As a serial entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the dynamic world of startups, I’ve always been fascinated by how emerging technologies like additive manufacturing (AM) shape industries. In 2025, AM, more commonly known as 3D printing, has made substantial progress across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and consumer goods. The technology is becoming indispensable for businesses, regardless of size, as they seek efficient production methods, cost reduction, and enhanced customization.
Here is what caught my eye while analyzing the trends this year:
Key Additive Manufacturing Developments in 2025
1. Expanding Industry Applications
AM is stepping out of just prototyping and entering serial production territory. Sectors like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices are leading the adoption curve. For example, in aerospace, lightweight parts created via metal powder bed fusion are improving fuel efficiency. Similarly, in the dental sector, 3D printed orthodontic aligners are being used directly on patients due to their precise customization capabilities.
2. Automation for Efficiency
Automation within AM workflows has become more prevalent. Systems now streamline material handling and post-processing steps, reducing the labor-intensive nature of traditional 3D printing. Companies like Stratasys are investing heavily in automation to enhance productivity.
3. Material Advancements
Material innovation remains critical. In 2025, biocompatible materials gained momentum, especially in healthcare applications. Composite materials are now built to withstand extreme stress in aerospace environments. The introduction of multi-material printing systems by EOS further empowers manufacturers to design parts with tailored properties.
4. Sustainability Push
Consumer demand for sustainable practices is influencing manufacturers to rethink their material sourcing and energy use. For instance, companies are working on bio-based polymers and recyclable alternatives. According to the European Patent Office report, AM companies are actively reducing production waste, further demonstrating the eco-friendliness of this technology.
5. Growth in Customized Manufacturing
Customization continues to be a key strength for AM. Customers increasingly expect tailored products, and AM’s design flexibility is helping businesses respond. A notable example is the use of metal AM in crafting custom automotive parts. Companies are leveraging tools like Makerverse to scale such customization efforts.
Challenges Entrepreneurs Must Prepare For
While the trends are promising, AM isn’t without its hurdles. Here are some common issues plaguing entrepreneurs and how they can avoid them:
- High Costs of Entry: AM machines are not cheap. Many startups fall into the trap of overspending on equipment that does not fit their actual needs. Tip: Start with outsourcing your AM needs through reliable partners until your budget allows for scaling in-house operations.
- Material Compatibility Issues: Not every material works well with the latest printers. This is particularly tricky in industries like healthcare where compliance standards are strict. Collaborating with specialists in regulated materials can save your project from legal complications.
- Lack of Training: Skilled professionals for AM workflows are still scarce. For example, creating complex designs requires expertise in CAD and 3D modeling. Engage your team in specialized training, like those offered by Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
- Underestimating Workflow Complexity: Businesses new to AM sometimes ignore bottlenecks in the process, such as post-production delays. Employing automated solutions can mitigate this issue.
Essential Guide to Maximizing Additive Manufacturing Success
If you’re a startup founder or small business owner curious about AM, here’s how to integrate this tech into your operations smoothly:
Identify Real-World Applications: Assess where AM fits into your business, whether it’s rapid prototyping or custom product development. Look into resources like EOS’s application-driven insights.
Explore Financing Options: Equipment costs can be daunting. Many companies offer flexible leasing programs, or you can fund AM through grants aimed at tech innovation.
Build a Talent Pool: Skilled professionals will be your best asset. Allocate resources for education partnerships with entities like Raise3D that focus on next-gen manufacturing.
Focus on Automation Early: Automation saves resources and optimizes workflows. It also allows teams to operate at scale with fewer manual interventions. The experts at Stratasys provide detailed templates on automation in AM workflows.
What Lies Ahead Based on 2025 Trends?
Looking forward, I foresee material scientists unlocking further innovation, especially in bio-printing and energy-efficient systems. AM will likely become standard in industries where light-weighting and customization are top priorities. Additionally, greater accessibility through education and community-driven platforms like the Makerverse whitepaper will set the stage for more global adoption.
Final Opinion
The rise of AM in 2025 showcases its immense contribution to reshaping manufacturing. As entrepreneurs, staying ahead means embracing the challenges it poses while leveraging its transformative potential. With research-led decisions and consistent upskilling, AM could be the tool that tightens your supply chains, deepens customer relationships, and ensures resilient growth.
For anyone exploring manufacturing technology or looking for custom solutions, 2026 is the prime moment to start understanding additive processes. Let science guide your next business decision, because with AM, the possibilities truly expand.
FAQ
1. How is additive manufacturing impacting industries in 2025?
Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming industries like healthcare, aerospace, and automotive by enabling lightweight components, precision customization, and increased efficiency. Explore 2023 Additive Manufacturing Trends
2. What are the advancements in AM materials in 2025?
In 2023, there were significant advancements in biocompatible materials for healthcare, composite materials for aerospace, and multi-material systems enabling tailored designs. Learn about EOS material innovations
3. How is sustainability being integrated into AM processes?
Additive manufacturing increasingly focuses on eco-friendly practices like using bio-based polymers, recyclable materials, and reducing waste. Read more on sustainable AM practices
4. What role does automation play in additive manufacturing?
Automation is streamlining AM workflows, particularly in material handling and post-processing, to enhance speed and reduce costs. Understand automation in 3D printing
5. Why is 3D printing called a sustainable manufacturing solution?
Compared to traditional methods, 3D printing reduces material waste by creating products with minimal excess and optimizing material usage. Discover how 3D printing is eco-friendly
6. Which industries benefit most from AM’s customization abilities?
Industries such as dental, automotive, and aerospace leverage AM’s design flexibility for crafting custom parts like orthodontic aligners and metal automotive parts. Read about industry-specific AM applications
7. What challenges do startups face when adopting additive manufacturing?
Startups struggle with high equipment costs, material compatibility issues, lack of skilled professionals, and complex workflows. Learn more about overcoming these barriers
8. How is the demand for AM-related education evolving?
As AM adoption grows, industries are driving demand for specialized training in areas like CAD design and 3D modeling. Explore education opportunities in AM
9. What is the expected growth rate for additive manufacturing?
The additive manufacturing sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of 20–22% from 2023 to 2028. Review market growth details
10. What are the emerging applications of multi-material printing?
Multi-material printing allows design of parts with varying properties, addressing specific needs in sectors like aerospace and medical devices. Explore material innovations by EOS
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.