Within the dynamic panorama of additive manufacturing (AM), steel AM is a formidable pillar of innovation. From the intricate designs of aerospace to the life-saving developments within the medical sector, steel AM’s capabilities are decisively remodeling industries throughout each vertical possible. As we navigate this technological crossroads, there’s a urgent must deeply perceive the present state of steel 3D printing and its untapped potential.

Additive Manufacturing Analysis (AMR), in collaboration with 6K Additive, have launched a brand new Metallic AM in 2023 survey. This initiative goals to know the alternatives and challenges throughout the steel AM area, estimate its present utilization, and predict future developments. By collaborating on this survey, contributors are including to a complete physique of data that may supply insights into the evolving panorama of steel AM. Full the survey and obtain a complimentary subscription to 3DPrint PRO articles. This premium bi-monthly content material offers deep perception into the enterprise complexities of AM, a useful resource valued at $149 per yr.

6K Additive steel powders. Picture courtesy of 6K.

The Metallic AM in 2023 survey seeks to collect a broad vary of details about this subsegment throughout the AM business. It goals to know members’ business verticals and their involvement with steel 3D printing. With AMR estimating round 30 million steel components produced globally through AM annually, the survey will assist perceive every group’s function and contribution to this determine.

The survey emphasizes understanding which metals have been used for AM up to now yr and assessing their suitability for numerous functions. Given the rising use of refractory metals in areas like hypersonics, medical gadgets, and aerospace, it additionally seeks to estimate organizations’ curiosity and use of those supplies.

Understanding how organizations handle unused or spent powder, failed builds, and scrap is essential. Furthermore, the survey delves into how additive manufacturing scrap is seen in comparison with standard scrap. AMR and 6K Additive are keen to find out the period usually taken to qualify a brand new materials for functions and the important thing standards organizations prioritize when buying their supplies.

A hip cup 3D printed with used and out-of-spec implant powder. Picture courtesy of 6K Additive.

Correct information and market evaluation are important to efficient decision-making. That is the place organizations like AMR play a pivotal function within the business. Previously often known as SmarTech Evaluation, AMR has emerged as a powerhouse in market analysis devoted to 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Moreover, this rebranding initiative highlights the agency’s efforts to watch and analyze key developments and developments within the house. For almost a decade, AMR has examined the 3D printing business each quarter, constructing a big database within the course of. This information is acknowledged as one of many area’s most complete and usually up to date analyses. Its choices span business experiences complemented by tailor-made consulting for purchasers that want extra profound insights, like 3D Techniques, HP, Autodesk, BASF, and Siemens.

On this evolving panorama of AM, corporations like 6K Additive have additionally established a distinct segment, notably in producing high-quality steel powders. The model’s modern strategies, emphasizing sustainability by way of recycling, have made it a key participant within the AM supplies sector. The corporate can use its proprietary UniMelt® platform to provide powders from sustainable sources, akin to recycled metals and alloys. This strategy not solely ensures premium high quality but additionally promotes a greener, extra round economic system within the AM business.

Because the steel 3D printing sector continues to rise, the collaboration between corporations like AMR and 6K Additive highlights the significance of data-driven selections. By bringing collectively totally different viewpoints from the business and sharing data, the street forward for steel AM seems promising, marked by innovation and regular progress in 3D printing.

For these occupied with collaborating on this important exploration of the Metallic AM panorama, the survey might be accessed right here. Your responses will contribute to a complete understanding of present practices, challenges, and alternatives within the Metallic AM business. Be a part of the dialog and assist information business route.