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The 3D printing materials market size is estimated to increase by USD 8.14 billion, growing at a CAGR of 32.58% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. Firstly, the low wastage of cartridges in additive printing technology is a major advantage, as it reduces production costs and material waste. Secondly, the continuous emergence of new 3D printing materials, such as conductive polymers, biocompatible materials, and high-performance alloys, is expanding the applications of 3D printing in various industries. Lastly, the limited time required for 3D printing production compared to traditional manufacturing methods is another significant factor driving market growth. These factors collectively contribute to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology and the subsequent demand for advanced materials.
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The 3D Printing Materials market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for customized products across various industries. The market primarily consists of polymers, ceramics, metals, and biocompatible materials. Polymers, including filament and polylactic acid, dominate the market due to their versatility and ease of use. The automotive industry is a major consumer of 3D printing materials, using them for creating prototypes and end-use parts. Automobile companies are adopting additive manufacturing strategies to reduce production costs and improve design flexibility. Ceramics and metals are popular choices for automotive applications due to their high strength and durability. Biocompatible materials, such as those used in medical supplies and personal protective equipment, are another significant segment of the market. These materials are used in creating surgical tools, prosthetics, bones, organs, blood vessels, and dental implants.
Carbon 3D printers are gaining popularity in this segment due to their ability to print complex structures and high-resolution parts. The use of additive manufacturing in creating customized products is driving the growth of the market. The market is expected to continue its expansion as designers and manufacturers across industries explore new applications for this innovative technology. Other materials, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and bio-based materials, are also gaining traction in the market due to their unique properties and potential applications.
Low wastage of cartridges in additive printing is the key driver for the growth of the market share. Additive printing produces less waste than traditional printing because the exact amount of material required is predetermined. Additive printing reduces the waste generated by computer numerical control (CNC) milling, initially creating a rough shape for printing to desired sizes. 3D printing is an ideal solution for printing products with detailed definitions as it can print small details with precision. 3D printing also allows the user to get the designs exactly as required.
Moreover, advancements in 3D printing technology have enabled the production of multi-material and graded structures using 3D printing metal materials. By selectively depositing different alloys or varying material compositions in a single part, manufacturers can achieve desired material properties in specific areas, enhancing overall performance and functionality. This capability is particularly valuable in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, where customized components with superior mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, or thermal conductivity are crucial. For instance, in healthcare, advancements in dental 3D printing devices are significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of dental treatments, driven by the development of innovative 3D printing materials that cater specifically to dental applications. Hence, such factors are driving the market during the forecast period.
Focus on recycling 3D printing materials is the primary market trend. Recently, recyclable water bottles, yogurt containers, and many other types of waste have been used as raw materials for 3D printing. Increasing costs and scarcity of these raw materials are driving some suppliers to use recyclable plastics such as PET as 3D raw materials. Using recycled raw materials helps to reduce raw material sourcing costs and increase supplier profit margins.
For instance, in March 2020, Manchester Metropolitan University began leading a European Union-funded project, TRANSFORM-CE. TRANSFORM-CE focuses on transferring plastic waste from landfills in North West Europe and converting them into 3D printed materials. Such initiatives force suppliers to utilize PET waste, which is expected to fuel the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The high cost of 3D printing equipment and materials is the challenge that affects the market growth. The high cost of 3D printing equipment and materials, such as 3D filaments, is a major challenge for the adoption of 3D printing technology. The cost of an average 3D printer is around USD 650-750 and the cheapest 3D printer costs around USD 250. Materials used in 3D printing, such as ABS, PLA, PVA, PET, and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), are also more expensive than traditional printing materials.
For example, ABS costs about USD 18 to USD 175 per kg depending on color and diameter, PLA costs about USD 19 to USD 165 per kg depending on diameter and color, PVA costs PVA starts from USD 35.99 per kg, PET starts from USD 24.99 per kg, PET starts from USD 25.99 per kg, and HIPS starts from USD 24.95 per kg depending on the color and diameter. Therefore, the high cost of materials and equipment is a challenge that will impede the growth of the global market during the forecast period.
The market share growth by the thermoplastic polymer segment will be significant during the forecast period. The thermoplastic polymer segment includes thermoplastic fibers and powders, which are plastic materials. One of the factors influencing the demand for thermoplastic polymers for 3D printing is their application in optics. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the most common thermoplastic polymers used in 3D printing.
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The thermoplastic polymer segment showed a gradual increase in the market share of USD 464 million in 2018 and continued to grow by 2022. ABS is made from polymers such as acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. PLA is a recyclable thermoplastic polymer made from organic and renewable materials such as sugarcane, corn, and starch. PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer. It is obtained by polymerization of vinyl alcohol. PET is a transparent, durable, and lightweight 3D printing material. It is used for 3D printing of matte and glossy products that require minimal post-processing. Furthermore, thermoplastic polymers are widely used for the 3D printing of automotive parts, sports equipment, toys, electronic accessories, kitchen appliances, and jewelry. Therefore, the increasing adoption of 3D printing in these industries will drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.
Some of the commonly used 3D printing materials in aerospace and defense are titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel. Titanium is favored in the aerospace industry due to its high strength, lightweight, and other benefits. The aerospace and defense industries have huge potential to drive the market for 3D printed titanium products, due to the advantages of titanium, such as low thermal conductivity and high strength-to-weight ratio. In addition, suppliers continue their growth activities, such as new product launches, capacity expansions, and partnerships, to strengthen their market positions and meet increasing industry needs. Such cooperation between major market players and aerospace and defense companies will accelerate the growth of the global market in this segment during the forecast period.
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North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. Due to the growing adoption of 3D printing by the defense and aerospace, healthcare, consumer electronics, robots, and automotive industries will drive the growth of the market in this region.
Moreover, 3D printing is gaining popularity in the education sector as well as in the region. 3D printing for STEM education is gaining popularity in the region. The region's education sector was an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies. Therefore, these factors are also contributing to the increased demand for materials in the region during the forecast period.
The 3D Printing Materials market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Global Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The 3D Printing Materials market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.
The 3D Printing Materials market encompasses a wide range of customized products, including polymers, ceramics, metals, biocompatible materials, and composites. The market is driven by the increasing demand for additive manufacturing in various industries such as aerospace, military, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive. Polymers, like filament and polylactic acid, are commonly used due to their ease of processing and low cost. Ceramics and metals, including bronze, brass, copper, and composites, offer superior strength and durability for industries requiring high-performance components. Virtual Foundry, a key technology in 3D printing, enables the creation of complex geometries and intricate designs.
Moreover, machine settings and process variables play a crucial role in achieving optimal results, with mathematical models used to optimize material differences. The market landscape depends on the Erroneous outputs, Home printers, Low cost products, Consumer and industrial sector, Metal 3D printing, High speed line forming, Arc additive manufacturing, bio based materials, prototyping. Key manufacturers include 3D Systems, Stratasys, and EOS. They cater to diverse industries, from home 3D printers and shopping malls to luxury cars, aerospace and defense, electrical and electronics, automobile, and healthcare. Designers and automotive companies use 3D printing for prototypes, while medical supplies and personal protective equipment are essential additive manufacturing goods. An additive manufacturing strategy is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and innovate in today's market.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 32.58% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 8.14 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
24.68 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 39% |
Key countries |
US, UK, China, Germany, and Canada |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
3D Systems Corp., Arkema Group., BASF SE, CRP Technology Srl, EOS GmbH, Evonik Industries AG, Formlabs Inc., General Electric Co., Henkel AG and Co. KGaA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hoganas AB, Impossible Objects, MATERIALISE NV, Nano Dimension Ltd., Proto Labs Inc., Sandvik AB, Sintokogio Ltd., Solvay SA, Stratasys Ltd., and Ultimaker BV |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market forecasting, market growth and trends, market forecast, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Material
7 Market Segmentation by End-user
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
11 Competitive Landscape
12 Competitive Analysis
13 Appendix
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