PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1755430
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1755430
3D Printing Metal Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Form (Powder, and Filament), By Technology (Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, Binder Jetting, Metal Extrusion, and Others) By End-User (Titanium, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Others) and by End-User (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Medical & Dental, and Others) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Global 3D printing metal market size was $2.8 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The demand for lightweight, high-performance aerospace and automotive parts, advancements in metal 3D printing technologies, and increased government and industry investments in additive manufacturing are driving 3D printing metal market growth.
Market Dynamics
Government and Institutional Support
The EU and individual governments are prioritizing the use of advanced manufacturing technologies, including metal additive manufacturing, as part of their Industry 4.0 strategies to boost market growth. For instance, in 2025, Luxembourg-based startup AM 4 AM secured $1.40 million in seed funding to improve its metal powder production capabilities. The funding supported the launch of a new production facility in Luxembourg. The facility increased the production capacity of its advanced aluminum alloys, ensuring high-quality materials for the aerospace and automotive industries.
Space Exploration & In-Orbit Manufacturing
Metal 3D printer projects are boosting demand for on-demand space manufacturing, reducing reliance on resupply missions, and driving market growth. For instance, in January 2024, ESA launched the first metal 3D printer to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Cygnus NG-20 resupply mission. The European-made printer uses stainless-steel wire, commonly used in medical implants and water treatment, to print objects. The printer uses a high-power laser to heat the wire, melting the end and adding metal. Four shapes were tested and compared to reference prints on the ground, with daily print time limited to four hours owing to noise regulations on the Space Station.
Market Segmentation
Aerospace & Defense: A Key Segment in Market Growth
Metal 3D printing is being utilized in the aerospace industry to create intricate, lightweight structures, boosting market growth by improving fuel efficiency and performance. According to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), in 2024, the US aerospace and defense industry achieved significant growth, with sales surpassing $955 billion, marking a 7.1% rise from the prior year. This growth highlights the sector's economic impact, as every million dollars in sales contributes to supporting manufacturing and the supply chain.
The global 3D printing metal market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
Demand for Lightweighting in Europe
The market growth is driven by 3D printed metals such as aluminum, titanium, and high-strength alloys that are gaining popularity in electric vehicles owing to their ability to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. According to the ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles), in 2024, new car registrations experienced a slight increase of 0.8%, reaching approximately 10.6 million units. Spain demonstrated strong growth with a 7.1% increase, while France, Germany, and Italy saw declines of 3.2%, 1%, and 0.5%, respectively. Battery-electric cars held a market share of 13.6% for the year, surpassing diesel's 11.9%, while petrol cars led at 33.3%, and hybrid-electric vehicles secured second place with a 30.9% share.
Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
Asia-Pacific holds a significant share, owing to the automotive industry embracing metal 3D printing for prototyping and producing lightweight, high-strength parts, enhancing vehicle performance and efficiency, driving market growth. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in April 2025, the Indian passenger car market was valued at $32.70 billion and is projected to grow to US$ 54.84 billion by 2027. The global EV market, valued at approximately $250 billion in 2021, is expected to expand fivefold to $1,318 billion by 2028. By FY25, two-wheelers and passenger cars are anticipated to constitute 75.04% and 21.38% of market shares, respectively, with a total production of 15,622,388 units across various vehicle categories. India marked a milestone with 100,000 EV sales in CY24, up from 82,688 in CY23, highlighting a $206 billion opportunity for electric vehicles by 2030, requiring $180 billion for vehicle manufacturing and charging infrastructure.
The major companies operating in the global 3D printing metal market include 3D Systems, Inc., BASF SE, EOS GmbH, and Materialise N.V. among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments