3D Printing Materials Market

3D Printing Materials Market Size & Share 

The global 3D printing materials market size is projected to grow from USD 2.1 billion in 2024 to USD14.6 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 19.3%, during the forecast period, 2024-2035. 

To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

The new research study consists of global 3D printing materials industry trends, detailed market analysis of 3D printing material manufacturers, Porter’s five forces analysis, megatrends analysis and market impact analysis. The report includes 3D printing materials market forecast and opportunity analysis.

3D printing is amongst some of the advancements the field of manufacturing has witnessed, adding on to the novelty of different technologies used. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing enables producing three dimensional objects using digital files. Owing to its ability to print fairly complex models using various materials, 3D printing finds applications quite literally in a multiplicity of industries including aerospace, automobile and health. Fueled by ongoing research and development of biocompatible materials and continuous advancements in material science, which are enabling manufacturers to produce materials with enhanced mechanical properties, better thermal and chemical resistance, and improved printability have accelerated the growth in this domain. In addition, development of bio-compatible materials and sustainable options further drives the market's evolution towards more environmentally friendly solutions. As 3D printing technology continues to expand into industrial and consumer sectors, new and promising applications are constantly emerging from basic plastic filaments to cutting-edge composites, the 3D printing materials market is poised to experience exponential market growth during the forecast period.

3D Printing Materials Market Share Insights

The 3D Printing Materials Market research report presents an in-depth analysis of various leading players involved in manufacturing of 3D printing material , across different segments, as defined in the table below:

One of the key objectives of this market report was to estimate the current market value, opportunity and the future growth potential of the manufacturers in the global 3D printing materials market, over the forecast period. Based on multiple parameters, likely adoption trends and through primary / secondary validations, we have provided an informed estimate on the market evolution during the forecast period till 2035. 

The market report also features the likely distribution of the current and forecasted opportunity for manufacturers in the global 3D printing materials market across various segments, such as Distribution by Type of Material (Ceramics, Metals, Plastics and Others), Form (Filaments, Liquid and Powder), Technology (Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA) and Others), Application (Prototyping, Manufacturing and Others), End Users (Aerospace, Automotive, Construction, Consumer Goods, Electronics and Consumers, Health Care and Others) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa). In order to account for future uncertainties associated with some of the key parameters and to add robustness to our model, we have provided three 3D printing materials market forecast scenarios, namely conservative, base, and optimistic scenarios, representing different tracks of the industry’s evolution.

All actual figures have been sourced and analyzed from publicly available information forums and primary research discussions. Financial figures mentioned in this market report are in USD, unless otherwise specified.

3D Printing Materials Market Key Segments 

3D Printing Materials Market Share by Type of Material 

The global 3D Printing Materials Market is segmented into different type of material, such as ceramics, metals, plastics and others. Currently, plastic segment is expected to capture majority of market share. The plastics segment is expected to expand significantly due to its advantages in cost-effective prototyping, production of intricate designs, reduced weight, and minimal material wastage, thereby enhancing global market demand.

3D Printing Materials Market Share by Form 

The global 3D printing materials market is segmented into different form, such as filaments, liquid and powder. Currently, filament is expected to capture the highest share in this domain primarily due to their unique ability and high melting point. Further, powder category is anticipated to grow at highest CAGR in the forecast period.

3D Printing Materials Market Share by Technology

The global 3D printing materials industry is segmented into different technologies, such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), fused deposition molding (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA) and others. Currently, fused deposition modelling technologies captures the highest share in the 3D printing material market. This can be attributed to the fact that these technologies can be used with variety of filaments, having less printing time and the replicability of the application.

3D Printing Materials Market Share by Applications

The global 3D printing materials industry is segmented into different applications, such as prototyping, manufacturing and others. Currently, prototyping captures the highest share in the 3D printing market as it reduces the cost of labour and the waste generated in the prototyping phase of manufacturing. Further, this trend is likely to remain the same during the forecast period.

3D Printing Materials Market Share by End Users

The global 3D printing materials industry is segmented into different applications, such as aerospace, automotive, construction, consumer goods, electronics and consumers, health care and others. Currently aerospace and defense sector capture the highest share in the 3D printing material market as there is rise in need of light material in this sector in order to improve manufacturing efficiency, fuel saving and performance. Further, the automotive industry is projected to grow at the highest pace in the forecast period.

3D Printing Materials Market Key Insights

The “3D Printing Materials Market: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, till 2035” market report features an extensive study of the current market size and future opportunities associated with manufacturers within the 3D printing materials industry, during the given forecast period. The market report highlights the 3D printing materials market analysis. Key takeaways of the 3D Printing Materials Market report are briefly discussed below.

Key Growth Drivers of 3D Printing Materials Market

The growth of the global 3D printing materials market can be largely attributed to the increasing demand for printers that can create complex parts and prototype in consumer goods and healthcare. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for PPE in healthcare, which powered up 3D printers due to their non-contact and efficient production techniques for realizing cost and time savings. Furthermore, the aerospace and automotive industries have increasingly integrated 3D printing technologies to fabricate lightweight components for aircraft and vehicles, driving further expansion of the market.

Key Restraints and Challenges of 3D Printing Materials Market

The 3D printing materials market faces several restraints and challenges that impact the overall growth and adoption in this domain. One major challenge is the limitations of available materials. Further, majority of the existing materials have restrictions in terms of strength, durability, and even compatibility with available printing technologies. In addition, cost of the material used in 3D printing is another challenge in this domain, which raises concerns about the overall cost-effectiveness for 3D printing in bulk production.

Regional 3D Printing Material Industry Highlights: North America Holds the Largest Share

This segment highlights the distribution of the global 3D printing industry across various geographies, such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. According to our projections, presently, North America captures the majority share of the market opportunity. It is worth highlighting that the 3D printing market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a relatively higher CAGR, during the forecast period, 2024-2035.

Leading Players in the 3D Printing Materials Market

Examples of key companies operating in the global 3D printing materials industry (which have also been captured in this market report, arranged in alphabetical order) include 3D Systems, 
Arkema, BASF, Desktop Metal, EOS, Evonik Industries, ExOne, Formlabs, General Electric, Henkel, Höganäs, IC3D, Lithoz, Markforged, Materialise NV, Proto Labs, Sandvik, Sculpteo, Solvay, Stratasys, Royal DSM, Tethon 3D and Zortrax. This market report includes an easily searchable excel database for the leading companies operating in 3D printing materials domain along with information on their service/product portfolios.

Recent Developments In The 3D Printing Materials Market

Several recent developments have taken place in the market, some of which have been outlined below.  

• In July 2024, 3D Systems and Precision Resource entered into a purchase agreement for two 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual 3D printers to integrate into their manufacturing workflow at the California facility.
• In July 2024, SEQENS signed licensing with Arkema for the manufacturing of PEKK for sale in long term implantable applications.
• In July 2024, Mantle procured the sum of USD 20 million through venture series C funding round in order to support rapid market expansion, scaling manufacturing to meet demand, and developing new capabilities and materials.
• In May 2024, Rapid Liquid Print raised USD 7 million propelling its innovative liquid-based 3D printing technology forward.

Author(s): Ronit Sharma, Hardik Patel