3D Printing Materials Market Forecasts to 2028 - Global Analysis By Form, Technology (Stereolithography, Selective Laser Sintering, Digital Light Processing, Other Technologies), Type, and Others

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global 3D Printing Material Market is accounted for $2.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $5.7 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period. Three-dimensional (3D) printing, sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing (AM) and digital fabrication technology, is the process of making a physical object out of a digital design. It makes use of a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, epoxies, ceramics, metals, carbon fibres, graphite. Rapid prototyping, or the quick manufacture of a physical part, model, or assemble utilising 3D computer assisted design, is made possible (CAD). Currently, it finds many uses in the mass modification and creation of open-source designs in the automobile, electronics, and healthcare sectors.

As per the statistics in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's database, the ICT good exports (% of total good exports) globally grew from 10.816 in 2015 to 11.536 in 2019. In 2019, these exports in Hong Kong SAR, China amounted to 56.65%, 25.23% in East Asia & Pacific, 26.50% in China, 25.77% in Korea, Rep., 8.74% in the United States, and 35.01% in Vietnam.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing Demand for 3D Printing Materials in Healthcare

In terms of volume, the healthcare industry is the one using 3D printing materials the fastest. Surgical equipment, prostheses & implant, and tissue engineering instruments are all medical products manufactured utilising 3D printing. The fields of orthopaedics, dentistry, Craniomaxillofacial, and others benefit from the usage of 3D printing materials. The use of additive manufacturing to create goods that correspond to the physiology of the patient is extremely advantageous.

Restraint:

Lack of standard process control

The uniformity of each procedure for 3D printing varies because of unpredictable processing parameters and material variations depending on the equipment and manufacturer. Very few monitoring tools now available do so by highlighting irregularities in the 3D printing process. It is challenging to create thorough and accurate mathematical models utilising 3D printing, especially in complicated and specialized applications like aerospace, healthcare, and military defence. This is because there is a lack of data accessible for the process control. Limitations in the pre- and post-production processes, process control, and planning stage can lead to manufacturing failures and incorrect outputs.

Opportunity:

Increasing Adoption of 3D Printing Technology

The market's rapid rise will be aided in the near future by the rising shift from conventional print to 3D printing technology. A few advantages of 3D printing are less waste, more complex designs, cost effectiveness, and improved design modification. Also, the expanding understanding of the irrefutable benefits of 3D printing technology has attracted producers from a number of industries. The method is being utilised to produce new products more affordably in the culinary, footwear, music, jewellery, and medical industries. The market share for 3D printing materials will grow as a result in the future years. Also, the market will grow quickly over the course of the forecast period as a result of the rising demand for 3D printed parts in aerospace, automotive, and military applications. In a while, designers can create intricate parts because to 3D printing's low cost and industrial viability. Because of its superior mechanical properties and high level of dimensional accuracy, titanium is commonly utilised to make parts for the aircraft industry.

Threat:

High Cost

The expensive nature of the technology may limit the growth of the 3D printing sector. The expense of purchasing the necessary 3D printing equipment is high initially. Since these machines require 50 - 100 times more electricity than injection moulding when burning plastic with lasers or heat, they are unsuited for small-batch manufacturing runs. The materials used in the industrial-grade 3D printers for the automotive industry are very expensive when compared to conventional manufacture. In addition, 3D printers are difficult to use and manage because they need specific tools and equipment in addition to high voltage power sources.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 issue instantly caused problems with supply chains and output to stop in industries located and the manufacturing sectors. The pandemic spread quickly, which caused a sharp global decline in factory output as a whole. It was demobilised, reflecting the breakdown in the supply chain and bringing the financial markets back to normal. Market participants around the world were forced to reduce operating costs as a result of the crisis. Throughout the pandemic, there was an increase of the demand for personal protective equipment, including as face masks, shields, and ear bands, which prompted the healthcare 3D printing market to undergo an unprecedented uptick. In addition, the need for regulators and recirculation valves that aid in patient breathing has increased.

The stereolithography [SLA] segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The stereolithography [SLA] segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth. A moving laser beam that is computer-controlled and pre-programmed using CAD/CAM software is used in stereolithography equipment. With this machinery, models, cosmetically acceptable prototypes, and intricate pieces with accurate geometry can all be produced in a single day. It is possible to produce stereolithography parts with an extremely high feature resolution utilising a wide variety of materials or surface treatments. When it comes to quick prototyping and project concepts that call for the production of highly accurate and finely detailed parts, stereolithography [SLA] technologies is a fantastic option. It is the ideal substitute for producing exhibits that enable the confirmation of ergonomic testing and concept concepts.

The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The healthcare segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Using 3D printing technology, a number of medical products are produced, including surgical instruments, prostheses and implants, and tissue - engineered tools. Materials for 3D printing are also very useful in the medical fields of orthopaedics, dentistry, craniomaxillofacial surgery, and other related fields. Dentists are relying more and more on printable prosthetics as individualised dental models including bridge, crown, implants, and dentures are developed. Macroeconomic factors including people's bad eating habits, which promote to dental caries and tooth loss, will increase demand for dental prosthesis. Purchases of 3D printing materials are anticipated to be driven by medical applications including knee and hip replacements and surgical equipment. To carry out difficult surgical procedures, surgeons and physicians use printable models of the necessary surgical equipment.

Region with highest share:

Europe is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the presence of key players in this region, including Arkema, Materialise, EOS, and Ultimaker BV. Several multinational corporations have invested in creating and deploying 3D printing processes and materials in the region. Major automakers are also expanding their presence in this area, and 3D printing technology is being employed more and more by manufacturers. Also, as FDM-produced auto parts result in lighter automobiles with higher performance and reduced energy consumption, 3D printing materials are all in growing market in Germany and France. These elements are anticipated to fuel the expansion of market revenue in this area.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to positive trends in the healthcare and aerospace sectors. The proliferation of 3D printing in numerous industries and the increased diversity of materials will both present opportunities for growth. Initiatives by the American government to advance 3D printing, together along with financing for development and research, will hasten its adoption and raise the need for 3D printing equipment and materials in the region.

Key Players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the 3D Printing Material Market include 3D Systems Inc., ExOne Company, Carpenter Technology, Voxeljet AG, Arkema SA, Stratasys, Covestro AG, General Electric, Solvay, CRS Holdings Inc., BASF, Evonik Industries AG, LPW Technology Ltd. And Clariant AG

Key Developments:

In June 2021, Covestro AG and Nexeo Plastics have announced the development of a new PC/ABS filament (Addigy FPB 2684 3D) for 3D printing. The company offers this product through Nexeo Plastics' distribution platform.

In May 2021, Covestro AG launched a new 3D Printing Material (Arnite AM2001 GF (G) rPET), a glass-fiber filled recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) for 3D pellet printing, which is derived from post-consumer PET waste.

Forms Covered:

• Filament
• Powder
• Liquid

Technologies Covered:

• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Material Jetting
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
• Electron-beam Melting (EBM)
• PolyJet
• Binder Jetting
• Multi Jet Fusion
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)
• Other Technologies

Types Covered:

• Plastic
• Thermoplastics
• Polymers
• Ceramic
• Metal
• Other Types

Applications Covered:

• Manufacturing
• Research & Development (R&D)
• Prototyping

End Users Covered:

• Education & Research
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Automotive
• Aerospace & Defense
• Consumer Goods
• Medical
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
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