Throughout 2021, 3D Systems reported it witnessed the increasing adoption of Additive Manufacturing solutions, as organisations explored its suitability for a broader range of uses. This included industrial applications such as exotic machine components for rocketry, automobiles, and semiconductor capital equipment, as well as in healthcare for patient-specific medical devices and tools that can elevate the patient experience.

“More organisations are thoughtfully exploring AM for very specific applications and wanting to work with a partner who can not only integrate the entire solution and make it work seamlessly in their existing production workflow but also collaborate on developing a custom solution for their needs,” explained Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO.

“As we enter 2022, I believe we’ll continue to see AM play a critical role in transforming manufacturing workflows and supply chains. Significant delays in logistics are hampering organisations’ ability to deliver products and services in a timely fashion. Being able to manufacture all critical components at the point of assembly, or point of care can streamline these activities,” added Graves.

As software tools are consolidated, 3D Systems expects organisations to realise the full potential of autonomous manufacturing in increasing productivity and flexibility, which, in turn, may lead to improved development of manufacturing processes overall.

While the company expects software to streamline, however, it anticipates that machine technology will become more bespoke to the varying requirements of each industry, and segments within those industries. Materials will invariably develop to withstand harsher requirements, expanding the applicability of AM whilst creating narrowed use cases for newly developed materials.