Additive Manufacturing UK launches its first-ever Annual Action Plan
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This highlights how UK additive manufacturers can escalate themselves from where they are currently, to a position where they are at the forefront globally in this sector to maximise the potential from future market growth. The plan identifies the challenges faced to achieve this goal and the actions AMUK will take to address the challenges in the areas of skills, standards and supply chain for the additive manufacturing ecosystem in the UK.
The Annual Action Plan covers a range of topics, including the current market dynamics within the additive manufacturing sector, as well as the challenges that need to be addressed in order to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. The document also provides an overview of the current funding landscape, highlighting the opportunities available for businesses and researchers looking to develop new additive manufacturing solutions.
One of the key themes of the plan is the need for increased collaboration between stakeholders in the additive manufacturing ecosystem. This includes closer collaboration between research institutions and industry partners, as well as greater engagement with government bodies and policymakers.
Josh Dugdale, Head of Additive Manufacturing UK said: “At AMUK, our mission is to position the UK as a global frontrunner in the research, development, adoption and application of technologies, all of which make up the additive manufacturing value chain. This objective emphasises our commitment to fostering innovation, catalysing economic growth, and enhancing the UK’s reputation as a pivotal hub for additive manufacturing technology advancements and applications.
“We recognise we have specific challenges that we have to overcome in the areas such as skills, standards and supply chain,” he continued. “Through collaborative initiatives with industry partners, academic institutions, and governmental bodies, we believe these challenges can be addressed as well as providing leverage for the transformative potential of additive manufacturing technology, to create opportunities, bolster productivity, and effectively tackle diverse challenges spanning numerous sectors.”
The additive manufacturing sector is forecast to continue its rapid growth over the next decade. In 2015, the worldwide market for all additive manufacturing products and services was worth £3.59 billion and grew at a compound annual growth rate of 31.5% for the three years afterwards.
The future of the global additive manufacturing market by 2030 is estimated to range from $60 to $90 billion. If the UK can maintain its current global position, it will capture around $3 billion of that market. However, if the right environment can be put in place in the UK, where companies are actively encouraged to adopt, use, and develop additive manufacturing technologies, then the UK can aim to regain its 2015 global position. Such a position would mean the UK additive manufacturing market would be worth in excess of $5 billion.