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The Recurring Cycles of Additive Manufacturing (The Heller Files)
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This podcast episode, "The Recurring Cycles of Additive Manufacturing," from AM Insider, explores the challenges and cyclical nature of additive manufacturing adoption
Key takeaways include:
- The "David and Goliath" Problem: The industry faces the ongoing challenge of differentiating between expensive industrial 3D printers (costing $30,000 to hundreds of thousands) and affordable prosumer/consumer models ($500-$2,000) This creates a need to educate customers and manage their expectations, as many are attracted by price but lack understanding of capabilities.
- Recurring Industry Cycles: Challenges like customer education and market confusion are cyclical, reappearing with every "quantum jump in either a capability or a price". While the volume of inquiries surged with cheaper printers, the industry now benefits from more experienced salespeople adept at product differentiation.
- Historical Context and Prognostications:
- Early 3D printing (rapid prototyping) was first showcased at CAD/CAM shows like Autofact in the 1990s. Its primary purpose was to validate designs from expensive CAD systems, as advanced simulation tools were not yet common.
- Many "prognostications" about additive manufacturing's future (e.g., printing an oven knob at home) that circulated in the 90s' B2B space are now being reiterated by new entrants in the consumer market, often unaware of the industry's history. This influx of publicity, though creating "extra work" for established professional companies due to unqualified calls, ultimately helps grow the industry by introducing more people to the concept of additive manufacturing.
- Future Evolution: The next significant "quantum leap" in the industry is expected to be in the capability of affordable machines, not just further price reduction. This could involve machines combining smooth surface finish, color, and mechanical performance at lower price points, alongside the development of useful content that leverages these advanced capabilities. The goal is to evolve technologies for better output in profitable hardware.
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