USD 2.7 billion
Report ID:
SQMIG45J2219 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: January, 2025
Pages:
157
|Tables:
128
|Figures:
72
Global 3D Printing Material Market size was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 3.39 billion in 2024 to USD 21.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 25.6% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Growing demand from aerospace and automotive sectors, high R&D investments in material science, emphasis on cost efficiency and waste reduction, and rising adoption of digital manufacturing are driving 3D printing material adoption.
Surging adoption of 3D printing in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare sectors is primarily boosting 3D printing material market growth. Global governments are actively supporting 3D printing through funding and policy initiatives. The development of eco-friendly and recycled 3D printing materials addresses environmental concerns and meets the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing. The shift towards digital manufacturing enables on-demand production, reducing inventory costs and lead times. The ability to produce parts as needed enhances supply chain efficiency and responsiveness, making 3D printing materials integral to modern manufacturing processes that prioritize agility and cost-effectiveness.
On the contrary, high material and equipment costs, limited material diversity, workforce limitations due to lack of technical expertise, and regulatory and standardization challenges are forecasted to hamper the 3D printing material market penetration across the study period and beyond.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 2.7 billion
Largest Segment
Plastics
Fastest Growth
Metal
Growth Rate
25.6% CAGR
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Global 3D printing material market is segmented by type, form, technology, application, end-use industry, and region. Based on type, the market is segmented into plastics, metals, ceramics and others. Based on form, the market is segmented into filament, powder and liquid. Based on technology, the market is segmented into FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLA (Stereolithography), DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering), and others. Based on application, the market is segmented into prototyping, manufacturing and others. Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into aerospace & defense, healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, construction and others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
The plastic segment is projected to account for the highest global 3D printing material market share in the future. High versatility, low cost, and wide applicability across industries are key factors allowing plastic to emerge as a dominant segment. Their lightweight nature, color options, and suitability for prototyping make plastics the material of choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.
On the other hand, the demand for metals is slated to witness a robust increase going forward as per this 3D printing material industry analysis. Growing demand for high-strength, durable, and heat-resistant components in verticals such as aerospace and healthcare is helping this segment generate new opportunities.
The aerospace and defense segment is forecasted to spearhead 3D printing material market revenue generation potential in the long run. Growing demand for lightweight and high-strength components from aerospace and defense industry vertical is helping this segment hold sway over others. Materials like titanium, aluminum, and high-performance thermoplastics are used to create the required components for aerospace & defense application.
Meanwhile, the demand for 3D printing materials in the automotive segment is slated to rise at an impressive CAGR over the coming years. Increasing emphasis on reducing the weight of vehicles is driving up the adoption of 3D printed components in this vertical, which creates new business scope for 3D printing material providers.
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Advanced industrial base, strong presence of key players, and robust R&D infrastructure allow North America to spearhead 3D printing material sales on a global level. Organizations like NASA, Boeing, and GE heavily invest in metal and polymer 3D printing, which further cements the dominance of this region. High demand for customized, high-performance components and the presence of advanced research institutions are also helping 3D printing material providers strengthen their business scope.
The presence of robust aerospace, defense, automotive, and healthcare sectors allow this country to lead 3D printing material demand. Strong R&D ecosystem and government support through initiatives like America Makes are further supporting the dominance of the United States. The favorable regulatory environment supporting medical and aerospace-grade material development is also cementing the high share of this country in North America. Advanced universities and tech hubs fuel innovation, while startups and established firms continuously develop new materials.
Demand for 3D printing materials in Canada is supplemented by academic excellence, industrial collaboration, and public-private R&D initiatives. Canada’s automotive and aerospace sectors, particularly in Ontario and Quebec are expected to take the lead in driving the sales of 3D printing materials in the country. Government grants support startups and innovation hubs, expanding access to advanced materials. Canada’s focus on material quality, environmental responsibility, and biocompatible solutions positions it as a key contributor to North American market growth in the long run.
Expansion of manufacturing activity, increasing government support for manufacturing technology adoption, and strong R&D investments make this the fastest expanding region for 3D printing material providers. Government initiatives such as “Made in China 2025” and Japan’s Industrial Value Chain Initiative are helping create new opportunities in the Asia Pacific. Lower production costs, attractive innovation ecosystem, and expanding tech hubs are also slated to further bolster the demand for 3D printing materials in this region.
Mitsubishi, Canon, and Ricoh are top companies in the country investing in 3D printing material R&D, thereby making it a highly attractive market. Japan's 3D printing materials market is also propelled by its leadership in precision manufacturing and technological innovation. Shortage of skilled workforce due to expansion of aging population is also a key factor promoting the adoption of 3D printing and 3D printing materials. Japan’s meticulous quality standards drive the demand for advanced, reliable materials, making it a mature and innovation-driven market in the Asia Pacific’s 3D printing ecosystem.
The government’s “3D Printing Industry Development Strategy” supports material innovation and commercialization in South Korea. Research institutions collaborate with startups to innovate sustainable and multifunctional materials. Strong presence of electronics and manufacturing giants like Samsung and Hyundai is also creating new opportunities for 3D printing material vendors. With increasing exports and localized material production, South Korea is emerging as a leading player in Asia Pacific 3D printing material regional outlook.
Europe is also expected to witness a bright demand for 3D printing materials over the coming years. The presence of a mature manufacturing industry, strong regulatory support, and innovation-driven economies are helping ensure consistent growth for 3D printing material suppliers in the region. The EU actively supports additive manufacturing through Horizon Europe and sustainability-focused projects. With a skilled workforce and advanced R&D, Europe remains a technology-rich region contributing significantly to material innovations.
Presence of leading academic institutions, government funding, and a mature industrial base primarily drive 3D printing material demand in the country. High investments in R&D and innovation of materials such as nanocomposites, ceramics, and biopolymers are also boosting revenue. Government-backed initiatives, such as Innovate UK and Catapult Centres, foster material R&D. The country emphasizes sustainable and recyclable materials, aligning with net-zero goals. Startups and global companies operate in regions like the Midlands and London, making the United Kingdom a strategic player in Europe’s additive manufacturing ecosystem.
Emphasis on precision engineering and presence of a robust manufacturing sector are making Germany a leader for 3D printing materials. Integration of 3D printing in automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery sectors is also creating new opportunities. Institutions like Fraunhofer and companies like EOS, Siemens, and BASF drive material research and innovation. As a hub for engineering excellence and industrial R&D, Germany plays a pivotal role in global material development.
Adoption of additive manufacturing by companies such as Dassault Aviation and Safran is driving the demand for high-performance materials such as titanium and composite polymers in France. Research institutions like CNRS collaborate on material development, especially in biocompatible and eco-friendly options. France’s emphasis on sustainability and digital transformation helps accelerate the use and development of next-generation 3D printing materials.
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Advancements in Material Science and Multi-Material Printing
Surging investments in material science R&D have led to the creation of advanced 3D printing materials with enhanced properties. The advent of multi-material printing allows for the creation of complex structures combining different materials in a single print. This capability expands the functional applications of 3D printing across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. All of these factors make technological advancements highly essential for a positive 3D printing material market outlook in the future.
Cost Efficiency and Waste Reduction
Just as all additive manufacturing processes, 3D printing also significantly reduces waste in manufacturing. By depositing material only where needed, it minimizes excess usage, leading to cost savings. Industries are increasingly adopting 3D printing to optimize resource utilization and achieve sustainability goals. This cost-effective approach is particularly beneficial for producing complex, customized parts, making 3D printing materials more attractive to various sectors.
Limited Material Diversity and Performance Constraints
Despite advancements, the range of materials suitable for 3D printing remains limited compared to traditional manufacturing. Certain applications require materials with specific mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties that are not yet available in printable forms. This limitation restricts the use of 3D printing in industries with stringent material requirements. Inferior characteristics of certain 3D printing materials are also expected to hamper their adoption in the future.
Technical Expertise and Workforce Limitations
The effective implementation of 3D printing technologies requires specialized knowledge in design, materials science, and machine operation. A shortage of skilled professionals proficient in these areas hampers the adoption and optimization of 3D printing processes. This skill gap can lead to suboptimal utilization of 3D printing capabilities, increased error rates, and reduced efficiency, thereby restraining the growth of the 3D printing materials industry.
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3D printing material companies are expected to focus on new material R&D to stand out from the competition. Collaborating with 3D printing machine developers and material science companies can also create new opportunities for companies as per this 3D printing material market analysis.
Multiple startups are focusing on innovation in the 3D printing material industry owing to the market’s nascent nature. Here are a couple of startups that could emerge as big players in the future.
Fortify: Based in the United States, the startup specializes in developing advanced composite materials for 3D printing applications. Their proprietary Digital Composite Manufacturing (DCM) platform combines digital light processing (DLP) with magnetics to align reinforcing fibers within photopolymer resins. This technology enables the production of parts with enhanced mechanical properties, such as increased strength and stiffness, making them suitable for end-use applications in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The 2015-founded company’s approach allows for the customization of material properties at the voxel level, offering unprecedented control over the performance characteristics of printed components.
Anisoprint: Founded in 2015, the company is pioneering the field of continuous fiber 3D printing by developing hardware and materials that enable the fabrication of composite parts with optimized strength-to-weight ratios. Their technology allows for the strategic placement of continuous carbon fibers within thermoplastic matrices during the printing process, resulting in components that are both lightweight and mechanically robust. Based out of Luxembourg, the company’s solutions offer an alternative to traditional manufacturing methods, providing design flexibility and material efficiency.
Rise of Composite and Hybrid Materials: Use of composite and hybrid materials that combine two or more substances to enhance properties is gaining popularity among 3D printing companies. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, metal-polymer blends, and ceramic composites are key examples of such composite materials. Composites are ideal for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications where high-performance parts are required without added weight. Innovations in printer technology now support multi-material printing, which further makes this a highly lucrative 3D printing material market trend.
Development of Biocompatible and Bio-Based Materials: In medical applications, materials like PLA (polylactic acid), PEEK, and biodegradable polymers are used for surgical implants, prosthetics, and tissue engineering. These materials reduce toxicity risks and are compatible with the human body, meeting strict medical standards. Simultaneously, bio-based alternatives help address environmental concerns by offering renewable, compostable options. Hence investing in R&D of sustainable materials is expected to be an evergreen 3D printing material industry trend for companies.
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, advancements in material science and emphasis on efficiency and waste reduction are driving the demand for 3D printing material going forward. In contrast, workforce limitations and limited material diversity are key issues that slow down the adoption of global 3D printing material. High investments in 3D printing and material innovation by startups and tech companies helps North America remain the top market for 3D printing material companies. Development of bio-based materials and use of composite materials are slated to be key trends driving the 3D printing material sector in the long run.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 2.7 billion |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 21.0 billion |
Growth Rate | 25.6% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the 3D Printing Material Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the 3D Printing Material Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
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With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the 3D Printing Material Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
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Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
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Global 3D Printing Material Market size was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 3.39 billion in 2024 to USD 21.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 25.6% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Key vendors in 3D Printing Material Market are: '3D Systems, Inc. (US) ', 'Arkema (France) ', 'General Electric (US) ', 'Materialise NV (Belgium) ', 'Sandvik AB (Sweden) ', 'Hoganas AB (Sweden) ', 'Evonik Industries AG (Germany) ', 'BASF SE (Germany) ', 'Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany) ', 'Formlabs, Inc. (US) ', 'Solvay (Belgium) ', '3DCeram (France) ', 'Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co., Ltd. (China) ', 'Impossible Objects (US) ', 'Keene Village Plastics (US) ', 'Oxford Performance Materials (US) ', 'CRP Technology S.R.L. (Italy)'
3D printing is increasingly used in the automotive industry to create scale models for testing purposes. They are also used for components, such as bellows, front bumpers, air conditioning ducting, suspension wishbones, dashboard interfaces, alternator mounting brackets, battery covers, etc. Automotive OEM manufacturers use 3D printing for rapid prototyping.
Education is one of the fastest growing sectors in the 3D printing material market during the forecast period. Although the use of 3D printing in education is still in its infancy, many institutions have begun to set up 3D printing facilities. 3D printing technology is also transforming the traditional classroom. Engineering students can print samples of their designs; Biology students can research a cross-section of an organ, and graphic design students can 3D print their artwork. 3D printing is very useful in creating interactive maps to teach geography to students. Moreover, governments in various countries are investing heavily in 3D printing technology.
North America is expected to grow rapidly and be a lucrative market during the forecast period. The region accounts for approximately 23% of the global 3D printing materials sales value. Positive trends in the medical, aerospace and aerospace industries will drive the market growth in North America 3D printing adoption in many industries and enhanced material options will have growth potential. Measures taken by the US government to increase 3D printing, as well as funding for research and development, will increase the adoption of 3D printing, thereby increasing the market value of 3D printing materials and equipment in the region.
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