New Study Reports $1.1 B Market for Additive Fabrication

By DE Editors

Wohlers Associates, Inc. (Fort Collins,  CO) announced the publication of Wohlers Report 2008, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the new developments and trends in additive fabrication (AF) worldwide.

AF technology, which encompasses a range of applications, including design review,  concept modeling, prototyping, pattern making, and tooling, is also being used to manufacture products that are difficult or impossible to produce any other way.

The report indicates that the market for additive fabrication, consisting of all products and services globally, grew 16 percent to an estimated $1.141 billion in 2007, according to Wohlers Report 2008. This is up from an estimated $983.7 million generated in 2006. Reaching the $1 billion mark is a first for this industry, states the release.

The industry is expected to grow substantially over the next several years. According to Wohlers Associates, by 2012, annual sales of AF products and services will reach an estimated $2.3 billion worldwide, with unit sales reaching 12,000 systems for the year.

By 2015, the company believes the industry will grow to an estimated $3.5 billion for the year, with unit sales reaching 20,000 systems.

A major part of Wohlers Report 2008 discusses manufacturing applications of additive fabrication. The report presents industry growth estimates, new developments and business opportunities, R&D, and how the industry is likely to develop in the future. The 240-page report sells for $475 in the U.S. and $495 in all other countries. The report’s table of contents, as well as additional information on the market and industry, are available from Wohlers Associates.

Read “Wohlers Report 2007 Says RPM Becoming Specialized” for earlier DE coverage.

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.