3D Printing Materials, Global, 2024-2031

Industrial Adoption Drives the Scalability of 3D Printing Technologies

The global 3D printing materials market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing industrial adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) for prototyping and end-use part production. Material selection has become a critical determinant in achieving desired mechanical properties, durability, and performance outcomes in final printed parts. The push for lightweighting, product customization, and just-in-time manufacturing continues to accelerate material innovation and adoption.

The study is primarily segmented by type of end use, which includes automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial. The plastic powders considered in this study include polyamide, TPU, and polyolefins. The plastic filaments considered in this study include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, and polycarbonate and its blends. The photopolymers considered in this study include epoxies and hybrids, acrylics, and polyurethanes. Metal and ceramics are considered separate products in this study. Volume and revenue forecasts have been provided for each segment from 2021 to 2031. At the sub-segment level, the analysis focuses on the product type, chemistry, and major regions. Competitive structure and market share data have been provided at the overall level. The study also provides a 7-year forecast based on the expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR), where the base year is 2024 and the forecast period ends in 2031. The market is divided into 4 regions:

• The Americas include the United States, Canada, and Latin America (including Mexico).
• Europe includes all European Economic Area and European Free Trade Association states (including the United Kingdom), CIS states (including Ukraine), and Israel.
• The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) includes Africa, all Middle Eastern countries (including Turkey), and all South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal).
• Asia-Pacific (APAC) includes China, Japan, South Korea, the ASEAN Free Trade Area countries, Australia, New Zealand, and all other Southeast Asian states.

Scope of Analysis

• This study assesses the global 3D printing materials market in 2024 and offers forecasts until 2031.
• It includes volume in tonnes (T) and revenue in million dollars ($ M).
• The study analyzes the demand for 3D printing materials by end use and product type, along with their chemistry.
• In the previous study, Frost & Sullivan included ceramics as an addendum; however, we now believe that the use of ceramic materials is increasing and finding more applications within the 3D printing market.
• Hence, for the current study, ceramics is included in both the total material section and the end-use section.

The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the 3D Printing Materials Industry

Disruptive Technologies

• Why
  • Rapid innovation across industries is expected to drive the demand for 3D printing technologies and high-performance materials.
  • As additive manufacturing continues to evolve from prototyping toward large-scale production, manufacturers are increasingly seeking solutions that offer faster printing speeds without compromising precision or quality.
  • The need for consistent and repeatable product output is becoming a key performance benchmark, particularly in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.
• Frost Perspective
  • The 3D printing industry is constantly evolving and is expected to continue its growth throughout the forecast period.
  • To stay ahead of the curve, material manufacturers will need to form strategic collaborations with technology developers, working together to create advanced and application-specific material formulations.
  • These partnerships will be essential to meet the growing market demand for improved performance, greater design flexibility, and improved production efficiency.

Competitive Intensity

• Why
  • The rise of Chinese 3D printer and material manufacturers is expected to play a significant role in driving down both printer and material costs, making additive manufacturing more accessible to a broader range of end-use industries.
  • This trend is likely to accelerate the shift toward open-platform printers that are compatible with third-party materials, giving manufacturers more freedom in material selection and pricing.
  • As a result, businesses will be able to optimize production costs while adopting materials tailored to specific application requirements.
• Frost Perspective
  • Key 3D printer manufacturers have already begun shifting their strategies toward developing printers that are compatible with third-party materials.
  • As a result, material costs are seeing downward pressure, giving manufacturers better control over production expenses and encouraging greater efficiencies among various industries.
  • This trend is expected to facilitate wider adoption of both cost-efficient and high-performance materials across various applications.

Geopolitical Chaos

• Why
  • Geopolitical instabilities such as trade wars, the Middle East conflict, and the Russo-Ukrainian war can disrupt the 3D printing ecosystem, especially for materials.
  • Supply chains for critical raw materials, such as polymers and metal powders, often depend on specific regions. Conflicts or sanctions can trigger material shortages, price volatility, and logistical delays, directly impacting production timelines and costs for manufacturers.
• Frost Perspective
  • With potential trade wars and ongoing conflicts, stakeholders across the 3D printing ecosystem, including material manufacturers, printer providers, and end-product companies, should embrace digital warehouse models.
  • By shifting from physical inventory to certified digital part libraries, companies can enable localized, on-demand production using standardized materials and processes.
  • This approach reduces reliance on cross-region logistics, minimizes inventory costs, and secures business continuity during trade disruptions.

Growth Restraints

• High costs and time necessary for post-processing complex 3D-printed parts.
• Nascent market and limited technical knowledge.
• Expensive 3D printing systems and materials.
• Lack of certification and standardization in 3D printing.

Growth Drivers

• Reduced product development cycle lead times and costs.
• Freedom to innovate and design functional parts (lightweighting).
• Increased utilization of manufacturing operations and reduced industrial wastage (energy utilization ratio).
• Moving from mass production to customization.
• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) applications.
• End industry growth.

Key Competitors in Formulators

• Plastic (Powers & Filaments)
  • Huntsman
  • Stratasys
  • 3D Systems
  • Arkema
  • Evonik
  • SABIC
  • Wanhua
  • Carbon
  • Desktop Metal
  • EOS GmbH
  • Materialise NV
• Photopolymers
  • Carbon
  • Stratasys
  • Huntsman
• Metals
  • Desktop Metal
  • EOS GmbH
  • 3D Systems
  • Materialise NV
• Ceramics
  • Admatec BV
  • Ceramaret
  • Lithoz
  • CeramTec
  • Nanoe
  • Desktop Metal