CECIMO study Shows Positive Results for the European Additive Manufacturing Market

CECIMO, the European Association of the Machine Tool Industries and related Manufacturing Technologies, has published the third edition of its European study dedicated to additive manufacturing. Conducted over a 6-month period, it focuses on four specific points to identify certain trends in the industry: imports, exports, materials used and target sectors. Overall, the results of this study are positive. The companies surveyed want to continue their investments in additive manufacturing as they are convinced of the benefits it can bring to the industry.

Before looking at the results of this third study, let’s quickly recall the methodology used by the CECIMO. The responses posted are analyzed as the difference between the share of companies reporting growth and the share of companies reporting a decline. Positive percentages thus express a growth while a negative balance reveals a decline.

The report reveals that the aerospace sector has recorded some of the strongest growth in the last 6 months (photo credits: GE Aviation)

Imports and Exports: What Are the Trends?

The CECIMO report looks at both the local activities of the companies surveyed and their relationship with foreign countries. First, the study notes that imports are up compared to last spring’s figures, regardless of the type of offering considered. However, 3D printing services account for the highest percentage (79%) while 3D printed parts and materials both stand at 72%. According to the report, 3 out of 4 companies expressed a growth scenario in this local market, proof that additive manufacturing is well into this industrialization phase.