Market Overview:

The Global 3D Printing Materials Market Size Is Projected To Be Around USD 10.64 Billion By 2030 From Valued At USD 2.59 Billion In 2022 And Is Expected To Grow At A CAGR Of 19.32% During The Forecast Period 2023 - 2030.

The expanding applications of 3D printing materials in the automotive and aerospace industries are driving up demand. The expansion of the automotive industry in North America and Europe's emerging economies is likely to contribute to the expansion of the global market. In addition, favorable government initiatives are anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period. In addition, innovation and growth in 3D printing technology and materials will create lucrative opportunities for the global market for 3D printing materials. Plastic materials such as nylon, ABS, PET, and PLA, as well as high-performance materials such as Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), thermoplastic polymers, and many other plastics, are commonly used in 3D printing. Monomers of coal, crude oil, and natural gas, which are used in the production of end-use parts, particularly in demanding industries such as automotive and aerospace. Thus, fluctuations in the price of crude oil are likely to affect the cost of 3D printing materials.

COVID-19 Impact:

The companies are vigorously protecting the health and safety of their employees while supporting the government's efforts to maintain vital business activities in healthcare, energy generation, and food production. Compared to 2019, manufacturers have experienced a decline in revenue during the first half of 2020. The decline in revenue is primarily attributable to the dwindling workforce, disruptions in the procurement of raw materials, and global trade restrictions. Both the upstream and downstream industries of 3D printing materials are in a state of crisis. Pandemic prevention, the resumption of work, orders, and markets have become more difficult for businesses in various nations. Numerous businesses use the Internet and new technologies to innovate and develop, transform and upgrade in order to adapt to market changes and combat the pandemic-induced economic crisis.

Market Dynamics:

Latest Trends:

The use of 3D printing in education to help students think more abstractly and give their ideas physical form is an important development. Students can use tablets and this technology to create simple three-dimensional shapes and experiment with new ideas. Several progressive schools have already incorporated 3D printing into their curriculum to encourage students' creativity and enable them to test their ideas in the real world. 3D printing is improving education at the college level, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Driving Factors:

• Favorable Government Initiatives

Governments in various regions around the world are taking the initiative and proposing schemes and policies to increase the demand for 3D printing materials in their respective regions in order to boost GDP and develop and create opportunities for the market due to the extensive properties of 3D printing technology in various end-use industries. The government supports the development of numerous 3D printing material market participants in the private and public domains. The Indian government has launched a national strategy for additive manufacturing to transform India into a global design and development hub. The strategic objective is to create 100 new startups, 500 additive manufacturing products, and 50 additive manufacturing technologies on material, machine, process, and software in India over the next three years, adding nearly $3 billion to the GDP. As a result, the market for 3D printing materials is propelled by an increase in the number of government initiatives pertaining to the growth of the economy, educational advancement, and technology-friendly initiatives.

• Increasing Demand due to Automotive Industries

Due to the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries, the demand for 3D printing materials is anticipated to increase. Aviation was one of the first industries to utilize 3D printing technology. For the creation of intricate objects, technology is extremely useful. It allows designers to create the highest-quality components at a lower cost and with feasible production. Several aircraft components, such as wing tips, jigs, and engine components, are created using 3D printing materials, such as metals.

Titanium is commonly used as a 3D printing material in the aerospace industry due to its superior mechanical properties and high dimensional precision during production. Because of 3D printing technology, the automobile industry's production process is shifting. The industry has benefited from the technology by producing less expensively complex and lighter structures.

Supercars, concept cars, and Formula 1 components frequently employ 3D-printed parts. In the first quarter of 2018, the leading automaker Bugatti (France) unveiled a 3D-printed titanium brake caliper.

Restraining Factors:

• Certain Disadvantages of 3D Printing Material Properties

The 3D printing industry is expanding and introducing new technological developments. Furthermore, new 3D printing machines are being developed to print a wide range of materials such as plastics, metals, composites, and others. The materials used for 3D printing vary depending on the final product and the development process. There are certain restrictions on the use of environmentally hazardous materials, including metals, plastics, and other substances. This is due to the varied properties of various materials. These materials each possess their own characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Important considerations include material type, texture, cost, and so on must be taken into account. Choosing the best material for a particular project can be challenging. Gold and silver are costly and possess a high thermal conductivity. Normal FDM 3D printers are unsuitable for printing these materials, as they require extremely high temperatures. Titanium is the strongest and lightest 3D printing material, but it is also the most expensive. Stainless steel is also used for 3D printing, but building time is significantly longer, printing with stainless steel is costly, and printing size is restricted. As a result, the physical and chemical properties of 3D printing materials may have an impact on the global 3D printing material market over the forecast period.

• High Cost of 3D Printing Material

The high cost of materials severely restricts the market for 3D printing materials. Although 3D printing is a more efficient method of producing goods, it is costly due to the high cost of materials, which is a significant market limitation. Higher purity and composition requirements for 3D printing are the cause of these inflated prices. The typical cost of metal for 3D printing is approximately US$500.00 per kilogram, which makes it prohibitively expensive for use in conventional applications because the cost of the finished product is excessively high in comparison to market prices.

Opportunities:

• 3D Printing Technology and Materials Innovation and Growth

With the assistance of R&D, a number of manufacturers have developed a variety of materials, including copper, silicon, Ti64 (low-oxygen titanium powder), and many others, to improve the durability and performance of materials. Numerous automotive industries are prioritizing growth strategies to distinguish themselves in the future with the aid of 3D printing innovation. Volkswagen, for instance, intends to use a new 3D printing process for all possible vehicle production. Volkswagen is advancing the use of innovative 3D printers in automobile production. Therefore, technologies and innovations through R&D will create lucrative opportunities for 3D printing, which in turn will create opportunities for the 3D printing material market during the forecast period, as no product design will be impossible to manufacture via 3D printing in the coming decades.

• Expanding Demand from the Educational Sector

Education is one of the industries experiencing the most rapid growth in the 3D printing materials market. Despite the fact that 3D printing in education is still in its infancy, a growing number of institutions are establishing 3D printing laboratories. 3D printing technology is transforming the traditional classroom. For example, biology students can examine organ cross-sections, engineering students can print prototypes of their inventions, and graphic design students can print 3D representations of their concepts.

The creation of interactive maps for use in elementary school geography lessons is an excellent application of 3D printing. In addition, several governments are investing heavily in 3D printing technologies. For instance, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) will select a few universities and technical schools to receive a subsidy for two-thirds of their 3D printing technology costs.

Challenges:

• Volatility in Raw Material Prices

Plastics such as nylon, ABS, PET, and PLA, high-performance materials such as Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), thermoplastic polymers, and many other plastics are used as material in 3D printing; these plastics are monomers of coal, crude oil, and natural gas and are used to manufacture end-use parts for industries with high standards, such as the automotive and aerospace industries. Consequently, the cost of 3D printing supplies will undoubtedly be affected by the price of crude oil. Because they control over 40 percent of the world's oil supply, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has considerable influence over crude oil prices. By decreasing or increasing production, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) can affect oil and gas prices. The price of crude oil fluctuates due to both supply and demand factors. When supply exceeds demand, prices decrease and vice versa. Additionally, political instability, natural disasters, and production costs influence crude oil prices (refining). Plastics are more expensive because most manufacturers, such as Greenlam Industries Limited, must import costly raw materials. Moreover, businesses continue to be susceptible to currency fluctuations because they lack a suitable hedging system.

• Reducing Lead Time

Reducing lead times is one of the greatest challenges facing the market for 3D printing materials. Reducing the lead time associated with these materials, especially metals, is one of the most significant challenges faced by manufacturers of 3D printing materials. The production of metal objects is a lengthy process. To solve this issue, manufacturers must develop new materials and 3D printing-specific technology.

Adoption of 3D printing in key end-use industries, such as aerospace & defense, automotive, and electrical & electronics, is hindered by the industry's need for lengthy lead times, which prevents the majority of manufacturers from switching to additive manufacturing.

Strategic Development:

• In November 2018 - Royal DSM N.V. introduced two high-performance additive manufacturing materials Arnitel ID2060 HT and Somos PerFORM Reflect.
• In April 2018 - 3D Systems Corporation released 30 new materials for Figure 4 Printers. These materials have the designations 4 RGD-GRY 10, 4 RGD-GRY 15, 4 ELAST-BLK, and 4 JCST-GRN. They are utilized in jewelry casting as well as applications involving durable goods and the automobile industry.
• In April 2018 - Stratasys, Ltd. introduced next-generation PolyJet 3D Printers for rapid prototyping applications in multiple end-use industries. With the release of this new product, Stratasys hopes to develop a platform for new polymer materials that can be utilized in PolyJet printers for a variety of prototype tasks.
• In June 2021 – Covestro AG and Nexeo Plastics have announced the development of a new PC/ABS 3D filament (Addigy FPB 2684 3D).
• In May of 2021 - Covestro AG introduced a new 3D printing material (Arnite AM2001 GF(G)rPET), which is a glass fiber-filled recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) for 3D pellet printing made from post-consumer PET waste.
• In September 2020 - As part of the sale of DSM Resins & Functional Materials and (other) affiliated companies, DSM announced an agreement to sell DSM Additive Manufacturing to Covestro AG for an aggregate purchase price of EUR 1.61 billion. In addition, DSM Additive Manufacturing provides high-performance materials and in-depth 3D printing application expertise to assist manufacturers in rethinking their product design strategies. DSM classified these operations as discontinued as of that date. Transaction completion is contingent on regulatory approvals, including antitrust clearance.

Key Vendors:

Top market players includes

• Stratasys Ltd.

Stratasys Limited (Stratasys) provides additive manufacturing and 3D printing services. The company provides 3D printers, consumable materials, and software suites for operation. It also offers strategic consulting, rapid prototyping, contract engineering, onsite installation, customer support and warranty, direct manufacturing paid-parts services, maintenance, and training.

• 3D Systems, Inc.

3D Systems introduced the revolutionary technology of 3D printing to the manufacturing sector. As the leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions today, we bring innovation, performance, and dependability to every interaction, enabling our customers to create products and business models that were previously unthinkable.

• Materialise NV

Materialise NV is a software company headquartered in Belgium. The Company is a provider of software and three-dimensional (3D) printing services that integrates 3D printing expertise into a broad selection of software solutions and 3D printing services. It serves as the industry's backbone by transforming businesses with three align elements: quality, dependability, and repeatability.

• Markforged, Inc.

MarkForged Inc. creates three-dimensional printers. The company specializes in three-dimensional printing, fabrication of composite filaments, precision engineering, and carbon fiber. It primarily manufactures mission-critical, workhorse parts using industrial-strength 3D printers and performance materials. It provides services for the aerospace, automotive, education and research, electronics manufacturing, energy, industrial, defense, and medical industries. The business was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts.

• EOS GmbH

EOS offers global manufacturers responsible manufacturing solutions utilizing industrial 3D printing technology. The independent company founded in 1989 will shape the future of manufacturing by integrating high-quality production efficiency, pioneering innovation, and sustainable practices.

• Höganäs AB

Hoganas Sweden AB produces metal and iron powders. The company provides brazing paste, brazing at high temperatures, additives, stainless steel filters, welding, powder mixes, alloy powders, flame spray, laser welding, and surface coating. Hoganas Sweden exports its products internationally.

• Arkema

Arkema creates materials to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable materials, which is being driven by the challenges of new energies, new technologies, resource depletion, and increased mobility.

• Royal DSM N.V.

Royal DSM NV (DSM) is a scientific company specializing in materials, health, and nutrition. It produces vitamins, carotenoids, nutritional lipids, and other ingredients in addition to specialty plastics, fibers, and resins. From crop residues and biochemicals, the company produces materials for medical devices and clean energy.

• ExOne

ExOne, a multinational corporation, provides sand-based 3D printing systems and services utilizing binder jetting technology to manufacturers in a variety of industries. ExOne sand 3D printing systems allow for the creation of intricate cores and molds for sand castings. Our systems encompass the entire spectrum of 3D sand printing, from prototyping to mass production.

• GE Additive

GE Additive is a global leader in additive design and manufacturing, a revolutionary technique with the ability and potential to revolutionize businesses. Through our integrated offering of expert consultation, cutting-edge machinery, software, and high-quality materials, we enable our clients to create innovative new products. Products that address manufacturing challenges, enhance business outcomes, and contribute to a better world. We collaborate with a wide range of industries, including aerospace, energy, automotive, and healthcare, to guide and support their additive journeys.

• Evonik Industries AG

Evonik is one of the leading specialty chemical companies in the world. Despite the fact that Evonik does not manufacture electric vehicles, aircraft, medications, or 3D printers, we are a component of these and many other end products. This is because we contribute small things that have a significant impact. We improve the performance of electric car batteries, the environmental friendliness of aircraft, the efficacy of medications, and the productivity of 3D printers.

Segmentation Analysis:

By Type Outlook:

Plastics, metals, ceramics, and other materials comprise various segments of the 3D printing materials market. Plastics dominated the 3D printing materials marketplace. The plastics segment of the market will expand as an increasing number of individuals and industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, and military, seek high-performance materials. Plastics will also be in greater demand on the global market due to the fact that they are simple to prototype and can be used to create complicated designs at low cost, with less weight and no material loss.

During the forecast period, the metals segment is anticipated to grow the quickest. Metal is one of the best materials for making medical implants and prosthetics. Increased demand for metals for 3D printing will result from the process's increased efficiency and lack of waste. In addition, the use of 3D-printed metal components in automobiles, aircraft, and industrial machinery is increasing the demand for metals on the market.

• Plastics
• Metals
• Ceramics
• Other

By Form:

The global 3D printing materials market is divided into three categories: filament, powder, and liquid. During the forecast period, the filament segment is anticipated to grow at a rapid rate. Typically, plastics are used as filaments in 3D printing processes. Due to their high tensile strength and ability to withstand heavy loads, filaments are commonly used for prototypes and investment casting molds because, at the appropriate temperature, they become flexible. These qualities make filaments an excellent option for printing plastic automotive parts, moving parts, musical instruments, kitchen appliances, electronic housings, and a variety of toys. These factors are anticipated to drive this segment's revenue growth.

• Filament
• Powder
• Liquid

By Technology Outlook:

The global 3D printing materials market has been segmented by technology into Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), among others. Due to the growing demand for faster 3D printing, the FDM segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The scalability of FDM technology allows for the economical printing of larger objects. The FDM process involves layering materials in a pattern and fusing them together; therefore, it is widely recognized as a straightforward 3D printing technique. In addition, end-users prefer the FDM 3D printing technology due to its simplicity and ease of use.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
• Others

By Application Outlook:

The global market for 3D printing materials has been segmented by application into prototyping, manufacturing, and others. Due to a quicker production process and low operational costs, the manufacturing sector is anticipated to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Superior parts and components are mass-produced using 3D printing in a variety of end-use industries, including automotive, construction, healthcare, aerospace and defense, among others. In order to reduce material waste, 3D printing is also used to produce mobile phone cases, toys, and a variety of other products, in addition to automotive components. Due to its benefits, such as its capacity to reduce manufacturing costs and lead times, this technology has been widely adopted by these end-use industries.

• Prototyping
• Manufacturing
• Others

By End-Use Outlook:

In 2022, the medical end-use segment dominated the market and accounted for more than 47.0% of global revenue. In addition to the rising incidences of vascular and osteoarthritis diseases, the cost-effectiveness and customizability of 3D-printed plastics in the medical industry are key factors driving demand. In addition, improved technology, favorable government support, and rapid product development are anticipated to drive demand for medical products. In addition, rising demand for medical components such as face shield, mask clips, 3D printed mask & filter cover, and others, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, is anticipated to drive market growth. The demand for plastics in additive manufacturing will likely be driven by the expansion of the defense and commercial aircraft industry. It is anticipated that rising military and defense expenditures will fuel the expansion of the aerospace industry, thereby driving up product demand. The Airbus Group A350 and the Boeing Dreamliner are two of the most in-demand aircraft fleets in the aviation industry.

• Automotive
• Medical
  • Prosthetics & Implants
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Others
• Aerospace & Defense
• Consumer Goods

Regional Insights:

North America held approximately 45 percent of the global market for 3D printing materials in 2022. This is because this technology is gaining popularity and is increasingly used for mass customization and product production. Various governments are attempting to encourage the use of 3D printing. In the United States, for instance, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) expedites the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies in the manufacturing sector. The institute is a network of Ohio-Pennsylvania-West Virginia Tech Belt manufacturing companies, community colleges, universities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It provides $40 million for research in this area.

North American original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the aerospace industry are also working hard to lighten their fleets by reducing the number of components. One of the primary factors contributing to the expansion of the North American market is the expansion of the manufacturing sector. Companies that manufacture medical equipment, industrial plastics, industrial designs, and other products use 3D printers to make prototypes of their products for customers. For instance, companies that manufacture medical devices such as prosthetics and artificial limbs use such systems to create customized medical devices.

Europe had approximately 35% in 2022, which was the second-largest share. Long-standing aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus SE, EuroJet Turbo GmbH, ArianeGroup, and European Satellite Navigation Industries contribute to the region's economic growth. Utilization of 3D printing materials has increased in the aerospace industry because they have a simple supply chain, reduce risk, and are lightweight.

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• UK
• Nordic Countries
• Denmark
• Finland
• Iceland
• Sweden
• Norway
• Benelux Union
• Belgium
• The Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Southeast Asia
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Rest of Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America

Scope of Report:

Conclusion:

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimates, and dynamics of the 3D printing market from 2020 to 2030 in order to identify the current 3D printing market opportunities.
• A thorough examination of the market forecast segmentation for 3D printing aids in identifying current market opportunities.
• The report analyses regional and international 3D printing market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market expansion strategies.
• The contribution of each region's major countries to the global market's revenue is mapped.