Table I

Indicators of upcoming large-scale diffusion

Grp.Indicators of phase transition (source)Data for additive manufacturing (source)
1Reliability and performance issues in AM equipment (Mankins, 1995, 2009)Gibson (2017) describes that it is difficult to maintain an acceptable accuracy or surface finish. Furthermore, metal AM results in mechanical properties that are too variable for many aerospace applications
Deradjat and Minshall (2017) claim that several performance and process barriers for large-scale use of AM still exist, such as insufficient material properties and difficulties with material removal
Steenhuis and Pretorius (2017) describe that, in the construction industry, the reliability, safety, sustainability aspects of additively manufactured houses has not yet been established
2Availability of easy to use AM equipment or products (Moore, 2002)Steenhuis and Pretorius (2016) indicate that AM equipment still lack in terms of ease-of-use and user-friendliness
 Availability of complementary products and services required for AM (Moore, 2002)Gibson (2017) indicates that:
1. Availability of computer-aided-design (CAD) for 3D modelling helps diffusion of additive manufacturing equipment
2. Alternative technologies have converged in such way that they are all make use of digital 3D model data and can be integrated in conjunction with the internet
3. Recent developments in photogrammetry technology, which in turn has been enhanced by advanced camera technology, have simplified the process of acquiring high quality 3D surface and measurement data
Steenhuis and Pretorius (2017) indicate how using AM-technology has become a part of job requirements for many engineers and how the technology has entered the school and education system
 Creation of AM business models to enter mainstream market Moore (2002) Deradjat and Minshall (2017) show how AM can be used for mass customization. This would be a model that allows large-scale diffusion. The data, however, is drawn from the niche market of dental care
 Large well-known manufacturers use AM to produce standard products on a large scale (Moore, 2002)Gibson (2017) describes that GE started to use AM to manufacture parts, fuel nozzles, for jet-engines on a large scale (see also www.geaviation.com/commercial/engines/)
PWC estimated in 2014 that about 10% of the manufacturing companies were using AM for prototyping and production, 0.9% was using it for production alone (www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumbus/2015/03/31/2015-roundup-of-3d-printing-market-forecasts-and-estimates/♯63381ae31dc6)
3Prices of 3d-printer go down Agarwal and Bayus (2002)Gibson (2017) describes that key patents for the fused deposition modelling technology owned by Stratasys lapsed and that created a pricing war that reduced machine costs. Machines are now so affordable that many people have machines at home
In contrast Deradjat and Minshall (2017) still see several financial barriers for large-scale adoption and use of AM: high capital investment, high material and maintenance costs, and high process costs
Steenhuis and Pretorius (2017) describe that AM-systems are already competitive for volumes up to 10,000 units

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