Outlook 2025: The future of additive manufacturing, AI, and sustainability

As a leader in digital transformation, Siemens Digital Industries Software is at the forefront of enabling manufacturers to adopt these innovations, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. The December 2024 issue of International Metalworking News for Asia features an outlook report with insights from Alex Teo, Vice President & Managing Director of South East Asia, Siemens Digital Industries Software. In this report, he explores the key trends shaping the future of manufacturing and highlights how Siemens is empowering businesses to embrace efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

According to Alex, the manufacturing sector is expected to experience major shifts in 2025. The rise of additive manufacturing, automation, and sustainability manufacturing redefines how we design, produce, and deliver products. To remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace these emerging technologies and trends to build a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future.

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing

ASEAN’s additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing sector is set to reach new heights in 2025, with the market projected to hit US$100 billion by 2025. The ability to produce complex, customised parts on demand will reduce lead times and waste, leading to greater cost efficiency. Moreover, innovations in metal AM will open new possibilities for lightweight, durable components that meet stringent industry standards, further driving adoption across the region.

Siemens has been a key player in propelling the advancement of AM and 3D printing. For instance, LimaCorporate, a global orthopedics company, sought to revolutionise patient care by designing and printing AM implants. With Siemens NX AM, they were able to cut AM modeling and job preparation time by 50 percent.

Artificial intelligence and automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are set to revolutionise the metalworking industry in Southeast Asia, with their promise to boost productivity and operational efficiency. AI-driven systems can analyse vast amounts of data to improve quality control, detect anomalies early, and predict equipment failures, reducing downtime. Meanwhile, automation allows faster production cycles with higher precision, as robots and machines handle repetitive tasks.

With the future of AI and automation looking promising, Siemens stands at the forefront in helping manufacturers embrace these next-generation technologies. Through our partnership with Realtime Robotics, manufacturers can use Siemens Process Simulate with Realtime’s hardware and software technology to simplify robot programming and workcell coordination by automating motion programming with AI.

Sustainability manufacturing

The demand to accelerate sustainability transformation in the manufacturing industry has also never been greater. It is now a driving force behind modern manufacturing, with consumers demanding eco-friendly products and governments setting ambitious emissions targets. Furthermore, by investing in sustainable practices, manufacturers not only comply with regulatory demands but also position themselves as leaders in innovation, driving long-term growth and resilience.

This is where Siemens Integrated Lifecycle Management (ILM) can help. Lifecycle management solutions drive sustainable manufacturing from resource optimisation and lifecycle analysis to the adoption of sustainable design principles. By leveraging advanced analytics, ILM empowers manufacturers to reduce waste and utilise resources more conscientiously.