2020 vision

Looking back over the past year, I think it's fair to say that it was not what we expected for a year ringing in a new decade. 2020 robbed many of us of a vision, a goal, progress, and sadly for some, much more. As far as work is concerned, the AM sector did suffer, there are many that have been forced to make big changes, and after more than 9 months of almost entire isolation, I sometimes find it difficult to see beyond my own desk, let alone what might be coming next in the AM sector.

However, let's not dismiss the last year entirely, there were some great examples of uses of AM in 2020 that came to everyones attention because the World called out for quick solutions to a desperate problem.These examples highlighted how AM technology can be configured for high volume production, and without the expense of reconfiguring factory equipment, or waiting for expensive tooling. There were countless demonstrations of the "just do it" attitude from businesses large and small, able to take a simple product concept, and then churn out something more than just adequate for consumer use. Sure, there probably some that jumped aboard thinking about the quick buck, or to massage their own egos, but I firmly believe that a lot of good came simply from human spirit.

Looking ahead to the future, starting from today in 2021, rest assured, there are some great things continuing to happen right now in AM. More materials (polymers, metals and ceramics) are in development, or are being researched, than ever before. More companies are, at last, thinking about how they can improve the design of their products, by using a manufacturing toolset that is capable of far more than other combined processes or techiques. More Standards are available so that those considering the inclusion of AM in their processes, in their supply chain, or in their product development don't have to rely on blind faith to qualify what they need.

"If I have seen further..." - said Issac Newton.

Well, perhaps we don't need to go trampling over one another to get to a vantage point in AM, and perhaps as demonstrated in 2020, we just need to look to our neighbours and work together. If you are considering AM, don't be shy , take a look at what's going on all around you, and if you're willing to believe that it can be done, you might just get to see one day that it has been done.