«Additive manufacturing has outgrown the hype phase»

The title “Evolution, Revolution or Illusion?” raises a central question about the development of additive manufacturing – and sets the stage for a high-level panel discussion at AM Expo 2025. Moderator Ralf Schumacher talks in the interview about technological milestones, current challenges, and the topics he wants to explore with his guests on stage.

Ralf Schumacher, additive manufacturing has received a lot of attention in recent years – some speak of an industrial revolution, while others view many of the announcements with skepticism. How do you assess the current stage of the technology?

The technology has outgrown the hype phase. Today, we are in a stage of technological realism: many inflated expectations have been put into perspective, and it’s becoming clear which applications are truly viable. Some providers and approaches are disappearing from the market, while others are gaining ground. I see this as a natural development, similar to what we’ve seen with other technologies – whether it was the internet in the 1990s or, more recently, artificial intelligence. The industry is consolidating, and the initial euphoria has given way to reality.

When you look back on the past ten years of additive manufacturing – what have been the most significant developments or milestones in your view?

One key milestone was certainly the shift from rapid prototyping to additive manufacturing as a fully-fledged production technology. In the beginning, the focus was mainly on producing prototypes quickly – today we’re talking about components suitable for series production. The development of entire process chains was also crucial: design, data preparation, manufacturing, post-processing – all of these elements must work together. In addition, there were advances in materials, especially metals, as well as important standardization and quality assurance processes. Last but not least, education plays an important role – it is essential that young professionals become familiar with the technology. In many degree programs and vocational trainings, 3D printing is now an integral part.

Where do you think the term «revolution» was used appropriately – and where was it perhaps more of an «illusion»?

Additive manufacturing was certainly a revolution in specific industries such as medical technology – especially in the area of patient-specific implants, bone models, or surgical guides. The technology has also fundamentally changed processes in dental technology and hearing aids.
However, there were illusions when it came to the expectation that additive manufacturing would replace traditional methods such as casting or milling in serial production. The hope that everyone would be able to print everything at home, or that additive manufacturing would automatically lead to lower costs, has not materialized in that form. What is revolutionary, however, is the concept of decentralized manufacturing – for example, directly in hospitals or in smaller units closer to the customer. This opens up entirely new possibilities for shaping supply chains and business models.

About Ralf Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher is a mechanical engineer specialized in process engineering. He has been involved in additive manufacturing for over 25 years – first in research and teaching at the School of Life Sciences at the FHNW, later as the founder of several startups in 3D printing and medical technology. Today, he supports the development of the technology as an expert and entrepreneur, with a particular focus on medical applications.

Where do you currently see the biggest challenges for the further development of additive manufacturing?

The biggest challenge remains economic viability – in other words, the cost per part. New approaches are needed here, such as parallelizing processes or improving scalability. Knowledge transfer is still an issue: companies need to understand the technology as part of an integrated system, not just as a standalone process. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important – for instance, questions around the energy intensity of powder production or how resource-efficient entire process chains really are. Finally, I see great potential in the next generation of skilled professionals: young people who view additive manufacturing not as a trend, but as a realistic option often bring fresh momentum to companies.

What can visitors expect from the panel discussion at AM Expo – what can they look forward to?

The discussion will be an honest look back at the past ten years – and at the same time a realistic outlook on the future. On the panel are experts who have been deeply rooted in practice for years: from medical technology, material development, aerospace, and regulatory affairs. It will be a candid exchange of experiences, successes, and also setbacks. Anyone looking for well-founded insights and personal perspectives will get their money’s worth.

Are there any questions you would particularly like to ask the panel guests – or where you expect controversial answers?

What interests me most is: What was the biggest misconception ten years ago? Where did people think additive manufacturing would be today – and what actually happened, where were expectations disappointed? The topic of sustainability will also be exciting: How honestly are we addressing the impacts of the technology? And: Has additive manufacturing truly gone mainstream, or does it remain a niche solution for selected applications?
I expect quite a range of opinions on these points, which will make for a lively discussion.

Who would you especially recommend the panel discussion to – and why?

Essentially to anyone involved with additive manufacturing – whether as a user, decision-maker, or curious observer. The discussion is particularly recommended for those who may have had early experiences a few years ago and have since become skeptical. For them, this is a chance to look back with us, learn from past mistakes, and perhaps give the topic a fresh chance.

more information about the panel discussion