Additive manufacturing allows businesses to produce tangible 3D objects. While a negative overall economic environment temporarily stalled explosive growth across many sectors, work continued in automotive, aerospace, and defense.
However, a notable change is predicted for 2023 – a significant adoption of additive manufacturing in many other sectors. Businesses are quickly recognizing additive manufacturing/3D printing offers countless advantages, including good ROI.
Consequently, it is not surprising that a recent report forecasts the global additive manufacturing market size will reach USD 76.16 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 20.8%.
More Market Segments Can Benefit
Initially, only large companies had the resources to experiment in additive manufacturing. However, barriers have fallen by the wayside as machines, materials, and software options increase, diversify, and become more affordable. As a result, many companies can now access additive manufacturing.
Many industry leaders predict significant adoption of this cutting-edge technology in areas such as:
- Small manufacturing
- End-use consumer products
- Dental and medical devices
- Construction
Potential Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing offers the potential to equalize the playing field between businesses. Companies no longer need to have huge budgets to benefit from this cutting-edge technology.
3D printing and additive manufacturing benefits are considerable and far-reaching, including:
- Stronger supply chain – augmenting traditional manufacturing
- Greater experimentation and innovation
- No mould making or tooling needed – in-house prototyping offers organizations greater speed
- Easier to provide proof of concept for feasibility studies
- Eliminates the higher costs usually associated with small manufacturing runs
- Easier to change designs in response to market needs
- Mass customization possible since cost does not vary between identical and personalized goods
- Reshore manufacturing instead of relying on foreign supply chains
- Reduce costs by performing repairs, rather than replacing machines
- Minimize waste and maximize material usage
- Greater sustainability – research suggests additive manufacturing can increase sustainability in at least 8 ways.
Additive Manufacturing Costs Have Dropped Significantly
Once, 3D printing materials were expensive, making adoption too costly for most companies. Today, granule or pellet-based additive manufacturing reduces the printing cost per kilo significantly. Plus, failed prints, supports, and other waste can be reused.
Additive manufacturing was once very slow and was only used for small pieces. Print speeds are at least 200 times faster now and machines can also print much larger pieces.
AI-Driven Automation Can Deliver Speed & Quality
AI is set to solve the most critical steps in the additive manufacturing process. Computers are now equipped with machine learning that can monitor manufacturing and fix errors in real time. Consequently, 3D printing is predicted to deliver high volume in large scale applications this year.
Other Additive Manufacturing Business Opportunities
Many businesses can benefit from additive manufacturing, outside of the printing process. As this technology expands, companies will need software. This may include ways to pre-process parts designed in CAD, automating workflows, and addressing connectivity issues.
Additionally, companies will need end-to-end software solutions for traceability in highly-regulated environments, such as medicine. Software will also play a leading role in sustainability as all manufacturers must address climate change goals.
Connecting Business with Additive Manufacturing Expertise
Clearly, additive manufacturing can offer business opportunities. It is quickly moving beyond a niche market into an affordable solution for manufacturing at scale. However, most companies do not have the expertise they need to mature and operationalize it effectively and affordably.
Fortunately, EarlyBirds expertise, Subject Matter Experts, and expansive marketplace of new and disruptive technologies can help organisations become self-learning, self-sustaining, and incredibly agile.
We also offer unique programs for ad hoc or supplementary needs, as well as ongoing transformational support.
EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosystem
The EarlyBirds Innovation Ecosystem is a Business-to-Business portal connecting Innovators, Early Adopters, and Subject Matter Experts. Early Adopters are leaders or influencers in an organisation eager to identify new and disruptive technologies. They want to seize opportunities, solve business challenges, or create new products and services.
The Ecosystem has a data pool of over 4 million global innovations that may already address your organization’s challenges. This AI-enabled platform of startups, scaleups, and mature innovators is updated regularly and can be searched and curated using unique tools that meet business and technology needs.
Alternatively, organisations can list their challenges and request solutions from innovators.
EarlyBirds Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is tailored towards those who need innovation as a service to supplement existing innovation programs, or to conduct innovation projects when required.
EarlyBirds Challenger Program
The Challenger Program focuses on a single organisational or technical challenge. It looks for the most relevant innovators that meet your organisational, technical, and risk requirements.
The program is run by an EarlyBirds Subject Matter Expert who identifies your key issues. The SME then searches the data pool to identify and curate options for further evaluation. The most suitable option is chosen and the SME drafts a roadmap of next steps, POC, trial, or implementation.
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EarlyBirds helps organizations connect with additive manufacturing opportunities. Our resources deliver innovative solutions and expertise.
We’ve helped the Public Sector, and businesses in Retail, the Food Industry, Operations & Maintenance, Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, Energy, Education, Cybersecurity, and more.
If you’re interested in partnering for success, please register at https://earlybirds.io/, or contact us to discuss your needs.