3D Printing Plastics Market - By Type (Photopolymers, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polylactic Acid, Polyamide, Polyethylene Terephthalate) By Form, By End-user (Automotive, A&D, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Healthcare) & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

3D Printing Plastics Market Size

3D Printing Plastics Market was valued at over USD 2 billion in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 22% between 2024 and 2032. 3D printing plastics has gained traction across various sectors such as aviation, cars, medical care, household appliances, electronics and more. The benefits of additive manufacturing such as design flexibility, customization and optimization are a major contributor to industry growth. 3D printed plastics are highly advantageous for rapid prototyping and product development that help companies quickly iterate designs at low costs.
 

For instance, in July 2023, Curiteva, a technology and manufacturing company, launched Inspire Porous PEEK HAFUSE Cervical Interbody System, a 3D printed PEEK device. This advancement in additive manufacturing of polymers has introduced a fresh category of interbody fusion devices with optimal characteristics.
 

The 3D printing plastics market is being driven by customization and on-demand manufacturing. With this technology, manufacturers can make unique products that cater to individual preferences. This feature applies to healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and aerospace sectors, where there is considerable demand for specialized parts that perform certain functions. 3D printing simplifies manufacturing of plastic components in different markets since it only produces items when needed, thereby negating the need for stockpiling goods. In addition, quick turnaround time and fast response to changes in design iterations are some of the benefits realized through an agile manufacturing process with low inventories. For instance, in October 2023, nano3Dprint, a printing manufacturing company, launched a MatDep Pro 3D multi-material and electronics printer. The printer is targeted at innovators, engineers, entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and advanced at-home designers.
 

Unauthorized reproduction of patented or copyrighted designs presents a considerable challenge for holders of Intellectual Property (IP) rights. This is further compounded by the ready accessibility of 3D scanning and printing solutions, which facilitate design counterfeiting. For manufacturers, this implies possible counterfeit trade and loss of income and legal wrangles. This trend has led to the need for robust strategies addressing DRM (Digital Rights Management), enforcement of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) legislation and encouraging collaboration between stakeholders in developing responsible use license standards for the 3D printing plastics industry.
 

3D Printing Plastics Market Trends

The adoption of lightweighting and sustainability is a prominent trend in the 3D printing plastics industry. Firms are now looking for sustainable alternatives to conventional methods of production that create less waste and use fewer resources. Lightweighting is predominantly adopted by the automotive, aerospace and consumer electronics manufacturers to bring down the weight of their components, therefore resulting in better fuel efficiency, emission reductions and improved performance. For instance, in October 2023, KraussMaffei, a manufacturing company, launched powerPrint and precisionPrint granulate and resin 3D printers for industrial use. The existing product portfolio, which includes injection molding, extrusion and reaction process machinery will now be complemented by additive manufacturing.
 

A significant advancement in 3D printing technology involves innovations like binder jetting and continuous liquid interface production (CLIP). These advancements have led to the creation of high-speed printers capable of rapidly producing plastic parts without compromising quality. Furthermore, AI precision and efficiency in printing have improved due to the use of software algorithms. There is an increasing range of material capabilities including multi-material and multi-color capabilities, allowing more complex functional prototypes with different properties as well as end-use components. Additionally, new post-processing technologies, such as automating support removal or surface finishing, have simplified manufacturing processes and helped enhance the global standards that govern 3D printed plastics.
 

3D Printing Plastics Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into photopolymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and others. Photopolymers are witnessing significant growth in the 3D printing plastic market due to their unique properties and versatility. Photopolymer segment held the largest market share of over 35% in 2023. One of the key advantages of photopolymers is that they can be used to create parts with smooth surface finish and fine details which are ideal for use in such applications as jewelry, prototyping and dental. Photopolymers come in various varieties, allowing users to choose mechanical characteristics, opacity levels, transparency and colors that meet their needs. The development of photopolymer technologies has so far been aimed at improving the performance features as well as enhancing the practicality of 3D printing systems.
 

Based on end user, the market is segmented into automotive, aerospace & defense, manufacturing, consumer goods, healthcare, and others. The aerospace & defense segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 21% from 2024 to 2032. Due to the unique advantages offered by additive manufacturing technologies, the aerospace and defense sector is experiencing rapid growth in the 3D printing plastics industry. In aerospace, 3D printing plastics are used to manufacture aircraft components such as interior cabin parts, ducting systems, brackets, and engine components. The lightweight and high-performance parts contribute to fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and overall aircraft performance. Similarly, in defense, 3D printing plastics are utilized for prototyping, tooling, and producing critical components for military vehicles, weapons systems, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These characteristics aid in enhancing operational readiness while minimizing maintenance downtime through faster designs iterations of objects as well as on-demand production of parts during combat situations or other emergency circumstances.
 

North America accounted for 34% share in the global 3D printing plastics market in 2023. North America is home to numerous 3D printing technology suppliers, material providers, and end users who are in various industries such as aerospace, automobile, healthcare, and consumer products. The rise in additive manufacturing is driving up the demand for 3D printing plastics, mainly in industries such as aeronautics & automotive for rapid prototyping tooling and end component production. Moreover, a strong emphasis on research & development within the area combined with government interventions and funding has propelled market growth.
 

3D Printing Plastics Market Share

Stratasys and Arkema held a significant share of the 3D printing plastics industry in 2023. Stratasys is a 3D printers and 3D production systems manufacturing company, dealing in various sectors such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, education, and consumer products. It offers an array of additive manufacturing solutions that include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA) and PolyJet technologies.
 

Arkema is a global company that deals in specialty chemicals with activities in adhesives, coatings, advanced materials, and performance chemicals. The firm makes various commodities such as industrial chemicals, polymers as well as materials employed in multiple domains like construction, automotive industry, electronics packaging sector and renewable energy.
 

3D Printing Plastics Market Companies

Major players operating in the market are:

• Stratasys
• Arkema
• Ensinger
• Huntsman International LLC
• WOL 3D
• 3D Systems, Inc.
• BASF 
• SABIC
• Evonik Industries AG
• Henkel Corporation
• EOS
   

3D Printing Plastics Industry News

• In October 2023, 3D Systems, an additive manufacturing company, launched a cranial implant produced using its point-of-care technologies. This technology revolutionizes the field by enabling the on-demand creation of custom geometric patterns tailored to individual patients. The advantages of this innovation are significant, benefiting both surgeons and their patients.
   
• In July 2023, Peugeot, a global automotive manufacturing company, incorporated Stratasys’ 3DFashion technology in the interior of its new Inception concept car.
   

The 3D printing plastics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Photopolymers
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• Polylactic Acid (PLA)
• Polyamide
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG)
• Others

Market, By Form

• Filament
• Ink
• Powder

Market, By End-Use

• Automotive
• Aerospace & Defense
• Manufacturing
• Consumer Goods
• Healthcare
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA