Despite some critical voices, the hype surrounding additive manufacturing seems unbroken. Manufacturers are singing the praises of the possibilities of industrial 3D printing. But where does additive manufacturing really stand in industrial companies today? "Mission Additive", a portal covering all aspects of the entire world of additive manufacturing, surveyed around 600 industry decision-makers from 14 different sectors and carried out a reality check.
The market research "State of additive manufacturing" was published at the beginning of December 2019, and the results provide an up-to-date overview of the maturity of this future technology in its practical application. Although additive manufacturing is already widespread, the survey shows that the topic will become even more important in the future: 73% of the companies surveyed are implementing additive manufacturing projects, with a further 13% planning to do so in the near future. The results indicate that industrial 3D printing is a highly relevant topic across all sectors and that more and more companies are getting on board as the number of possible applications increases. Many of those who have already gained experience with 3D printing have only been using additive manufacturing for a maximum of five years. According to the study participants, the main reasons for using it include increasing the efficiency of processes, trying out "new things" and developing new business models.
"Industrial 3D printing is complex, but it holds opportunities that offer huge potential regardless of the respective process," says Joscha Riemann, Head of Mission Additive: "The biggest challenges include keeping track of the multitude of technologies and having the know-how for a holistic process view."
The study participants come from various sectors such as the automotive and supplier industry, mechanical engineering, automation technology and medical technology. From management to participants from development and production to sales - the entire buying center for additive manufacturing took part in the study. Almost 80% of respondents are involved in at least one decision regarding purchases or the commissioning of a service provider. The study, led by "Mission Additive", was conducted in cooperation with the trade media "Spotlightmetal", "MM Maschinenmarkt" and the market research department of the Vogel Communications Group, as well as in close collaboration with trade media brands in a total of 14 industries.
The entire study will be published at the beginning of December 2019. If you would like to stay up to date, you can subscribe to the newsletter here.
Interested parties can request the study now at pressestelle@vogel.de. You will receive the study when it is published.
Mission Additive brings together the cross-industry expertise of the Vogel Communications Group's media brands and presents the entire world of additive manufacturing in one place. The platform offers an overview, fundamentals, high-quality reports and exclusive content on the latest market, technology and industry trends. Whether strategy or operational application, processes, high-tech or lifestyle products. Vogel Communications Group is one of the leading service providers for B2B communication in the German-speaking world. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. With four agencies in Berlin, the Group offers comprehensive communications expertise. The publishing divisions manage 100+ trade journals, 100+ web portals, 100+ business events as well as numerous mobile offerings and international activities.