Wohlers Report 2019: Unveiling Explosive Growth in Additive Manufacturing Materials and Industrialization
Every year, the American firm, Wohlers Associates, Inc., stands as a beacon of insight in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector, delivering its highly anticipated, industry-leading report. The Wohlers Report 2019, marking its 24th consecutive edition, continues this crucial tradition, presenting an exhaustive compilation of global data on the latest advancements, consumption trends, and market dynamics in AM materials. For over two decades, this report has served as an indispensable guide for stakeholders across the globe, offering an unparalleled annual snapshot of the evolving 3D printing landscape. The 2019 edition specifically highlighted robust growth in 3D printing materials throughout 2018, with metal additive manufacturing taking center stage. This remarkable surge in metal material revenue, reported at a staggering 41.9%, signifies a profound shift within the industry, moving definitively beyond mere rapid prototyping towards the burgeoning potential of mass production solutions for functional components.
The unparalleled depth and accuracy of the Wohlers Report 2019 are a testament to its collaborative and global methodology. Compiled by an extensive network of 80 expert authors and contributors spanning over 30 countries, the report benefits from a truly worldwide perspective and diverse insights. Further enriching its comprehensive data, Wohlers Associates received invaluable contributions from 127 service providers, 71 industrial system manufacturers, and 30 manufacturers specializing in desktop 3D printers and third-party solutions from every corner of the globe. This vast and diverse panel of perspectives is precisely what cements the report’s reputation as arguably the most accurate and comprehensive representation of the dynamic additive manufacturing market available today. Building on previous findings, last year’s report had already indicated a significant increase in sales of metal printing solutions, setting the stage for the material sector to experience its own period of accelerated development and growth, as confirmed by the 2019 data.
This focus on materials is further underscored by specific market segments. As indicated by data within the report, the demand for polymer materials, particularly for powder bed fusion processes, reached unprecedented levels in 2018, reflecting diverse applications and continued innovation in polymer science. This growth highlights the dual-track evolution of the AM industry, where both metal and advanced polymer solutions are experiencing significant expansion and adoption across various sectors, from consumer goods to specialized industrial applications.
Sales of materials for polymer powder bed fusion were at an
all-time high in 2018. Figures are in millions of dollars |Source: Wohlers Report 2019
Wohlers Associates, Inc. meticulously tracked the performance and sales of 177 manufacturers of industrial additive manufacturing solutions, defining ‘industrial’ by a price point equal to or greater than $5,000. This figure represents a substantial increase – almost a third more than the 135 manufacturers recorded in the previous year, signaling a robust and expanding competitive landscape within the high-end AM sector. While industrial system manufacturers have experienced vigorous growth, a notable shift occurred in the desktop 3D printer segment (for systems priced under $5,000). This category, while still vital for education, hobbyists, and entry-level prototyping, witnessed a significant deceleration in its annual growth rate. This divergence suggests a maturing market where professional and industrial applications increasingly demand the precision, reliability, and advanced material capabilities offered by higher-end systems, moving beyond basic personal use.
Despite these varying growth rates within different segments, the global additive manufacturing market continues its upward trajectory. This sustained expansion is fueled by the entry of new key players, the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into innovative companies – such as industry leaders like Desktop Metal or Markforged – and the constant introduction of groundbreaking new products and technologies that were once considered beyond reach. These investments are catalyzing advancements in speed, accuracy, and material science, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing. The market is not merely growing; it is undergoing a rapid and irreversible process of industrialization, evolving from a niche technology into a mainstream manufacturing force, and shows no signs of slowing down its transformative impact on global production methods.
The Wohlers Report 2019 dedicates considerable attention to the accelerating growth of 3D printing materials, identifying this sector as a critical driver of innovation and market expansion. The year 2018 was particularly marked by an extensive surge in research and development efforts across this domain, with a prominent focus on high-performance thermoplastics. These advanced polymers, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, chemical resistance, and thermal stability, are increasingly finding applications in demanding industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive, bridging the gap between traditional plastics and metals for robust yet lightweight solutions.
However, the report unequivocally highlights metal 3D printing as the dominant force in material growth. The American firm underscores that 3D printing metals recorded the most substantial growth in 2018, registering an impressive approximately 41.9% increase. This figure is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of an extraordinary trend: it marks the fifth consecutive year that metal AM materials have sustained a growth rate exceeding 40% annually. This consistent, explosive growth underscores the increasing adoption of metal AM for functional parts, complex tooling, and even critical end-use components, demonstrating its proven value in applications where high strength, durability, and intricate geometries are paramount. The ability to produce parts with customized properties and intricate designs previously unachievable through conventional manufacturing methods positions metal 3D printing at the forefront of the advanced manufacturing revolution, enabling engineers and designers to push the boundaries of product innovation.
The sustained momentum observed in the Wohlers Report 2019 paints a clear picture of additive manufacturing’s trajectory: a relentless march towards industrial maturity and widespread integration into global supply chains. The shift from rapid prototyping to mass production signifies a fundamental change in how businesses perceive and utilize 3D printing. Companies are no longer merely exploring its potential; they are actively investing in robust solutions for creating functional end-use parts, intricate tooling, and complex components across various sectors, from consumer electronics to heavy industry. This paradigm shift is driven by the advantages AM offers in terms of design freedom, supply chain resilience, and the ability to produce on-demand parts, minimizing waste and lead times.
This industrialization is not without its challenges, including the need for standardized processes, rigorous material qualification, and continuous development of a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining advanced AM systems. However, the consistent investment, technological breakthroughs, and expanding application spectrum outlined in the report suggest that the industry is successfully navigating these hurdles. The increasing number of industrial system manufacturers, coupled with the significant financial backing for innovative companies, indicates a healthy ecosystem geared for continuous advancement and problem-solving, fostering an environment ripe for further growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the insights from the Wohlers Report 2019 predict a future where additive manufacturing will play an even more pivotal role in shaping manufacturing strategies worldwide. The continued refinement of material science, coupled with advancements in machine capabilities, automation, and post-processing technologies, will unlock new possibilities and further broaden the scope of applications. From lightweighting in aerospace and automotive industries to personalized medical devices and efficient on-demand manufacturing for spare parts, the implications are far-reaching and transformative. The report serves as a robust indicator that the additive manufacturing market, particularly its dynamic material segment, is poised for further transformative growth, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Industry 4.0 and a key enabler of future industrial innovation.
For those eager to delve deeper into the comprehensive findings and detailed analysis, the full press release is available for review HERE.
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