What should 2024’s 3D printing industry watch for in the near future? Leaders in additive manufacturing are surveyed annually in our 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey to find out what they think about the future of 3D printing. We are printing all of the responses as usual.
The trends in 3D printing for 2024 are summarized below if you are short on time. According to data on the economic outlook for the 3D printing industry, business leaders’ confidence is growing. In the second half of 2024, will growth accelerate? Machine manufacturers should benefit from lower capital costs if interest rates fall as anticipated. Executive Survey of the 3D Printing Industry for 2024.
How have the watchable trends in 3D printing changed from year to year? Satya Nadella of Microsoft has compared investing in AI infrastructure to investing in the early railways. In this way, making a fortune will require a significant investment, and the rewards may not immediately become apparent. Sam Altman of OpenAI did not go as far in his speech in Davos as Nadella did when he said that “AI will be bigger than the industrial revolution.
” Altman said that 2023 would have a “two week freak out” over AI, but he didn’t think it would change the world. The question, “Why is it so slow?” is now more prevalent than it was before. The leaders we talked to seem to be more rational; AI may have been talked about by everyone in 2023; experts mentioned AI eight times last year, and ten times in 2024.
This does not mean that AI will not be beneficial or that work on text-to-3D model tools has not begun; thankfully, AM blockchain is long gone. With 37 mentions in 2023, supply chains dominated the minds of AM professionals. It is possible to argue that concerns regarding the issue have been subsumed into “business as usual,” despite the fact that supply chain issues, such as the ongoing conflict in the Gulf of Aden, are likely to persist this year.
Only fourteen experts mentioned supply chain as a trend to keep an eye on this year. In terms of investment activity, valuations should return to norms that are more widely accepted, as BCG explains below. In previous years, the sales-to-valuation ratio lost its solid foundation. 17 Trends in 3D Printing for 2024 The summary of our Executive Survey’s 3D Printing Trends for 2024 provides a digested reading option. Widespread Use in a Variety of Industries:
AM technology’s significant advancements have resulted in its transformative impact in a variety of industries, including the semiconductor, consumer goods, aerospace, defense, medical device, and dental sectors. Innovation in the Supply Chain: AM is increasingly being incorporated into production applications across industries to prevent disruptions in the supply chain. It makes it possible for local manufacturing, which reduces environmental impact, supplier numbers, and costs associated with logistics. Healthcare and Medical Devices:
The healthcare industry is a big fan of additive manufacturing (AM), especially when it comes to making medical devices that are used in the field. For personalized medical instruments and devices, hospitals and surgical centers are investing in AM solutions. Personalization in the Dental Industry: As the dental industry shifts from indirect mold production to direct device and appliance production, AM plays a crucial role. Consumer Goods Innovation: The consumer goods industry, particularly electronics, is increasingly adopting AM for faster product development and innovation.
Integration with AI and Automation:
The incorporation of AI and automation into AM is facilitating mass production by enhancing precision and speed. Focus on Materials and Software: New AM materials and software are being developed more and more, opening up new opportunities for manufacturers. Consolidation of the Industry and Challenges: The AM sector faces challenges that may result in some industry consolidation, but there are also opportunities for growth and differentiation. Education and Training: In order to overcome integration obstacles and encourage a wider adoption of AM, the industry is concentrating on workforce development and training. Expansion into New Markets:
AM is entering a variety of markets and moving beyond prototyping to small production lots of industrial products. Impact on the Environment and Sustainability: The AM industry places a greater emphasis on the creation of environmentally friendly policies and procedures. Advancements in Printing Technology: The industry expects progress in printing technology, with faster speeds, larger sizes, and improved stability.
Market Maturity:
The metal AM market is becoming more mature, with a focus on serial production and a shift toward more stable and long-lasting business models. Collaboration and Development of Ecosystems:
The success of 3D printing depends on how well hardware, software, materials, training, and collaboration work together in an ecosystem. Large-scale projects and multifunctional 3D construction printers are just two examples of the growing use of 3D printing in the construction and other industries. Increased Material Development and Process Automation: The development of new materials and the automation of manufacturing processes are key trends.
In AM ecosystems, ensuring the quality of the parts and dealing with cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly important.
