts such as wiring harnesses, furnishings, and hubs
• Aerospace engine parts and frame parts 
• Medical devices or parts of medical devices
• Parts for industrial manufacturing such as tools, jigs, and fixtures
• Furniture

In-House versus Outsourcing    

Additive manufacturing is a transformative technology, but considering current socioeconomic concerns, buyers must weigh their options for full fledged adoption of additive manufacturing into their business operations or outsourcing their additive manufacturing needs to a specialized company to close any gaps.  Buyers should consider:

• In-House expertise
• Budget
• Training
• Volume of production
• Sustainability goals
• Application and use case 
• Prototyping versus serialized production

Look Towards Sustainability    

Sustainability has become an increasingly important business concern considering the ongoing climate crisis. Additive manufacturing offers a unique position in giving buyers flexible manufacturing options, the ability to reduce complexity by making more efficient parts, therefore shortening supply chains, possibly utilizing less energy and material than traditional manufacturing methods depending on the application.