Scaling India’s Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem: Towards the NSAM 2.0 Framework

The Government of India is currently calibrating its industrial roadmap for advanced manufacturing by transitioning towards the National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing (NSAM) 2.0. Since the inception of the original strategy, India has successfully cultivated a nascent 3D printing ecosystem, fostering 56 dedicated start-ups and upskilling over 1.54 lakh professionals. This focus on additive manufacturing (AM) is a strategic move to move beyond traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, which often lead to high material waste and design constraints. Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, allows for the creation of complex, customized components with precision that is difficult to achieve through conventional casting or machining. The policy shift toward NSAM 2.0 signifies an intent to integrate these capabilities more deeply into the 'Make in India' initiative. Specifically, the government is targeting the aerospace, defense, and healthcare sectors. In defense, AM can facilitate the rapid prototyping of critical components and spare parts in remote locations, bolstering logistical efficiency. In healthcare, the technology is pivotal for creating patient-specific implants and prosthetics, potentially revolutionizing medical accessibility and precision.