New Industry Report on Additive Manufacturing Finds Significant 
Growth Opportunities in Direct Part Production

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO, USA, May 4, 2009—Wohlers Associates, Inc. today announced the publication of Wohlers Report 2009, a 250-page analysis of the newest developments and trends in additive manufacturing (AM) worldwide. AM systems build parts layer by layer and are used for a wide range of applications, including design review and validation, fit and function prototyping, pattern making, and tooling. Increasingly, AM is being used for custom and replacement part manufacturing, limited-edition products, short-run production, and in some instances, full production.

The global market for AM products and services grew to an estimated $1.183 billion in 2008, according to Wohlers Report 2009. The services segment of the industry was a bright spot, with growth of 7.9%. The AM industry is expected to more than double in size by 2015, according to the report.

The use of additive manufacturing for direct part production has grown to become the second most popular application of AM technology. Companies representing thousands of users and customers of AM technology from around the world responded to a survey on the subject. Respondents believe that part production from AM will represent 35.9% of their business in five years and more than half (50.5%) in 10 years.

“Methods of additive manufacturing are creating new markets for limited-edition and one-of-a-kind products,” said Terry Wohlers, principal author of Wohlers Report 2009 and president of Wohlers Associates. “Additive manufacturing is causing some companies and individuals to rethink the way products are developed and brought to market,” he explained. “A new type of manufacturer is emerging that is not operating from a traditional manufacturing facility.” In the future, opportunistic individuals will manufacture custom and personalized products on demand from a spare room at home, a garage, or even a college dormitory, Wohlers believes.

In addition to its discussion of part production applications of AM, Wohlers Report 2009 includes industry growth estimates and forecasts, new developments and business opportunities, emerging applications, research and development, and where the industry is headed in the future. The study was created with support from 54 co-authors, 65 service providers, 29 system manufacturers, and many others worldwide. To support the review and analysis, the report includes 31 charts and graphs, 45 tables, and 154 photographs and illustrations.

The softbound report sells for $475 in the U.S. and $495 in all other countries. The report’s table of contents, as well as additional information on the market and industry, are available at wohlersassociates.com.

Wohlers Associates, Inc. is a 22-year-old independent consulting firm that works closely with manufacturing organizations to identify the best approaches to rapid product development and additive manufacturing. The company has provided consulting assistance to more than 150 organizations in 21 countries. 

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