The Global 3D Printing Material Market was valued at USD 2.20 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.56 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 22.58% for the forecast period 2023-2030.
Market Definition
The process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file is known as 3D printing. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is the process of layering one material on top of the other to create the desired object. When compared to traditional manufacturing techniques like injection molding and subtractive production, 3D printing is a significantly faster process. Throughout the forecast period, the expanding application scope of 3D printing technology due to the swift advancements in technology in the United States is anticipated to propel market growth. Numerous manufacturers have made significant investments in the nation as a result of the country's favorable government policies and growing demand for personalized products. The primary driver of the market is anticipated to be the capacity to print affordable parts and machinery quickly. Growing awareness of the notable weight and cost savings offered by different manufacturers is anticipated to drive industry demand. Furthermore, compared to conventional machines, 3D printers waste less material, which fuels the expansion of the 3D printing materials market.
Market Size:
- 2022: USD 2.20 Billion
- 2030: USD 5.56 Billion
- CAGR (2023-2030): 22.58%
3D Printing Material Market Dynamics
Drivers Propelling the Demand for 3D Printing Material include:
Growing use of 3D printing material in various industries:
The increasing use of 3D printing materials across a range of industries is driving the market's compound annual growth rate. One of the factors propelling the market for 3D printing materials is the increasing demand from end-user industries. Growing demand for 3D-printed parts in the automotive, aerospace, and military sectors is expected to fuel the market for 3D printing materials. 3D printing has proven to be a very helpful technology for creating parts with intricate patterns. With 3D printing, designers can create complex pieces quickly and economically. The factors listed above ought to quicken market growth. Additionally, several automakers are giving growth plans top priority to set themselves apart in the future, thanks to advancements in 3D printing technology. In actuality, they are used to produce low-volume runs that reduce the amount of time needed to manufacture components, as well as prototypes for complex geometrical components. Nonetheless, businesses all over the world are using 3D printing technology more frequently to increase productivity, enhance product quality, and reduce labor expenses. Globally, COVID-19 has hurt several economies and the market for 3D printing supplies. However, because of a surge in the demand for medical supplies and equipment for COVID-19 treatment, the healthcare sector had the least impact on the market for 3D printing materials. The use of 3D printing materials to create medical supplies and personal protective equipment during the pandemic presents a number of opportunities for 3D printing manufacturers and companies. The demand for 3D printing materials is expected to rise sharply due to the expanding demand from the global commercial and medical sectors. The need for 3D printers and environmentally friendly printing materials is growing as hospitals and other healthcare facilities need to produce respirator valves, face shields, syringe pumps, and masks, due to this factor fueling the growth of the 3D Printing Material market
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For instance, in November 2022, according to the University of Maine, the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) unveiled BioHome3D, the first 3D-printed house made entirely with bio-based materials. BioHome3D was developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hub and Spoke program between the UMaine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Partners included Maine Housing and the Maine Technology Institute.
Technology Advancement to Continue Driving Market Growth:
New materials such as metal alloys, biocompatible alternatives, and high-performance polymers are developed as a result of advances in material science. The range of applications for 3D printing is increased by these materials' special qualities, which include increased strength-to-weight ratios, heat resistance, and flexibility. Emerging materials have inherent features like conductivity, biodegradability, or color-changing capabilities. This creates opportunities for innovative designs, smart products, and medical applications. Combining various materials with unique properties enables improved performance and customized functionality to meet the demands of diverse industries. This technology makes it possible to print multiple materials at once, enabling the creation of complex structures with various properties in various locations. This expands the potential for design and produces novel functionalities. The quality and appearance of 3D-printed items are enhanced by improvements in printing nozzles and software, which produce prints with finer details and greater sharpness. 3D printing is becoming more productive and economical thanks to new printing technologies like continuous additive manufacturing and laser-based systems, which drastically shorten printing times. By eliminating manual labor and human error, robotic systems can handle material loading, feeding, and recycling, increasing production consistency and efficiency. Advanced software tools reduce material waste, maximize accuracy and efficiency, and optimize 3D models for printing. Adaptive printing, closed-loop feedback systems, real-time monitoring, and computer vision are made possible by the growing integration of 3D printing systems with other technologies, this factor drives the growth of the 3D Printing Material market.
For instance, in November 2023, according to Markforged, Markforged released Vega, an Ultra High-Performance Material Designed for 3D Printing Aerospace Components on the FX20.
Recent Developments
In February 2021, Stratasys Ltd. introduced a new ABS-based carbon fiber material for its award-winning line of F123 Series 3D printers, the first composite material for the platform. Carbon fiber materials have proven extremely popular on Stratasys’ industrial-scale FDM 3D printers for a variety of end-use applications such as jigs, fixtures, and tooling. With FDM ABS-CF10, Stratasys now makes carbon fiber much more accessible to the engineering and manufacturing community with high-performance F170, F270, and F370 3D printers.
In March 2022, Evonik is further expanding its portfolio of 3D-printable biomaterials for medical technology, The specialty chemicals company has developed VESTAKEEP iC4800 3DF, a new osteoconductive PEEK filament that improves fusion between bone and implants. The high-performance polymer can be processed in common extrusion-based 3D printing technologies such as fused filament fabrication (FFF). Evonik will present the new product for the first time at the AAOS trade show in Chicago, USA.
Restraint
High production cost:
Expensive material costs can be a deterrent for people and small companies interested in using 3D printing technology. This restricts the market's potential and hinders mass adoption. Certain 3D printed products may have higher unit costs than those made using conventional manufacturing techniques, which would discourage widespread use and reduce their competitiveness in price-sensitive markets. Expensive material costs can be a deterrent to new 3D printing applications and experimentation, especially when it comes to prototyping and niche product design. This limits the technology's ability to upend established industries and stifles technological innovation. Because high-cost investments and uncertain market adoption can come with risks, companies may be reluctant to invest in research and development of new materials or printing techniques. High material costs may force researchers to turn their attention to less flexible and less expensive materials, which could hurt the functionality and quality of 3D-printed goods. This could result in an overemphasis on cost-cutting and optimization at the expense of 3D printing's wider potential to produce highly customized, useful products with distinctive advantages. High material costs can have a greater effect during recessions or times of higher inflation as people and companies become more cost-conscious. This may also result in a decline in the market's growth and a decrease in the need for 3D printing materials., this factor hinders the growth of 3D Printing Material market.
For instance, in June 2023, according to All3DP, PLA also comes in different blends and grades, but the standard filaments cost around $20 per kg on average, ABS is considered to be a relatively cheap material for FDM 3D printing. A 1-kg spool of good ABS can be found for between $20 and $35, including low-odor versions like Polymaker’s PolyLite ABS.
Challenges in the 3D Printing Material Market
Standard process control is lacking.
Every 3D printing process is different because of uncontrollable process variables and variations in material depending on the manufacturer and type of machine. As of right now, very few monitoring methods reflect inconsistencies in the 3D printing process and satisfy certain requirements. Especially in complex and sophisticated applications (like aerospace, military/defense, and healthcare), it is challenging to develop detailed and accurate mathematical models using 3D printing due to the limited data available for process control. Limitations in the pre-and post-production procedures, process control, and planning phase can lead to manufacturing failures and incorrect outputs.
Opportunities in the 3D Printing Material Industry
Adoption of 3D printing technology in home printing
Beyond industrial and professional users, home printing opens up the 3D printing materials market to a large and untapped audience. Due to this, the market as a whole grows and the pool of potential customers is greatly increased. As more people actively participate in the creative process, there is a greater need for a variety of materials to satisfy their creative needs and pastimes. With home 3D printing, people can add their touches and customizations to a wide range of items, from toys and household goods to decorative accents and useful tools. To satisfy varying tastes, this generates a need for materials with distinctive qualities, textures, and colors. The ability to print parts on demand and replace worn-out or broken components encourages a self-repair and sustainable culture, which raises the need for compatible and widely available materials even more. With the help of home 3D printing, people can start their own small businesses and possibly lessen their dependency on conventional manufacturing methods for simple items or customized parts. This has the potential to upset well-established supply chains and open up new business opportunities for suppliers of materials targeted at the home printing industry. For both kids and adults, 3D printing in the home can be a useful teaching tool that promotes creativity, problem-solving abilities, and an awareness of design concepts. This creates a new market niche for kits and instructional materials intended for use at home. Demand for materials that are enjoyable to work with and provide a broad range of creative possibilities may also be fueled by the recreational nature of home 3D printing, which includes printing figurines, cosplay accessories, and decorative pieces.
Snapshot:
| Attributes | Details |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 2.20 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 | USD 5.56 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 22.58 % |
| Unit | Revenue (USD Million) and Volume (Kilo Tons) |
| Segmentation | By Material, By Application & By Region |
| By Material |
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| By Application |
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| By Region |
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| Base Year | 2022 |
| Historical Year | 2018 - 2022 |
| Forecast Year | 2023 - 2030 |
Segment Analysis of the 3D Printing Material Market
The 3D Printing Material Market is segmented by material, application, and region.
By Material
The Plastic segment held the largest market share in 2022:
Material is sub-segmented into Plastic, Ceramic, Metals, and others. The Plastic segment accounted for the highest market share 60% in the global 3D Printing Material market for 2022. In contrast to other materials such as metals or biomaterials, plastics provide a greater variety of choices with different qualities, textures, and hues. Their adaptability enables them to meet a wide range of user requirements and applications. Furthermore, compared to other materials, plastic filaments are typically less expensive, which opens up access to a wider range of users. The majority of popular 3D printers are made to print using plastic filaments, which makes them easily accessible and user-friendly for both novice and expert users. This compatibility adds to the ease of use and accessibility of 3D printing with plastic. Plastics come in a variety of properties to meet different needs, from rigid and heat-resistant ABS to flexible and soft TPU filaments. This lets users select the right material for a range of uses, like functional parts, and prototyping.
On the other hand, the Metal segment has a significant market share over the forecast period, due to in the medical field, metal is a highly favored material for creating prosthetics and implants. Due to the quicker production time and zero material loss, metals will be more in demand for 3D printing. Moreover, the use of 3D-printed metal components in industrial, automotive, and aerospace equipment is boosting the market's demand for metals.
By Application
The Aerospace and Defense segment was the leading segment in 2022:
By Application, which is divided into automotive, consumer product and industrial, aerospace and defense, medical, and others. The aerospace and defense segment accounted for the largest share of the global 3D Printing Material market in 2022. Materials with extraordinary strength, heat resistance, and weight-saving qualities are required by the aerospace and defense industries. These strict requirements can be met by 3D printing, which enables the fabrication of complex parts using unique materials like metal matrix composites, titanium alloys, and high-performance polymers. The operational range and fuel efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft are greatly increased by reducing weight. By optimizing designs and minimizing weight without sacrificing performance, 3D printing makes it possible to create lighter components with complex geometries. Rapid prototyping of new defense systems and aircraft components is made possible by 3D printing, which shortens the time to market and speeds up the development cycle. It also makes it possible to modify parts for particular vehicles or applications, which improves operational effectiveness.
The automotive segment is anticipated to register rapid growth in the forecast period, Because of its dimensional accuracy and lightweight nature, 3D-printed metals and plastics are becoming more and more popular in the automotive sector. It is projected that the growing automotive industry and the rising demand for these materials from automotive applications will drive the market.
Regional Analysis
North America occupied the largest market share in 2022:
North America has the largest revenue market share in 2022, due to the presence of significant 3D printing players like Stratasys, Ltd. and 3D Systems, Inc. in the US, which leads the regional market. North America may hold a larger market share if large companies like General Electric enter the market with a division dedicated to 3D printing materials. The greatest concentration of 3D printing startups targeting niche markets is found in this region. The demand for 3D printing materials in the area is predicted to rise due to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology by end-use industries like aerospace and defense, healthcare, electrical and electronics, and automotive. Early users of the technology in this area include GE, Ford Motors, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Lockheed Martin. A few of these businesses have developed strategically to integrate 3D printing technology into their manufacturing processes.
On the other hand, Asia Pacific accounted for a significant share over the forecast period, The region is expanding quickly due to several government-led initiatives and policies that support 3D printing technology, as well as rising demand in the healthcare, construction, and education sectors. China is the second-largest consumer of 3D printing supplies, after Japan. China is one of the fastest-growing markets for 3D printing materials as a result of the fast adoption of additive manufacturing by several end-use industries, including transportation, healthcare, aerospace, and defense. Because of the many advantages of 3D printing, such as its low cost, shorter manufacturing times, decreased material waste, etc., automakers are embracing the technology more and more.
List of the prominent players in the 3D Printing Material Market:
- 3D Systems Corporation,
- Stratasys, Ltd.,
- Materialise NV,
- Arkema SA,
- Evonik Industries AG,
- General Electric,
- The ExOne Company,
- Hoganas AB,
- Royal DSM N.V.,
Segmentation Analysis of the 3D Printing Material Market
By Material
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Metals
- Others
- Automotive
- Aerospace & Defenses
- Consumer Product & Industrial
- Medical
- Others
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Lockdowns and other social distancing tactics forced people and companies to look for alternate manufacturing solutions. As a result, there was a sharp increase in demand for desktop 3D printers and the materials needed to print custom parts, medical accessories, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The importance of localized production was brought to light by disruptions in global supply chains. By enabling businesses to modify their production lines and create required components or products on demand, 3D printing helped them become less dependent on imports. To support the healthcare system during the pandemic, 3D printing was essential in the development and production of specialized medical devices, nasal swabs, and ventilator components. The supply chain for 3D printing materials was first disrupted by lockdowns and restrictions, which resulted in shortages and price fluctuations. Because of this, manufacturers faced difficulties and were unable to keep up with the rising demand. The economic slowdown brought on by the pandemic affected investments in emerging technologies, such as 3D printing. This hindered the growth of certain market segments and had an impact on material science research and development. 3D printing companies faced uncertainty due to changing regulations surrounding personal protective equipment and medical devices. Concerns regarding the hygienic and safety aspects of utilizing 3D-printed items also necessitated thorough thought and the application of appropriate procedures.
