Wohlers Report 2022: Strong Growth in the Additive Manufacturing Industry

For the 27th consecutive year, Wohlers Associates has published its annual report on the additive manufacturing industry. Wohlers Report 2022 marks the first report that has been published by Wohlers Associates since its acquisition by ASTM International late last year. As would be expected, the 425-page report provides an analysis of the current state of the AM sector worldwide, identifying key trends. Notably, the report showed significant growth and maturing in the AM sector as compared to last year, perhaps suggesting recovery from the pandemic. And at least one sign of this shown in the report is the increased consumption of polymer powders, overtaking photopolymers for the first time.

This year, the report was created thanks to the support of 260 service providers, machine manufacturers, and producers of third-party materials. And it was written as by a team of 93 co-authors and contributors from 33 countries who provided expert views and perspective. Notably, it also shows in itself growth in the industry as participation also increased compared to the previous year, wherein it was supported by 124 service providers, 113 manufacturers of AM machines, and 24 producers of third-party materials and eighty-eight co-authors and contributors. This immense scope shows why the report is considered to be one of the most trusted in the industry. Thanks to extensive research and commentary from across the globe, it is able to give an accurate overview of the state of the 3D printing sector and the trends that have dominated the past year.

A breakdown of the report (photo credits: Wohlers Associates)

Trends in Additive Manufacturing in Wohlers Report 2022

One of the most interesting trends that will be highlighted in the report is the immense growth in the AM industry over the course of 2021. According to the press release, research for the report showed AM industry growth of 19.5% in 2021. This is of course a significant increase from the previous year which showed only a 7.5% increase due to the impact of the pandemic, though it still has not quite yet reached pre-covid levels, the 10 year average before 2020 was 27.4% growth. However it is still a significant milestone. As Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates, explained, “As expected, the industry has returned to a period of advancement and investment. This expansion cuts across aerospace, healthcare, automotive, consumer products, energy, and other sectors.”