Big Area Additive Manufacturing: Technology Adoption Assessment

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have become more popular in the recent times due to its ability to enable low cost objects, leading to saving considerable amount of time, labor, and material. The advent of large-scale additive manufacturing techniques, has further led to the development of more advanced technologies such as big area additive manufacturing (BAAM), which has smaller difference compared to traditional 3D printing methods.

Globally, BAAM and other large-format 3D printing technologies are finding increased opportunities. Owing to the huge build volume enabled by BAAM, the technology may have high adoption by 2020. Several OEMs and research universities are buying BAAM machines for deployment in factories which enables them to save significant time and also to drive research and development initiatives.

BAAM largely finds applications in automotive, aerospace, consumer markets and in the building and construction sector. In the construction industry, large-scale additive manufacturing has showcased tremendous benefits. Several companies are constructing houses and bridges using 3D printing technology. However BAAM is in the nascent stage of adoption in the construction sector.

Key research focus areas include adhesives and materials used for BAAM, inkjet printing, high density 3D printing, as well as fused deposition modeling. Eco-friendly methods of using material in large-scale additive manufacturing have been adopted by Chinese firms enabling 3D printing with ink developed from recycled waste, thus ensuring zero waste.

The technology and innovation report “Big Area Additive Manufacturing: Technology Adoption Assessment” covers technology development and adoption scenario driving the future of manufacturing. The report captures topics on technology and application landscape, key stakeholder initiatives, patent publication trends and funding scenario, and growth opportunities for BAAM.