‘Wohlers Report 2023’ Finds Double Digit Growth Continuing in Additive Manufacturing

Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International, last week announced the release of Wohlers Report 2023. This year’s report examined the growth of the additive manufacturing, or AM, industry with insights from 10 industry sectors.

New content included an examination of large-format additive manufacturing applications, including in aerospace and construction, as well as a look at the growing number of AM standards and codes, said the research firm. Standards group ASTM International acquired Wohlers Associates in 2021.

“The AM industry is continuing to expand into end-use production applications,” stated Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates.

“This trend will grow as standards are further developed and adopted," he said. "AM is delivering larger and more critical parts across multiple industry sectors.”

Wohlers finds continued AM growth

Wohlers Report 2023 reported 18.3% overall worldwide growth in additive manufacturing products and services, continuing a trend of double-digit AM industry revenue growth in 25 of the past 34 years.

This year’s report also featured observations from industry experts in 35 countries, with expanded coverage of Argentina, the Czech Republic, and Greece. Wohlers covered research and development activities in detail, and it started exploring the following new topics:

• Recycling and the circular economy
• Point-of-care additive manufacturing in healthcare
• Opportunities and challenges associated with metal binder jetting
• Attracting a younger workforce into additive manufacturing
• Expanded discussion of investments and startups

Source: Wohlers Associates

Report looks at the future of additive manufacturing

Wohlers Report 2023 included an expanded section offering insights on the future of additive manufacturing, including thoughts on automated production, emerging applications, workforce development, and more. Input on the report was gathered from 119 service providers, 128 manufacturers of AM systems, and 28 producers of third-party materials.

Wohlers Associates said it drew on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts, as well as nearly three decades of data and market intelligence, "creating a thorough picture of AM activity across the globe."

The report is not only a barometer of the AM industry's health, but it is also a tool for education and information, said the research firm. Newcomers to additive manufacturing can learn about the technology and industry, while AM veterans can benefit from up-to-date information on growth, trends, and the latest and most important developments, it added.

Wohlers Report 2023 is available from the company's website.