All3DP Magazine, the leading source for 3D printing information and insights, is pleased to announce the publication of its highly anticipated annual report, “Additive Manufacturing Outlook 2024: The Argument for Optimism.”

The feature provides an analysis of the current state of the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, the highs and lows of 2023, plus key observations of the trends that will shape 2024. Contributing to the report are 12 of the industry’s top thought leaders who serve on the All3DP Editorial Advisory Board.

Members of the 2023 All3DP Pro Editorial Advisory Board include Brian Alexander from material maker Solvay, Carl Diver from PrintCity/Manchester City University, John Barnes from The Barnes Global Advisors, Sylvia Monsheimer from polymer giant Evonik, Jos Burger from 3YourMind, Kristin Mulherin from Hubbell/Women in 3D Printing, Matthias Schmidt-Lehr from AMPOWER, Richard Grylls from The Barnes Global Advisors, Amy Alexander from the Mayo Clinic, Douglas Krone from Dynamism, Sonja Rasch from Materialise, and Tuan TranPham.

Industry Growth and Maturation

Despite challenges in 2023, the AM market is expected to grow at around 20% in 2024, with a focus on the actual need for parts leading to increased productivity in printers. John Barnes notes that the industry is undergoing a pivotal maturation step, likening it to the evolution from disruptive to integrative technologies, much like the transition from riding horses to driving cars.

Quote from John Barnes: “Early growth [in AM] was fueled by venture capital and government funds, not demand for parts.”

Adoption and Enthusiasm

The report highlights the increasing enthusiasm among end-users for AM, with industry experts noting that companies are now truly ready to adopt the technology. The focus is shifting towards a more subdued and pragmatic approach, characterized by “quiet adoption.”

Quote from Kristin Mulherin: “People are ready for it now, but I don’t think they were a couple of years ago.”

Topics & Trends Driving AM in 2024

The report identifies key topics that will continue to drive conversations in 2024, including the role of AI, material development, and sustainability. The Board anticipates more new hardware developments in 2024, particularly in the prosumer desktop market.

Quote from Douglas Krone: “In the real world of 3D printing users, utilization reached its highest level ever in 2023 and will clearly be growing in 2024.”

The Future of AI in AM

Although AI is expected to play a transformative role in AM, the Board agrees that its widespread impact won’t be felt until beyond 2024. The immediate need is for more accessible and user-friendly design software that can accelerate the adoption of 3D printing.

Quote from Jos Burger: “If a software company can come out with something that’s more intuitive for design, there’d be a huge spike in the adoption of 3D printing.”

Material Development and Sustainability

Material development and sustainability are highlighted as crucial factors in choosing AM. The report predicts a shift in the emphasis on sustainability, driven by both environmentally conscious consumers and Fortune 1000 companies with carbon targets.

Quote from Brian Alexander: “The printing of granules will eventually replace filaments, and 2023 saw a rise in new FGF or PBAM printers.”

The All3DP Pro Editorial Advisory Board expresses optimism about the future of additive manufacturing in 2024, emphasizing that the sun is rising for a new phase in the industry.

For a detailed analysis and insights, the full report is available on the All3DP website.

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