May.14, 2013
Terry Wohlers, an industry consultant, analyst, and speaker, president of independent consulting firm Wohlers Associates, provided some impressive insights into the market of Additive Manufacturing during their preparation for the publication of Wohlers Report 2013.
He revealed some interesting data: "16 companies in Europe, 7 in China, 5 in the U.S., and 2 in Japan now manufacture and sell professional-grade, industrial additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing systems. This is a dramatic change from a decade ago when the mix was 10 in the U.S., 7 in Europe, 7 in Japan, and 3 in China."
Last year, the Obama Administration announced the launch of the new National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) to be housed in renovated industrial space in Youngstown, aiming to help lead a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing. "This institute will help make sure that the manufacturing jobs of tomorrow take root not in places like China or India, but right here in the United States," Obama said.
Is the U.S. losing its edge in AM? This data on AM systems manufacturing and sales suggests that it is. Notes Wohlers.
What's more, all of the metal powder bed fusion systems are manufactured outside the U.S. Seven manufacturers of these systems are in Europe and two are in China. Together, China, Singapore, many countries in Europe, and even South Africa, have committed hundreds of millions of dollars in AM development and commercialization over the next few years.
The U.S. continues to lead the world with the largest installed base of AM users. When Wohlers Report 2013 becomes available soon, it will report that 38% of all industrial AM installations are in the U.S. Japan is second with 9.7%, followed by Germany with 9.4% and China with 8.7%. With such a large number of systems, one could argue that the U.S. has the most experience, expertise, and know-how in AM.
The NAMII was launched by the White House with the support of several agencies, including the Department of Defense. This initiative seeks to accelerate the position of the U.S. in the development and use of AM technology. It will not be easy, given what organizations in China and other regions of the world have planned.
My recommendation to key leaders in the U.S. is to focus on the big picture with big goals, such as the development of metal-based powder bed fusion systems and other advanced AM system technology. Market forces and competitive pressures will take care of the smaller challenges and incremental technology improvements.
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
Maybe you also like:
- Ultimarker: When augmented reality meets 3D printing
- White House Launches $200M Competition for three new manufacturing innovation institutes
- German ICT firms believe 3D printing will have significant impact on many industries
- Australian researchers develop body parts using 3D printing
- ICTP scientists publish free book: Low-Cost 3D Printing
- Infographic: Navigating the Future of Industry
- Chinese government announces $6.5M for 3D printing research
- BotQueue v0.3 released, now with Webcams support and more
- 3D printing spinal discs to combat back pain
- Organovo Describes First Fully Cellular 3D Bioprinted Liver Tissue
- 3D Printing in Libraries Around the World
- Creating synthetic human tissue on a 3D printer (video)
- EFF to challenge six 3D printing patent applications
- NZ Customs Minister: 3D printers pose a threat to border security
We plan on pushing the technology heavy in our industry, industrial packaging equipment tooling.. http://thewholepkg.com/blog/3d-printing.htm
JD901 wrote at 5/14/2013 6:52:10 PM:
The number of businesses might not tell the whole story. I'd like to see the actual sales figures too. I'll have to track down the report, assuming it's not behind a paywall.
John wrote at 5/14/2013 5:48:01 PM:
Actually, 'loosing' is a word -- it means "releasing". But, you are correct, the author really meant to use the word "losing"
Joseph Blough wrote at 5/14/2013 4:24:53 PM:
Loosing its edge? Really?
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
