Wohlers Report 2018 reflects major increase in metal Additive Manufacturing
April 6, 2018
Seventy-six co-authors and contributors from thirty-two countries are said to have provided their data and expertise to the compiling of Wohlers Report 2018 (Courtesy Wohlers Associates Inc.)
Wohlers Associates, Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, has released its latest annual report, Wohlers Report 2018. Wohlers Report is a leading global report on the state of the Additive Manufacturing industry and has been published for twenty-three consecutive years.
According to the new report, sales of metal AM systems saw an increase of nearly 80% in 2017, with an estimated 1,768 metal AM systems sold throughout the year compared to 983 systems in 2016. This dramatic rise in metal AM system installations accompanies improved process monitoring and quality assurance measures in metal AM. Increasingly, the report stated, global manufacturers are becoming aware of the benefits of producing metal parts by Additive Manufacturing.
Wohlers Report 2018 reflects significant rise in yearly metal AM system sales (Figures Courtesy Wohlers Associates Inc.)
Wohlers Associates found that 135 companies around the world produced and sold industrial AM systems (defined as machines that sell for more than $5000) in 2017, up from 97 companies in 2016. New system manufacturers continued to enter the AM market at a rapid rate, releasing machines with open material platforms, faster print speeds and lower pricing.
Seventy-six co-authors and contributors from thirty-two countries are said to have provided their data and expertise to the compiling of Wohlers Report 2018. The report includes new and expanded sections on Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), post-processing, and a range of start-up companies and research initiatives.
