AM Development & Adoption Rates

Not every industry has adopted AM at the same rate, but there are general stages of adoption across all industries:

• Early Stage: Characterized by initial exploration and experimentation with AM technologies. Adoption is typically driven by innovators and early adopters who are willing to take risks. AM is not yet widely understood or utilized, and applications are limited. The infrastructure for AM, including supply chains and service providers, is underdeveloped and typically proprietary. The growth potential is recognized, but the actual market size is small.

• Adolescent Stage: AM technologies begin to prove their value, and more practical applications are developed. Early success stories lead to increased interest from a broader audience. The number of users grows, and the technology starts to diffuse through the industry. Standards and best practices begin to emerge, though they may not be fully established. Investment in the technology increases, both from existing companies and new entrants.

• Early Mainstream Stage: AM is accepted by the early majority; it begins to see regular use in production, not just prototyping. The technology becomes more reliable and the quality of output improves. The economic benefits of AM become clearer, leading to more substantial investments and scaling of operations. A robust ecosystem of suppliers, users, and service providers is developed. Integration with existing manufacturing systems and supply chains takes place.

• Mature Stage: AM is widely adopted across the industry, becoming a standard practice. The technology reaches a level of maturity with established standards, supply chains, and regulatory frameworks. Innovation continues, but it is more incremental and focused on improving efficiency and reducing costs. The market growth rate stabilizes or slows as the technology saturates the industry. Focus shifts from adoption to optimization and enhancement of existing AM processes.