In the latest episode of TCT Additive Insight, TCT Head of Content Laura Griffiths and Group Content Manager Sam Davies reflect on the significant trends and developments in the additive manufacturing (AM) industry over the past year. As 2024 approaches, the conversation highlights both challenges and opportunities within the sector, marked by a mixture of economic pressures alongside ongoing innovation and investment.
The episode delves into various key events that have shaped the AM landscape in 2023. Notably, the discussion opens with an analysis of Nano Dimension's strategic moves to acquire Desktop Metal and Markforged. This acquisition strategy underscores the competitive environment in which Nano Dimension operates, particularly in light of pressures from activist shareholders calling for a reevaluation of its corporate direction.
An important highlight of the discussion is the automotive giant BMW, which has demonstrated a successful integration of additive manufacturing into its production lines. With over 400,000 parts being 3D printed annually, BMW's effective application of AM represents a significant advancement in the industry's capabilities and showcases the potential for large-scale implementation.
The episode also reflects on the tumultuous journey of Shapeways, a company emblematic of the fluctuations in the AM market. After facing bankruptcy earlier this year, the original co-founders have re-emerged to revive the brand, signalling a resurgence in the company's fortunes and its ongoing relevance in the industry.
Investment trends, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors, are another key focus of the programme. Major players such as GKN Aerospace and GE Aerospace have infused significant capital into their additive manufacturing operations, showcasing a robust confidence in the technology's potential to innovate within these critical industries.
Additionally, the episode touches on Forward AM's insolvency filing, sparking discussions about the future landscape for the company and its role in the AM ecosystem. The dynamics of the industry, marked by both consolidation and innovation, form the backbone of the TCT content team's analysis.
As the year winds down, Griffiths and Davies share their personal reflections on the additive manufacturing sector, cementing the notion that despite economic headwinds such as mergers, layoffs, and bankruptcies, there remains a steadfast commitment to advancement and investment in AM technologies.
Listeners interested in a detailed review of the year's developments in additive manufacturing can find the TCT Additive Insight episode available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This episode was recorded prior to a notable leadership shift at Nano Dimension, with the resignation of six directors, and before Shapeways' acquisition of Thangs from Physna, Inc., indicating ongoing changes within the sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services