Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, revolutionizes industrial production by layering materials to build parts, contrasting with subtractive methods like milling and machining. This approach creates lighter, stronger components and intricate systems by sequentially adding and melting materials.
Advancements in materials, machine speeds, accuracy, and software have propelled additive manufacturing to a global tipping point, making it mainstream from niche markets. Aligned with government initiatives promoting environmental and social governance (ESG), additive manufacturing offers sustainability benefits:
- Enhanced Product Design: Enables stronger structures using less material, consolidating parts into single components.
- Streamlined Manufacturing: Reduces scrap waste, promotes surplus material reuse, and aligns with circular economy principles.
- Agile Supply Chains: Allows on-demand production closer to consumption points, reducing carbon emissions and minimizing inventory costs.
These advantages position additive manufacturing as a pivotal technology for sustainable economic growth.
According to Frost and Sullivan, the global additive manufacturing market is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 15.0%, expanding from US$5.31 billion in 2015 to US$21.50 billion by 2025. By 2025, the aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors are anticipated to constitute 51% of the 3D printing market. This growth is expected to be rapid and significant, driven by advancements in production equipment, the availability of more materials, and increasing adoption across various industries.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia demonstrated resilience, with additive manufacturing proving invaluable for mass customization and production. To remain competitive in the global economy, Malaysia’s manufacturing sector must embrace cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing or risk falling behind. Key industries such as automotive, medical, aviation, fashion, food, and electronics in Malaysia stand to leverage 3D printing technologies to drive innovation and capitalize on new opportunities.
Additive manufacturing represents a groundbreaking approach to industrial production, diverging from traditional subtractive methods like milling and machining. Instead, it builds components layer by layer until completion, offering a cost-effective solution for demanding applications. Recent advancements focus on enhancing the speed of additive manufacturing machines and automating post-processing tasks, marking its evolution into mainstream production applications.
Given Malaysia’s stature as a global manufacturing hub with diverse subsectors, additive manufacturing technologies have the potential to enhance existing processes significantly. These technologies can revolutionize Malaysia’s manufacturing value chain, elevating business operations to higher-value activities with improved profitability. MIDA is poised to foster specific sub-sectors within Malaysia’s additive manufacturing ecosystem to drive further industry growth.
- Manufacture of 3D Printers and Components
The proliferation of additive manufacturing system manufacturers, or 3D printer manufacturers, has surged in recent years. These companies lead the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies, offering solutions across two main categories: industrial and desktop 3D printers. - Manufacture of Materials for 3D Printers
Additive manufacturing utilizes a variety of raw materials, primarily categorized into polymers and metals. Thermoplastic powders and filaments are popular for their affordability and ease of use. Metals such as stainless steel, titanium, and precious metals like gold and silver cater to applications requiring durability and resilience.
Additionally, biomaterials play a critical role in healthcare applications, with materials like silicon, calcium phosphate, and zinc supporting bone structure and regeneration. Ceramics such as zirconia and alumina are also utilized in various additive manufacturing processes. - Software for 3D Printers
Software for additive manufacturing systems revolves around 3D model data, providing essential input for the production process. - 3D Printing Services
Additive manufacturing service providers produce parts using their equipment and offer additional services. This sector ranges from individual desktop printer operators to large-scale service bureaus with extensive industrial capabilities and global reach.
Malaysia’s additive manufacturing ecosystem is poised for significant enhancement to bolster its contribution to the country’s manufacturing economy.
- Industry4WRD: National Policy on Industry 4.0
The Industry4WRD policy, spanning 2018 to 2025, aims to revolutionize Malaysia’s manufacturing sector through Industry 4.0 technologies. Additive manufacturing is highlighted as a key pillar within this national strategy, leveraging initiatives and incentives to promote its adoption and development across industries. - 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) Framework
Launched alongside the National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (2021 – 2030), the MySTIE Framework identifies additive manufacturing, including advanced 4D/5D printing technologies, as pivotal drivers. These technologies utilize smart materials capable of adaptive responses, enhancing product strength and cost-effectiveness. - National Investment Aspiration (NIA)
Aligned with Malaysia’s economic diversification goals, the NIA emphasizes R&D, innovation, and integration into global supply chains through high-productivity sectors. Additive manufacturing plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives by fostering local industry clusters and enhancing economic resilience.
Adopting additive manufacturing is crucial for Malaysia to maintain competitiveness in the global market. This technology promises economic growth, sustainable development, and access to new international markets, positioning Malaysia as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
Source: https://www.mida.gov.my/additive-manufacturing-and-its-ecosystem-in-malaysia/
