3D printer manufacturer Essentium has unveiled the results of its latest independent study of the AM industry. The fifth annual study, which reflects the views of manufacturing executives, shows that 95% of respondents expect a significant increase in the use of AM technology over the next three to five years.
Although the applications of AM in manufacturing are becoming more mature, the industry is still in its early stages and has room for further growth. Innovations in post-processing, software, materials, platforms, printers and workforce development are expected to drive this growth. The majority of respondents (85%) said their executives have a positive attitude toward AM, with nearly half (48%) indicating they are “very positive.”
The study results show that manufacturers are particularly focused on certified materials that meet or exceed existing standards – a critical factor for industries such as aerospace, medical, military and automotive. An impressive 99% of manufacturing executives surveyed agreed that using certified materials is important for high-volume manufacturing, with 80% saying it is “very important” or “extremely important.”
Says Blake Teipel, Ph.D., CEO of Essentium: “It’s encouraging to see the confidence of manufacturing leaders in the continued growth of AM technology. With over half of the respondents expecting the growth trend to continue and a third forecasting an acceleration, it is clear that AM will play a pivotal role in production manufacturing for many years. We are committed to supporting this growth by investing in innovation and ensuring that the Essentium High-Speed Extrusion platform and materials meet the high standards our customers demand.”
Find out more about Essentium at essentium.com.
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