Additive Manufacturing Capability Space

These three axes--customization, complexity, and volume (quantity) inform the application potential of a manufacturing process. So, AM can be used in each of the individual points illustrated along these axes at many stages across the product lifecycle.

• » Volume refers to the quantity of products (or parts) that are manufactured.
• » Complexity refers to the level of complexity of the part or product.
• » Customization refers to how specific the product is to the needs of the end user.

Source: MIT, Creating a map of additive manufacturing products and services

Challenges

Industrial companies worldwide face similar hurdles when it comes to adopting Additive Manufacturing (AM). These challenges can be categorized as knowledge gaps, talent shortages, high initial costs, limited resources, and the need for standardized practices. The following are crucial focus areas for Additive Manufacturing to tackle the obstacles to its adoption:

• » Enabling AM innovation.
• » Attracting the brightest national and international talent.
• » Growing market awareness of Additive Manufacturing.
• » Enabling full scale 3D printing industrialization.
• » Developing manufacturing and non-destructive testing standards and IP.

Summary

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a technology that uses 3D model data to create objects by joining materials together. Over the last decade, the AM market has experienced significant growth, with an annual growth rate of 24% and a market size of around USD 15.3 billion in 2021. Projections indicate that the AM market will continue to expand, with an expected annual growth rate of 18% until 2040.

Additive mnufacturing global supply chain encompasses companies that supply materials, equipment, services, and software. In Saudi Arabia, the market primarily focuses on service providers and has a good potential to expand its offerings to both domestic and global markets, thanks to the availability of polymer and equipment suppliers. Additive manufacturing technology finds applications in various sectors such as healthcare, aviation, consumer products, oil and gas, energy, and automotive industries. However, the adoption of additive manufacturing may encounter challenges related to knowledge, skilled talent, cost, resources, and standards.