German Mechanical Engineering Business Affiliation VDMA‘s Additive Manufacturing Working Group has launched its spring 2025 survey outcomes, highlighting optimism amongst firms working within the AM sector.
As certainly one of Europe’s largest trade associations, VDMA represents greater than 3,600 mechanical engineering firms, principally based mostly in Germany and different EU international locations. The Additive Manufacturing Working Group focuses on industrial 3D printing with over 180 members within the AM trade, together with the likes of AddUp (France), Idea Laser , DMG Mori Additive GmbH, ExOne GmbH, GEFERTEC, Q.Huge 3D, and Quantica (Germany) amongst others.
Whereas challenges stay, the findings counsel gradual indicators of enchancment in gross sales efficiency and market outlook. It was famous by Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the group, that the “member firms proceed to display outstanding stability and adaptableness in a altering market surroundings.”
This survey was concluded on March 28, simply earlier than new U.S. tariffs have been introduced. It collected enter from firms together with producers of 3D printing methods and elements, post-processing equipment, supplies, software program, and repair suppliers, in addition to analysis establishments. Based on the group, the vary of taking part firms displays the complexity and interconnectedness of the trade.
“Our members frequently focus on matters alongside the whole additive course of chain and share their views and experiences,” mentioned Dr. Heering, including that this helps make clear improvement wants and helps the trade’s path towards industrialization.
Market optimism meets international competitors
Survey outcomes present that extra companies reported a rise in turnover in comparison with the earlier fall, regardless of 34% nonetheless experiencing a drop in gross sales over the previous 12 months. In a shorter-term view, solely 20% of firms reported declining turnover during the last six months, a pattern interpreted as an early signal of stabilization. Dr. Heering pointed to this enchancment as a sign that situations could also be slowly recovering.
Projections for the following two years stay broadly constructive. Roughly 77% of respondents anticipate progress within the home market, whereas 64% count on worldwide gross sales to rise, a noticeable enhance from the 58% determine reported in late 2024.
The EU-27 continues to be the main export vacation spot for practically 70% of surveyed firms. The US follows carefully, cited by 64% of respondents, with non-EU European international locations accounting for 29%. Whereas the US performs a significant function in export exercise, Dr. Heering acknowledged uncertainty round how future exports could also be affected by evolving commerce coverage.
As per the survey, aggressive strain stays vital, significantly from China and the US. Roughly half of all member firms recognized Chinese language suppliers as key rivals, and 43% reported competing with American corporations. Dr. Heering remarked this as a slight uptick from earlier outcomes and that “competitors from China is turning into an increasing number of noticeable.”
Regardless of international headwinds, funding confidence seems to be returning. Round 40% of members plan to spice up their funding exercise within the coming yr. Among the many components anticipated to contribute positively to enterprise efficiency, 60% of firms cited advances in know-how. Different essential drivers embrace the event of recent functions and entry into new markets. As well as, 20% of respondents expressed hope that analysis and improvement efforts would supply additional momentum this yr.
Dr. Heering emphasised {that a} centered effort is required in key areas recognized throughout the survey. He famous the significance of enhancing course of reliability and repeatability, controlling prices to strengthen competitiveness, and pushing the event of applied sciences appropriate for serial manufacturing. He additionally said that “discovering new industrial functions will assist us to extend market acceptance.”
A silver lining in any case?
If latest stories are any indication, the 3D printing trade could also be headed for a steadier yr in 2025.
The 2025 3D Printing Business Government Survey displays a reasonably constructive outlook, with 62.1% of leaders anticipating general favorable enterprise situations and 67.8% expressing a constructive view of inner operations.
Though 2024 fell wanting earlier forecasts, sentiment has improved, pointing to gradual restoration throughout the sector. As inflation slows and rates of interest ease, particular market segments might even see renewed progress. Nonetheless, leaders are approaching the yr with measured optimism, recognizing the necessity to stay versatile within the face of operational challenges and evolving financial situations.
In December 2024, market intelligence agency CONTEXT projected a rebound for the 3D printing market in 2025, significantly in excessive finish 3D printer shipments. Industrial methods priced over $100,000 are anticipated to develop 15%, pushed by demand for metallic 3D printers, particularly laser powder mattress fusion (LPBF) methods in China, returning the market to 2021 ranges.
Regardless of a weak 2024 marked by cargo declines throughout most segments, CONTEXT forecasts renewed progress throughout all classes in 2025, together with a 14% rise in Midrange and eight% in Skilled methods. Entry degree 3D printers stay robust, with double digit progress anticipated. Industrial shipments are projected to develop at a 19% annual fee.
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Featured picture reveals how does your organization count on the home market within the AM sector to develop over the following 24 months? Picture through VDMA.
