3D Printing Materials Market Size 2025-2029
The 3D printing materials market size is forecast to increase by USD 12.96 billion, at a CAGR of 37.7% between 2024 and 2029.
- The market is driven by the growing adoption of additive manufacturing in various industries, particularly in the production of prototypes and low-wastage cartridges. This trend is further fueled by the increasing use of 3D printing technology in manufacturing complex models for drones and quadcopters. However, the high cost of 3D printing equipment and materials poses a significant challenge for market growth. Companies must address this obstacle by exploring cost-effective solutions and expanding their product portfolios to cater to diverse industry requirements. To capitalize on opportunities, market participants should focus on enhancing the durability and functionality of 3D printing materials while ensuring affordability.
- Additionally, collaborations and partnerships with key industry players can help companies expand their reach and gain a competitive edge. Overall, the market presents significant potential for growth, with ongoing advancements in technology and increasing demand from various industries. Companies that effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities will be well-positioned for success.
What will be the Size of the 3D Printing Materials Market during the forecast period?
Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample
The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and expanding applications across various sectors. Entities such as support structures, consumer products, and industrial components are increasingly utilizing a diverse range of materials, including ceramic powders, metal powders, and photopolymer resins. The ongoing development of additive manufacturing technologies, such as material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, and filament extrusion, is shaping the market landscape. For instance, vat polymerization techniques like stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) are gaining popularity in the production of automotive parts and aerospace components due to their high dimensional stability and part strength.
Moreover, the integration of CAD software, slicing software, and surface finishing technologies is streamlining the 3D printing process, enabling faster print speeds and improved infill rates. The use of advanced materials like glass fiber, carbon fiber, and various polymers is expanding the scope of applications, particularly in the medical devices and dental industries. As the market continues to unfold, the focus on optimizing print bed adhesion, nozzle diameter, and layer height is essential for ensuring consistent and high-quality prints. The continuous innovation in 3D printing technologies is poised to further revolutionize industries, from rapid prototyping to mass production.
How is this 3D Printing Materials Industry segmented?
The 3d printing materials industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
- Material
- Thermoplastic polymer
- Metal powder
- Photopolymer
- Others
- End-user
- Aerospace and defense
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Consumer goods
- Others
- Technology
- Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
- Selective laser sintering (SLS)
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)
- Others
- Form Factor
- Powder
- Filament
- Liquid
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- UK
- Middle East and Africa
- Egypt
- KSA
- Oman
- UAE
- APAC
- China
- India
- Japan
- South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Material Insights
The thermoplastic polymer segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
The market encompasses a range of offerings, including thermoplastic polymers, ceramic powders, and metal powders, among others. Thermoplastic polymers, which include filaments and powders, are widely utilized in 3D printing due to their ability to melt and solidify at specific temperatures. Their application in optics is a significant factor driving demand, as these materials enable the fabrication of complex shapes that are challenging to achieve through conventional methods. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are common thermoplastic polymers used in 3D printing. In the dental sector, 3D printing is increasingly being adopted for manufacturing customized implants and restorative devices.
Ceramic powders are a popular choice for this application due to their biocompatibility and high dimensional stability. Material jetting and binder jetting are common 3D printing techniques used in the production of dental applications. Automotive parts are another significant application area for 3D printing. Vat polymerization techniques, such as stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), are often employed to create intricate automotive components. Glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers and carbon fiber reinforced polymers are commonly used to enhance the part strength and reduce weight. Surface finishing and support structures are essential considerations in 3D printing. Infill rates, layer height, print speed, and print bed adhesion all impact the final product's quality.
Slicing software and CAD software are crucial tools in optimizing these factors for various applications. Aerospace components and medical devices are other growing sectors in the market. Metal powders, such as titanium and stainless steel, are frequently used to produce these components due to their high strength and durability. Powder bed fusion and binder jetting are popular techniques for metal 3D printing. Consumer products represent a vast market for 3D printing materials. Filament extrusion is a common method for producing consumer items, such as toys and household items. Nozzle diameter and print speed are essential factors in optimizing the production process for these applications.
The Thermoplastic polymer segment was valued at USD 566.20 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
North America is estimated to contribute 36% 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.
The market in North America is experiencing substantial growth due to the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) by various industries, including aerospace and defense, healthcare, consumer electronics, robots, and automotive sectors. The aerospace and defense industry is leveraging AM as a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing techniques for producing functional parts and prototypes for aircraft and drones. In the healthcare sector, AM is being used as an alternative to conventional manufacturing methods for creating medical devices and dental applications. The consumer electronics industry is also embracing AM for rapid prototyping and manufacturing custom parts. Furthermore, AM is gaining popularity in education sectors, particularly for STEM education, to enhance learning experiences.
The use of different 3D printing technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA), vat polymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, and filament extrusion, is driving the market's growth. These technologies enable the production of parts with high dimensional stability, part strength, and intricate designs using various materials, including photopolymer resins, ceramic powders, glass fiber, carbon fiber, and metal powders. The market is also witnessing advancements in slicing software, print bed adhesion, print speed, and surface finishing technologies, which are improving the overall efficiency and quality of the 3D printing process. In conclusion, the market in North America is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of AM across various industries and the advancements in related technologies.
The market is expected to continue growing as more industries discover the benefits of AM and as the technology becomes more accessible and affordable.
Market Dynamics
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The Global 3D Printing Materials Market is expanding rapidly, with its significant 3D Printing Materials market size driven by continuous 3D Printing Materials market trends and a robust 3D Printing Materials market forecast. Demand for metal 3D printing materials, polymer 3D printing materials, and specialized ceramic 3D printing materials is surging. Key material forms include 3D printing filaments, 3D printing powders, and 3D printing resins, all crucial for additive manufacturing materials applications. Industries like aerospace 3D printing materials and healthcare 3D printing materials are major adopters, leveraging these for rapid prototyping materials and end-use parts 3D printing. Innovations in biocompatible 3D printing materials and high-performance polymers are notable. The market is also seeing growth across different technologies, including SLA materials, SLS materials, and FDM materials, as highlighted by comprehensive 3D printing materials industry analysis.
What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of 3D Printing Materials Industry?
- The significant reduction in cartridge consumption is a primary factor fueling the expansion of the additive printing market.
- Additive printing, also known as 3D printing, offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. One of the key benefits is the reduction of material wastage. In contrast to subtractive manufacturing techniques, such as computerized numerical control (CNC) milling, which create rough shapes initially and then remove material to achieve the desired dimensions, additive printing builds objects layer by layer using only the exact amount of material required. This results in less wastage and makes 3D printing an eco-friendly and sustainable manufacturing method. Moreover, 3D printing is ideal for producing products with intricate details and complex geometries. The technology's ability to create fine details accurately is a significant advantage, allowing users to obtain the exact designs they require.
- This is particularly important in industries such as aerospace, where components need to meet stringent specifications, and in medical devices, where precision is crucial. Surface finishing is another area where 3D printing excels. The technology enables the creation of smooth, uniform surfaces, which is essential for certain applications. Infill rate, the percentage of material used to fill the interior of a 3D printed part, can also be adjusted to optimize part strength and reduce material usage. Overall, additive printing's benefits, including reduced material wastage, precise detailing, and the ability to create complex geometries, make it a valuable manufacturing method for various industries.
What are the market trends shaping the 3D Printing Materials Industry?
- The use of 3D printing technology for manufacturing drone and quadcopter models is gaining significant traction in the market. This innovative approach offers numerous advantages, including reduced production costs, increased design flexibility, and faster prototyping.
- The market is experiencing significant growth due to its increasing application in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, and the manufacturing of models for drones and quadcopters. ABS and PLA are among the commonly used materials for 3D printing these models. Design software solutions, such as MeshMixer and 123D design, are utilized to create and manufacture these models. The manufacturing process involves testing the 3D printed models for surface roughness and dimensional accuracy before assembling the electronic components and 3D printed parts. The use of 3D printing technology in the production of drones and quadcopters is driving the market's expansion.
- Print bed adhesion, nozzle diameter, print speed, and slicing software are essential factors that influence the quality of the 3D printed models. Additionally, advanced 3D printing technologies, such as binder jetting and powder bed fusion, are gaining popularity due to their ability to produce more intricate and complex designs. The market is expected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for 3D printed models in various industries and the continuous advancements in 3D printing technology. The market's growth is further driven by the ability to produce customized and cost-effective products, reducing the need for traditional manufacturing methods.
- Overall, the market presents significant opportunities for businesses looking to innovate and stay competitive in today's marketplace.
What challenges does the 3D Printing Materials Industry face during its growth?
- The high cost of both 3D printing equipment and materials poses a significant challenge to the industry's growth.
- The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for custom parts and advanced applications in various industries. Three-dimensional printing software and CAM software enable the production of complex geometries and intricate designs, expanding the market's scope. Dental applications, automotive parts, and ceramic powders are among the major sectors driving the market's expansion. Three primary 3D printing technologies, material jetting, vat polymerization, and powder bed fusion, offer diverse material options. Material jetting uses inkjet printheads to deposit droplets of photopolymers, while vat polymerization employs a vat of liquid resin. Powder bed fusion, on the other hand, uses a high-powered laser or an electron beam to melt and fuse powdered materials.
- Despite the advantages of 3D printing, the high cost of equipment and materials remains a significant barrier to entry. An average 3D printer costs between USD650 and USD750, while the cheapest model is priced around USD250. The cost of materials, such as ABS, PLA, PVA, PET, and HIPS, is more expensive than traditional printing materials. For instance, ABS costs between USD18 and USD175 per kg, depending on color and diameter, while PLA ranges from USD19 to USD165 per kg, depending on the color and diameter. PVA starts at USD35 per kg. In conclusion, the market is witnessing steady growth due to the increasing demand for custom parts and advanced applications.
- The market is driven by various industries, including dental, automotive, and ceramics, and is supported by the latest 3D printing technologies, such as material jetting, vat polymerization, and powder bed fusion. However, the high cost of equipment and materials remains a significant challenge for the market's expansion.
Exclusive Customer Landscape
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 3d printing materials market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Key Companies & Market Insights
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, 3d printing materials market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
3D Systems Corporation - This company specializes in providing advanced 3D printing materials, including Accura AMX Rigid Black, enhancing product innovation and manufacturing efficiency for various industries.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- 3D Systems Corporation
- Arkema S.A.
- BASF SE
- Desktop Metal Inc.
- DSM Nutritional Products AG
- EOS GmbH
- Evonik Industries AG
- Formlabs Inc.
- General Electric Company (GE Additive)
- HP Inc.
- Huntsman Corporation
- Lithoz GmbH
- Markforged Inc.
- Materialise NV
- Proto Labs Inc.
- Renishaw plc
- Sandvik AB
- SLM Solutions Group AG
- Solvay S.A.
- Stratasys Ltd.
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 industry 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.
Recent Development and News in 3D Printing Materials Market
- In January 2024, Stratasys, a leading 3D printing solutions provider, announced the launch of its new Antero 800NA, an industrial-grade 3D printing material made from recycled content, marking a significant stride towards sustainable manufacturing (Stratasys Press Release, 2024).
- In March 2024, BASF and Adidas entered into a strategic partnership to scale up production of Forward AM, a high-performance 3D printing material for sports footwear, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of the manufacturing process (BASF Press Release, 2024).
- In April 2024, 3D Systems, a leading 3D printing company, completed the acquisition of Carbon3D, a pioneer in Digital Light Synthesis 3D printing technology, expanding its portfolio and enhancing its capabilities in advanced materials (3D Systems Press Release, 2024).
- In May 2025, the European Union's REACH regulation approved the use of certain 3D printing materials, including TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), for industrial applications, opening up new opportunities for market growth (European Chemicals Agency, 2025).
Research Analyst Overview
- The market is experiencing significant advancements, driven by process optimization and supply chain management innovations. Food-grade materials are gaining traction due to the increasing demand for edible items in the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) and API integration are revolutionizing material selection and ordering processes. Part consolidation and machine learning enable the production of complex geometries, reducing the need for multiple components. Safety standards and quality control are paramount, with remote monitoring and automated printing ensuring compliance. Industry regulations continue to evolve, impacting investment opportunities in high-temperature materials, conductive materials, and biocompatible materials. Venture capital and private equity firms are investing in open-source hardware and distribution networks, fostering growth in the sector.
- Color mixing, texture control, and intellectual property protection are essential aspects of the market. Data analytics and training and education are crucial for businesses to stay competitive. Ultraviolet (UV) curing and 4D printing are emerging trends, offering unique advantages in terms of material properties and manufacturing capabilities. Investment in material innovation and technology development presents significant opportunities for businesses.
Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled 3D Printing Materials Market insights. See full methodology.
|
Market Scope |
|
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
|
Page number |
259 |
|
Base year |
2024 |
|
Historic period |
2019-2023 |
|
Forecast period |
2025-2029 |
|
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 37.7% |
|
Market growth 2025-2029 |
USD 12955.5 million |
|
Market structure |
Fragmented |
|
YoY growth 2024-2025(%) |
27.7 |
|
Key countries |
US, Canada, Germany, UK, Italy, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Egypt, UAE, Oman, Argentina, KSA, UAE, Brazil, and Rest of World (ROW) |
|
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
What are the Key Data Covered in this 3D Printing Materials Market Research and Growth Report?
- CAGR of the 3D Printing Materials industry during the forecast period
- Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth and forecasting between 2025 and 2029
- Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the industry in focus to the parent market
- Accurate predictions about upcoming growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
- Growth of the market across North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America
- Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
- Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the 3d printing materials market growth of industry companies
We can help! Our analysts can customize this 3d printing materials market research report to meet your requirements.