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3D Printing in India: Tracing the Journey and Envisioning the Future

Sangmin "Simon" Lee

Although countries like the US, Germany, and China have extensively adopted additive manufacturing (AM), India has been slower to do so. Nonetheless, the potential of AM to propel socio-economic growth has caught the attention of the Indian manufacturing ecosystem. This article will explore the historical trajectory of AM in India, the national 3D printing strategy, sectoral focus, and use cases.

India is the 8th country actively involved in AM research (courtesy: National Strategy For Additive Manufacturing, India)

Historical Trajectory of AM in India

From its nascent stages to its burgeoning presence today, India’s journey in 3D printing is a testament to its adaptive capabilities and forward-thinking approach.

1) The Early Days (1990s – 2000s):

The first instances of AM in India can be traced back to the late 1990s when global industries started exploring rapid prototyping. During this period, a few Indian companies and educational institutions began importing 3D printers, primarily for research and prototyping. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was among the pioneers, setting up an AM lab to explore the potential of this novel technology.

2) The Rise of Domestic Manufacturers (2000s – 2010s):

By the mid-2000s, India saw the emergence of its first domestic 3D printer manufacturers. Firms like Divide By Zero and Altem Technologies began offering indigenously developed 3D printers, challenging the market dominance of imported machines. These machines, primarily employing fused deposition modeling (FDM), catered to the growing demand from educational institutions and small-scale industries.

3) Expanding Horizons (2010s):

The 2010s marked a significant turn in India’s AM journey. The country witnessed a surge in startups dedicated to 3D printing, offering services ranging from prototyping to finished product manufacturing. Companies like Imaginarium, Think3D, and Sahas Softech made notable strides in the industry. This period also witnessed the emergence of metal 3D printing in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive.

The Government of India, recognizing the potential of AM, launched initiatives under the ‘Make in India‘ campaign to promote indigenous manufacturing and R&D in 3D printing. The establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing (CoE-AM) at IIT Hyderabad in 2017, in collaboration with Applied Research International, was a significant step in this direction.

4) The Surge of Industrial Applications (2020s):

The most recent years marked a key shift in India’s AM journey. The decade witnessed the rapid adoption of 3D printing across various industries, propelled by technological advancements, decreasing costs, and a growing comprehension of AM’s potential.

Wind turbine housings fabricated at the GE plant in Chakan, India.

3. The Blueprint: India’s National AM Strategy

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), being a nodal agency for Digital Technology, has evolved a strategy to promote all the verticals of the AM sector, including machines, materials, software, and designs to leverage the untapped business opportunities in this emerging technology that will unfold in the near future.

1) National Strategy for AM:

India’s National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing is geared towards building a resilient ecosystem that attracts global AM expertise and fosters local adoption. This aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ initiatives, seeking self-reliance through 3D printing. The primary focus is on enhancing domestic production, reducing imports, and promoting innovation. To achieve these goals, India is investing in advanced AM technologies, ensuring the economic stability of its 3D printing sector, and aiming for technological leadership.

2) Strategic Milestones:

The National Strategy aspires for India to carve out a 5% stake in the global AM market, with the aim of contributing nearly US$ 1 billion to the GDP by 2025. The targets encompass:

4. AM Landscape in India

1) Government Initiatives:

Image Courtesy: NCAM

2) Private Sector Initiatives:

ALM-400 metal AM machine, Image Courtesy: Amace Solutions

3) Collaborative Efforts:

4) Academia and Research:

Various esteemed institutions in India are currently utilizing AM technology, including:

Furthermore, RRCAT, Indore, and CGCRI, Kolkata, have spearheaded AM research on Ni and Ti alloy components. DMRL has made strides in creating discrete and compositionally varied materials using SS316 and IN625 alloys via the LENS™ process. Additionally, a laser team from RRCAT has innovated an indigenous laser-engineered, coaxial powder-fed AM system, researching several alloys to assess their microstructural and mechanical attributes.

5. Sectoral Focus of AM in India

1) Electronics:

The electronics sector, a high-volume manufacturing domain, grapples with challenges, causing a disability rate of 8.5-11%. Despite its potential, the adoption rate of AM in electronics remains sluggish. AM techniques in this sector usually deploy material jetting solidified by ultraviolet light using conductive and insulating inks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched initiatives to bolster the domestic electronics landscape.

2) Aerospace:

The Aerospace sector in India is dominated by imports; about 70% of raw materials, including special alloys, and more than 50% of electronic components in satellites. India’s defense sector is gearing up to acquire around 750 aircraft and helicopters. The country’s defense MRO market is predicted to hit $2.5 billion by 2025.

3) Defense:

India stands as the world’s second-largest defense equipment importer. Annually, the defense procurement orders touch an astounding $100 billion. Recent FDI norms have been revamped to permit up to 74% foreign investment in the defense sector.

4) Automotive:

India’s automotive industry, contributing 7.5% to the national GDP, witnessed imports of auto components worth $17.6 billion in 2018-19. As the industry transitions to BS-VI norms, AM technologies present promising benefits. A notable instance includes a premier auto manufacturer in India leveraging Stratasys’ AM technology to save significantly in manufacturing costs.

5) Medical Devices:

A majority of India’s medical device requirements, between 70-90%, are fulfilled through imports. The sector is poised for growth, with projections estimating it to be worth $25-30 billion by 2025. The nation saw a staggering 4,67,044 road accidents in 2018, underscoring medical device needs. Notably, 3D-printed prosthetic limbs are emerging as a cost-effective solution in India.

6) Construction and Architecture:

Recent data from March 2020 reveals cost overruns in 403 infrastructure projects, each exceeding Rs 150 crore. AM has been instrumental in various construction endeavors, from housing to bridge fabrication. A groundbreaking innovation from IIT Madras and a local startup has introduced a technology enabling concrete to solidify in a mere 3-5 hours.

6. Glimpses of AM Application Across Sectors

1) Aerospace and Defense:

Agnikul Cosmos’ single-piece 3D printed engine. Image courtesy of Agnikul Cosmos via Twitter.

2) Healthcare and Biomedical:

3) Automotive:

4) Construction:

India’s first 3D Printed Security Pavilion, Image Courtesy: Godrej Construction

7. Conclusion:

India’s journey in the realm of 3D printing is inspiring and indicative of a promising future. From its modest beginnings in the 1990s to the vast ecosystem that thrives today, India’s AM landscape has been shaped by innovation, strategic planning, and a confluence of public and private initiatives. The strategic alignment with national campaigns, such as ‘Make in India,’ underscores the nation’s commitment to harnessing AM’s economic growth and self-reliance potential. As sectors ranging from aerospace to healthcare embrace AM, India is poised to redefine global manufacturing paradigms. While challenges persist, the nation’s adaptability, visionary mindset, and collaborative spirit signal a future where AM plays a pivotal role in India’s socio-economic fabric.

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