Expert Interview: SmarTech Analysis VP Scott Dunham on Additive Manufacturing Trends (Part One)

Check out the second part of our interview with Scott Dunham here.

With the additive manufacturing (AM) industry accelerating at breakneck speed, access to the latest data and insights is essential. SmarTech Analysis is a premier research firm delivering market analysis and forecasts that serve every segment of the AM ecosystem—from hardware and materials to software and services. Their reports empower companies to navigate an ever‑evolving landscape.

We sat down with Scott Dunham, Vice President of Research at SmarTech, to discuss the most pressing trends, emerging sectors, the future of service‑provider models, and the global outlook for AM.

Could you tell me a bit about your background and how you became involved in additive manufacturing?

I've spent seven and a half years in the AM field. My journey began while working at a market‑analysis firm focused on two‑dimensional printing technologies. The industry was mature, and the firm sought to broaden its scope. I started exploring 3D printing to assess potential synergies, eventually partnering with SmarTech’s president. The company officially launched in late 2013, evolving from an early startup to a leading research firm.

Could you tell me a bit more specifically about the work you do at SmarTech?

As Vice President of Research, I design, lead, and oversee all research initiatives. While SmarTech is best known for its syndicated reports, we also provide collaborative consulting—working closely with industry leaders to define market opportunities, craft strategic roadmaps, and deliver data‑driven insights in a clear, visual format. Our advisory services supply quarterly market updates for large enterprises that require continuous intelligence. I also author flagship reports that quantify revenue projections across AM segments.

What are some of the ways you’ve seen the additive manufacturing industry change over the years?

AM has evolved in both technology and business models. While core printing processes—such as metal powder bed fusion—remain largely unchanged, supporting infrastructure has advanced dramatically. Workflow automation, post‑processing software, and machine architecture now enable volume production rather than just prototyping. For example, modern systems feature modular material and laser stations that allow continuous operation, dramatically reducing downtime and per‑part costs.

We often hear about 3D printing in medical and aerospace. Are there other industries where you’re seeing increasing adoption?

Medical and aerospace remain established but mature markets with slower CAGR. Automotive, consumer goods, and energy sectors—particularly nuclear and oil & gas—are emerging as high‑growth areas. Companies such as Carbon, Desktop Metal, EOS, and 3D Systems are pioneering applications in consumer products, shifting from prototyping to production. Carbon’s collaboration with Vitamix, for example, showcases how reengineering parts can unlock significant ROI in high‑volume consumer goods.

Are there any examples of very niche verticals where 3D printing can still play a transformative role?

Oil & gas and electronics are prime examples. In electronics, additive manufacturing handles everything from deposition of fine materials on circuit boards to 3‑D parts for consumer devices. HP’s Multi‑Jet Fusion printers and Renishaw’s optical control systems now use 3D‑printed components, demonstrating industry confidence. Although these machines sell in smaller volumes—several hundred to a thousand units annually—the per‑unit part output is substantial, underscoring the technology’s scalability.

Recently, SmarTech issued a report on the dental market. Could you share some of the top findings for our readers?

The dental sector has become a prime target for 3D‑printing innovators. Despite its smaller global size compared to aerospace, dentistry offers the potential to convert 80%+ of its production to additive methods, outpacing milling technology. Digital processes—whether additive or subtractive—are rapidly replacing manual, skill‑driven workflows. Photopolymerisation (SLA/Resin) printers from 3D Systems, Carbon, and EnvisionTech now support a full range of dental materials, delivering high productivity and enabling one‑visit treatments.

What does the AM market look like in non‑European and non‑US territories? Is the rate of adoption very different?

Asia remains a major growth engine, with China and Japan leading in printer and service‑provider deployments. Adoption in the Middle East, Africa, and South America lags, driven by lower‑cost machines and slower market penetration. Overall, the industry’s concentration lies in North America, Europe, and Asia, but Asia’s untapped potential is immense.

To learn more about SmarTech Analysis, visit: https://www.smartechanalysis.com/