Text: Christoph Stüker
One encounter has stuck with me to this day: with an entrepreneur that has developed an efficient, cost-effective LPBF machine, along with a corresponding ecosystem and software – practically as a side job. I was particularly struck by how he has viewed the industry’s global struggles and accompanying price pressure not as a challenge, but a source of motivation.
One current development in our industry relates to how desktop printers seem to be turning the world of AM on its head. New applications, some of them capable of very good performance, can now keep pace with industrial systems. Instead of large, robot-driven factory floors with extensive AM systems, however, those looking for additive mass production have so far found rather unspectacular print farms with dozens (or sometimes hundreds) of desktop printers churning out things like shoes, toys, or models for medical purposes.
This trend is also reflected in the figures in various market reports: While turnover is on the decline in the sale of AM systems, it only continues to rise in the field of materials. This means existing systems are being utilized with increasing efficiency, and on average, less money is being spent on new AM units. It’s also an indication that the industry continues to evolve – and with a remarkable degree of dynamism.
Not producing only winners
Of course, this development (and the growing intensity of competition that sometimes comes along with it) isn’t producing only winners. While users are profiting from systems that are getting more affordable all the time, the situation and market are growing more challenging for many manufacturers. This is where Spain is positioning itself as an attractive location for manufacturers and users alike. The wage level (and thus also prices in many cases) is lower than in places like Germany, and at the same time, Spain offers the same European standards in terms of legal stability and data protection. We’ll introduce you to a number of exciting companies from the Iberian peninsula in the current Fon Mag issue.
With hopes and challenges both vying for the upper hand, Formnext has a unique role to play. It continues to serve as the central platform for Additive Manufacturing – a place for innovation, strategic course-setting, and the sharing of ideas. Here, we don’t just talk about the future of industrial production; we shape it.
We’re looking forward to a Formnext that will show AM is ready to take the next step. In spite of all the challenges it faces – or perhaps because of them.
Sincerely, Christoph Stüker
Vice President Formnext
