3D Printing in Indian MSMEs

The next-generation of digital manufacturing is becoming an important aspect in manufacturing transforming how local industries integrate into global value chains. Additive manufacturing—commonly known as 3D printing—enables the precise creation of physical components from digital models by depositing material layer by layer. This technology is redefining production processes, enhancing efficiency, and opening new frontiers in design and innovation.

India’s trillion-dollar digital economy heavily depends on manufacturing, making digital manufacturing a cornerstone in achieving this ambitious target. Additive Manufacturing  (AM) allows the intersection of electronics, imaging, pattern recognition and emerging areas of Artificial Intelligence to create Intellectual Property & export opportunities. Indian MSMEs have been particularly quick in adopting 3D printing across diverse sectors such as electronics, photonics, medical device, agro and food processing.

Released in 2022, India’s ‘National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing’ (NSAM) aspires to achieve 5% of Global AM market share and add US$ 1 billion to the GDB by 2025. The strategy has also supported the tenets of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ by supporting more national production and manufacturing. NSAM is also working to promote the R&D ecosystem through PPP mode to transform existing research knowledge to develop AM grade materials, 3D printer machines and printed indigenous products for domestic and international market.

As a part of the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), the Ministry of MSMEs also runs NSIC Technical Services Centers (NTSCs) to provide technical support and training to the MSMEs across India. These centers run courses on 3D printing and expose entrepreneurs to to the latest technologies in the AM sector. This has enabled many MSMEs to adopt next-generation manufacturing practices and and establish greenfield projects, thereby increasing their domestic and global market readiness.

Advantages of 3D Printing for India MSMEs

In India, manufacturing is heavily dependent on various technologies of moulding, in addition to the capital cost of machinery, material cost and manpower cost. 3D printing is a viable next-generation technology that reduces recurring mold costs, enhances production resilience, and lowers both machinery and labour expenses. AM also plays a critical role in Industry 4.0 due to its efficiency, flexibility and decreasing complexity that enables for quicker prototyping and decentralised production processes. 

Moreover, 3D printing is empowering MSMEs by providing a level playing field without requiring substantial investments in infrastructure. Entrepreneurs in tier-3 cities can now fabricate products that meet global standards without the need to establish full-scale assembly lines or factories. The technology also minimizes material waste and enables targeted production, thereby reducing environmental impact. This transformation is poised to play a pivotal role in aligning MSMEs with global sustainability goals while enhancing their economic viability.

AM holds immense potential to revolutionize India’s manufacturing and industrial landscape by combining cutting-edge technology with a skilled workforce.

While 3D printing offers great advantage to MSMEs it also essential to address and mitigate the knowledge gap and skill training which is restricting industry to take advantage of this new age technology. Increase in awareness and guidance on managing intellectual property risks are also crucial as the replicability of 3D printing exposes small business to cyber threats which includes IP theft or counterfeiting. Additionally, with limited profit margins MSMEs witness challenges such as limited access to high-quality materials and scalability issues. Government support through lending schemes and subsidies that can help MSMEs overcome the initial investment challenges and invest in training. To help MSMEs fully exploit the advantages of 3D printing, government and stakeholders must collaborate together to provide technological, financial and legal support.  The CII Naoroji Godrej Centre of Manufacturing Excellence through it workshops, training programs and industry collaboration is helping MSMEs embrace these new means of manufacturing and production to get them future ready and enhance competitiveness.