The German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association’s (VDMA) Additive Manufacturing Working Group has released the results of its fall 2024 survey, offering a detailed snapshot of current sentiment and emerging trends in the industrial 3D printing sector. Despite what Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the group, described as “an extremely difficult market environment,” most respondents expressed confidence in the technology’s future. Heering noted that 3D printing companies are “demonstrating remarkable stability,” with only 35% reporting lower sales compared to earlier in the year.
One of the most prominent findings was the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in the global market. Forty-three percent of surveyed companies reported direct competition from China-based additive manufacturing providers. This aligns with broader industry data, such as CONTEXT’s Q2 2024 report, which highlighted rapid expansion by Chinese desktop printer makers including Bambu Lab and Creality. These companies have gained traction among professional users by offering cost-effective systems with features comparable to premium models.
While optimism remains high, the survey revealed that many companies are postponing investment decisions due to wider economic pressures. Respondents identified three main strategies to reignite growth: developing new applications, entering untapped markets, and accelerating research and development. The VDMA’s network, headquartered in Frankfurt, encompasses 3,400 members across mechanical engineering, with around 180 firms participating in the Additive Manufacturing Working Group. These members span the full process chain, from hardware and materials to software, post-processing, and end-use applications.
Survey data showed that 65% of respondents expect domestic market growth over the next two years, while 58% foresee export increases—a decline from 68% in the spring survey. The European Union remains the dominant export destination, cited by nearly three-quarters of respondents, followed by the United States and non-EU European countries. China and other Asian markets were mentioned by 10% and 15% of companies respectively. In terms of competitive pressure, 36% of participants identified U.S. firms as their most formidable rivals.
Investment plans for the coming year are restrained, with only 27% intending to increase spending. However, 68% believe that new applications will have the greatest positive impact on the industry, while 52% see targeting new markets as a key driver. About 20% hope that intensified R&D and marketing efforts will yield benefits before the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, Heering emphasized the importance of reducing the cost of 3D printing to enhance competitiveness. He underscored the need for new technologies suitable for series production, with automation playing a central role. He also pointed to reproducibility and system stability as critical factors for broader adoption. “The exchange along the additive process chains, in which all participants share their perspectives, experiences and challenges, leads to a deeper understanding of the tasks at hand and raises awareness of the need for development along the entire chain,” he said.
The survey’s findings resonate with insights from the Wohlers Report 2024, which collected data from 245 organizations and 100 global experts. That report forecasts rising demand for series production and new applications, driven by faster print speeds and lower cost-per-part. It estimated the industry’s value at $20.035 billion after 11.1% growth, though this contrasts with AMPOWER’s valuation of €10 million for 2023.
Recent observations from the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 further illustrate evolving priorities in additive manufacturing. Katelyn Lennon of Würth Additive Group noted increasing use of 3D printing for factory floor optimization, particularly in tooling and fixtures. Luiza Faro from Linde Advanced Material Technologies highlighted growing interest in custom materials engineered for specific applications. Violetta Nespolo of Caracol pointed to heightened focus on cost efficiency and process optimization, reflecting the industry’s push toward scalable, economically viable production methods.