SMEs and the Additive Manufacturing Wave: Progress, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
- Authentise Team
- May 7
- 2 min read
In 2018, we made a prediction: small and medium manufacturers would be the unexpected heroes of the additive manufacturing revolution. Seven years later, were we right?
Fast forward to 2025, and it's evident that while significant progress has been made, the journey is ongoing, filled with both achievements and new challenges.
Progress Since 2018
Increased Adoption: SMEs have increasingly integrated AM into their operations, leveraging its benefits for rapid prototyping, customisation, and reduced time-to-market.
Technological Advancements: The evolution of AM technologies has made them more accessible and affordable for SMEs, with user-friendly interfaces and scalable solutions.
Supportive Ecosystems: Initiatives like the Made Smarter program have provided SMEs with the resources and guidance needed to embark on their digital transformation journeys.
Persistent Challenges
Resource Constraints: Despite advancements, many SMEs still face limitations in terms of capital and skilled personnel to fully harness AM's potential.
Integration Complexities: Seamlessly integrating AM into existing workflows and systems remains a hurdle for many smaller enterprises.
Keeping Pace with Innovation: The rapid pace of technological change requires continuous learning and adaptation, which can be taxing for resource-strapped SMEs.
Authentise's Role in Empowering SMEs
At Authentise, we've remained committed to supporting SMEs through:
Workflow Automation: Streamlining operations to reduce manual interventions and increase efficiency.
Data-Driven Insights: Providing actionable analytics to inform decision-making and optimise processes.
Scalable Solutions: Offering modular tools that grow with your business, ensuring long-term value and adaptability.
Our recent collaboration with Carpenter Additive exemplifies how tailored solutions can drive significant improvements in production planning and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
The future of AM for SMEs is promising, with emerging technologies like AI-driven design optimisation and advanced materials expanding possibilities. However, success will hinge on:
Continuous Learning: Staying abreast of technological advancements and best practices.
Collaborative Partnerships: Engaging with industry peers, technology providers, and support programs to share knowledge and resources.
Strategic Investment: Allocating resources wisely to areas that offer the most significant return on investment.
Want to make AM work for your business, not the other way around?
Book a demo and let’s build a workflow that grows with you.
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