The North West region of the UK is leading the country in the adoption of 3D printing, according to research, however the technology\u2019s potential impact remains unmet.<\/p>\n
Advanced manufacturing is among the eight growth sectors highlighted in the recent Industrial Strategy, with the government holding a keen from interest in progressing the field to build on the \u00a375bn of turnover generated by the sector in 2023.<\/p>\n
Within the sector, additive manufacturing, also called 3D printing, has been projected to add billions more to the economy.<\/p>\n
In an effort to understand the real-life impact of the technology, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published research looking at adoption rates throughout the UK.<\/p>\n
According to its findings, the North West has the highest adoption rate of additive manufacturing in the UK outside of London with a rate of 20%.<\/p>\n
The report noted that this contrasted with the typical regional disparity in adoption seen across other technologies.<\/p>\n
Much of the North West\u2019s impressive adoption of the technology is down to Manchester, a UK hub for advanced materials wherein 17.1% of SMEs in the city region have adopted 3D printing, compared with an average of 11% for the rest of the UK.<\/p>\n
The report warned that adoption rates across the board are relatively low compared with expectations because of a lack of awareness of the benefits of 3D printing technology as well as limited availability of skills.<\/p>\n
It therefore called for the showcasing and demonstrating of the uses and value of 3D printing to encourage greater use in manufacturing and beyond.<\/p>\n
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