The changing face of additive manufacturing

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state-of-the-art in additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, from the business perspectives. The primary drivers behind the development of the associated technologies are considered along with features that limit growth.

The approach is a personal perspective, based on approximately 25-years study of the development of the associated technologies and applications.

The discussion has found that the technology is still growing healthily, but with an understanding that there are numerous application areas that should be considered separately. Some areas are significantly more mature than others and success in some areas does not guarantee success in others.

This viewpoint has been prepared for the current state-of-the-art and can be compared with earlier viewpoints to see how things may have changed in the past. This should be of value to those interested to explore how the technology has developed in recent times and how it may move into the future.