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polymer.am is an exploration of production ready polymer AM solutions from scientific and commercial angles. Content will be posted on polymer.am and delivered by a weekly email - one week in-depth exploration of a topic, the next a concise news roundup. Everything will be information that informs real manufacturing decisions and topics that impact the machine and materials OEM, users and end customers of polymer additive manufacturing.

I've been involved in AM for over 15 years now, and I've seen a lot of change. Trends come and go; the next big thing turns out to be just another thing. At the moment, the focus is undeniably with the metals AM community, driven by applications in aerospace, space and defence.

I don't think that focus is unfounded at all, but I do believe polymer AM and its applications get somewhat overlooked. Which is unfortunate, because polymer AM often has the opportunity to solve more problems, more quickly, and virtually none of the manufacturing challenges faced today are as complex as the internals of a rocket engine.

I was fortunate to once again moderate the applications stage at Formnext last November, and noted during the call for papers and the on-stage presentations that metals had the edge in terms of volume and interest. There appear to be at least 400 companies making rocket engines with AM, as it happens.

Another problem is in the room with me as I write this. It'a a small, cheap, desktop FDM machine (currently whirring away making a small shelf for my SKADIS pegboard, if you were interested). Hobbyist 3D printing is again on the rise, and the latest generation of consumer-focused machines are genuinely really good. It does tend to become the brightest light in the world of polymer AM though.

I will be bringing in some guest writers and contributors over the coming months to increase the angles from which we view the latest developments. If you want to get involved with your own insight, data, hot take or commentary, please drop me a line: jpw@polymer.am

The first part of a series on PFAS in polymer AM is up on the site now.