Enjoy complimentary customisation on priority with our Enterprise License!
The 3D Printing Metal Materials market size is expected to grow by USD 1.78 billion at a CAGR of 26.59% from 2023 to 2028. Market demand is driven primarily by increasing adoption within the aerospace sector, leveraging additive manufacturing for lighter components and streamlined production processes. The broader application of additive manufacturing across industries also contributes to market expansion, supported by its efficiency in creating complex structures and prototypes. Metal material-based 3D printing, renowned for its robustness and precision in industrial applications, further boosts growth, spurred by governmental initiatives promoting technological advancements and industry standardization.
To learn more about this report, Request Free Sample
The metal 3D printing segment is expanding rapidly with a focus on industrial applications like automotive and consumer goods. Demand for 3D printing metal materials is driven by the efficiency of selective laser melting (SLM) technology in producing high-performance parts from stainless steel and metal powders. This market segment caters to the increasing demand for cost-effective and customized solutions, leveraging advanced 3D printing systems to meet stringent industry standards. Regional insights indicate a growing adoption across diverse sectors, highlighting ongoing metal industry trends favoring additive manufacturing for its ability to streamline production and enhance design flexibility in creating 3D printed metal parts.
The titanium segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Titanium is a transition metal that is mined from rutile and ilmenite ores. In addition, it has a high melting point and offers a significant strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and high thermal conductivity. Furthermore, it is one of the most used materials in 3D printing applications due to its advantages.
Get a glance at the market contribution of various segments View the PDF Sample
The titanium segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 136.93 million in 2018. Moreover, titanium is 3D printed by sintering titanium powder with a laser. In addition, 3D-printed titanium products are considered equally efficient as machined objects. Furthermore, these products are slightly rough with a matte gray finish or faintly reflective satin finish. In addition, they are widely used in aerospace, dental and medical, spare parts, jewelry, watches, and other industries. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market during the forecast period.
Based on the end-user, the market has been segmented into medical and healthcare, automotive, aerospace and defense, tool and mold making, sports equipment, and others. The medical and healthcare segment will account for the largest share of this segment. In addition, metal materials are used in this type of printing for medical and healthcare applications. Moreover, it has various applications in the healthcare industry. Artificial body parts, surgical equipment, medicines, and implants can be 3D printed. In addition, this printing plays a significant role in surgery planning and execution, making the implementation and decision-making process more accurate and effective. Furthermore, it is used for regenerative medical treatment or for medical implants, such as hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and metal plate implants for broken bones. Hence, such factors are fuelling the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market during the forecast period.
North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period.
For more insights on the market share of various regions Download PDF Sample now!
North America influenced the global market in terms of the manufacturing of 3D printing metal materials. In addition, the government made investments to increase the prototype and manufacture of the development and adoption of 3D printers in the region. For example, in July 2021, USD 8.2 million was invested by Waterloo's leadership role in multi-scale addictive manufacturing (MSAM) to establish a collaborative consortium between post-secondary institutions and industry partners. Moreover, this investment will help the university to focus on several aspects of additive manufacturing in various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and automotive. Therefore, the increased use of such printers will fuel the demand for 3D printing materials, particularly metals, across these industries. Furthermore, the increasing demand for 3D printing materials from the aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, and medical and healthcare industries is contributing to the growth of the market in North America during the forecast period. This surge in demand reflects a broader trend towards adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance product innovation, reduce production costs, and improve efficiency.
The market is experiencing rapid growth with advancements in additive manufacturing technologies such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). These processes enable the production of complex metal parts with high precision and efficiency, catering to both industrial and desktop verticals. Desktop Metal 3D Printers offer accessibility for prototyping and limited production volume needs, while industrial metal 3D printers cater to larger-scale manufacturing requirements. Techniques like Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) further expand the market's capabilities. With Huston and global hubs driving innovation, the market witnesses a surge in demand for scanning software and hardware to support rapid prototyping and industrial metal printing applications. As the global metal 3D printing market expands, these technologies continue to redefine manufacturing possibilities.
The market is experiencing significant growth, primarily fueled by the rising demand in the aerospace sector. Metal 3D printing technologies like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) are increasingly adopted in aircraft engines due to their high strength and wear resistance. Titanium, particularly in orthopedic and dental implants, is gaining traction owing to its superior properties.
These metal materials offer high-temperature resistance and low weight, making them preferable over polymer- and ceramic-based alternatives, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in aerospace applications. Additive manufacturing minimizes waste through its layer-by-layer approach, providing a cost-effective solution for manufacturing aerospace components. The trend towards mass customization, driven by advancements in printer size, metal powders, and design software, further propels the market growth during the forecast period.
Growing demand for high-performance and temperature-resistant materials is an emerging trend in the market. The demand for high-performance materials is growing among various end-user industries. In addition, these materials can be used in various industrial applications to gain benefits from their energy-saving and wear-resistance properties.
Moreover, metal additive manufacturing techniques are preferred in high-temperature applications due to their thermally conductive properties. In addition, these techniques are widely used in the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries for their ability to create parts with high performance and durability. Among the various types of high-performance materials, metal additive manufacturing materials are preferred widely, owing to their properties such as high-temperature resistance, thermal shock resistance, and non-conductive nature. Hence, such factors are driving the growth of metal additive manufacturing. As industries seek to leverage advanced manufacturing capabilities to meet stringent performance requirements and optimize production processes, the demand for metal additive manufacturing continues to expand, supporting innovation and efficiency improvements across various industrial sectors.
The requirement for training and a skilled workforce for handling 3D printing machinery is a major challenge hindering market growth. The manufacturing, installation, and operation of 3D printers need in-house expertise and skilled personnel to ensure proper installation, continuous operation, and timely maintenance. In addition, the handling of large or complex 3D printer installations requires experts from the manufacturing and information technology domains. Therefore, the lack of availability of professional expertise in these domains is expected to pose a challenge to the growth of the global market.
Moreover, the industrial metal 3D printer utilizes Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology and specialized scanners software, making it a pivotal tool in the industrial vertical for advanced manufacturing applications. Furthermore, adequate knowledge about 3D printers and their functioning, technical expertise, material handling, pre-processing, post-processing, and other skills are prerequisites for workers in additive manufacturing to ensure seamless operations. Hence, such factors are hindering the market growth during the forecast period.
Companies are implementing various market trends and analysis strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market and result in market growth analysis.
3D Systems Corp: The company offers 3D printing metal materials such as LaserForm Ti Gr5, LaserForm Ti Gr23 and LaserForm Ti Gr1. Ranging from aluminum, maraging steel, steel, and various grades of titanium to nickel and cobalt chrome.
The market growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
BASF SE, Carpenter Technology Corp., Desktop Metal Inc., EOS GmbH, General Electric Co., Graphite Additive Manufacturing Ltd., Hoganas AB, HP Inc., Markforged Holding Corp., Optomec Inc., Proto Labs Inc., Sandvik AB, Equispheres Inc., MATERIALISE NV, Renishaw Plc, SLM Solutions Group AG, Stratasys Ltd., THINK3D, and voxeljet AG
The market analysis and report of 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 market 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.
The 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, market research and growth also include key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth and forecast growth strategies.
Global Market Customer Landscape
The market is at the forefront of revolutionizing various industries, notably aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. As a transformative force in the manufacturing and supply chain management landscape, it addresses challenges posed by traditional manufacturing processes. The powder segment, especially in powder bed fusion methods like selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), plays a pivotal role. Industries such as aerospace and defense leverage 3D printing for critical engine components, fuel nozzles, and aircraft weight reduction strategies, leading to lower fuel consumption. In healthcare, the technology finds applications in artificial knee and hip replacements. Moreover, 3D printing metals offer versatile solutions, from creating specific brackets for satellites to intricate mold designs for critical engineering and fabrication applications. The market encompasses various advanced manufacturing practices, including electron-beam freeform fabrication (EBF) and inkjet printing.
Further, the hardware segment, including scanners and software, along with services like prototyping and the production of functional parts, contribute to the market's dynamic growth. From desktop to industrial applications, 3D printing in metals is a driving force in shaping the future of manufacturing industries worldwide.
Moreover, the market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the aerospace and defense sector, fueled by advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Entities like GE Additive and Materialize NV are playing key roles in driving innovation within the industry. With the introduction of Industrial Metal 3D Printers and Desktop Metal 3D Printers, design flexibility has increased significantly, enabling the production of complex parts for limited production volumes. Technologies such as Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are reshaping manufacturing processes, offering enhanced precision and efficiency. Despite challenges like labor shortages, the market is expanding globally, with a focus on Asia-Pacific region. As small and medium-scale firms embrace metal 3D printing, logistics and production systems are evolving to meet the demands of this growing industry.
Additionally, the Market is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors. With advancements in additive manufacturing technology, including Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), the market offers solutions for limited production volume and prototype procedures. Industrial Metal 3D Printers cater to entities in various industry verticals, providing Desktop Vertical and Desktop Metal 3D Printer options. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) and Volumetric Biotechnology contribute to the expansion of metal 3D printing capabilities. Despite challenges such as labor shortages, Inspection Software and Scanner Software ensure quality control and precise scanning for accurate replication. As demand surges for metal 3D printing solutions, the market continues to evolve, offering innovative services and solutions to meet industry demands globally.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 26.59% |
Market Growth 2024-2028 |
USD 1.77 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
24.71 |
Regional analysis |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 40% |
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, UK, and France |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
3D Systems Corp., BASF SE, Carpenter Technology Corp., Desktop Metal Inc., EOS GmbH, General Electric Co., Graphite Additive Manufacturing Ltd., Hoganas AB, HP Inc., Markforged Holding Corp., Optomec Inc., Proto Labs Inc., Sandvik AB, Equispheres Inc., MATERIALISE NV, Renishaw Plc, SLM Solutions Group AG, Stratasys Ltd., THINK3D, and voxeljet AG |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
We can help! Our analysts can customize this market research report to meet your requirements.
1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Type
7 Market Segmentation by End-user
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
Get the report (PDF) sent to your email within minutes.
Get lifetime access to our
Technavio Insights
Quick Report Overview:
Cookie Policy
The Site uses cookies to record users' preferences in relation to the functionality of accessibility. We, our Affiliates, and our Vendors may store and access cookies on a device, and process personal data including unique identifiers sent by a device, to personalise content, tailor, and report on advertising and to analyse our traffic. By clicking “I’m fine with this”, you are allowing the use of these cookies. Please refer to the help guide of your browser for further information on cookies, including how to disable them. Review our Privacy & Cookie Notice.