3D Printing Filament Market Analysis

Global 3D Printing Filament Market Overview

3D Printing Filament Market Size was valued at USD 1.93 billion in 2023. The 3D Printing Filament industry is projected to grow from USD 2.4 billion in 2024 to USD 13.87 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.5% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). 3D printing filament is a thermoplastic material used as the raw material in 3D printing processes. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a technique that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital model. The filament serves as the "ink" or material that is extruded through the 3D printer's nozzle and deposited layer by layer to create the final object.

Increasing demand from the aerospace and automotive industries is driving 3D printing filament market growth. Both sectors benefit significantly from 3D printing's ability to create complex and lightweight parts with high precision and customization. In the aerospace industry, 3D printing filament allows manufacturers to produce intricate components, such as turbine blades and aircraft interiors, using advanced materials like high-performance polymers and composites. This enables enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced weight, and improved performance, which are critical factors for modern aircraft design.

However, environmental concerns regarding 3D-printed plastic products is anticipated to hamper the 3D Printing Filament Market growth. The widespread use of conventional plastic filaments, which are often derived from fossil fuels and non-biodegradable, contributes to increased plastic waste and pollution. Recycling challenges, energy consumption, emission of harmful fumes, and the limited availability of biodegradable options further compound the environmental impact.

Meanwhile, technological advancements in 3D Printing Filament production and increasing R&D investments is expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the target market.

Type: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

3D Printing Filament Market Trends

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  INCREASING DEMAND FROM THE AEROSPACE AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES

  
  

The 3D printing filament market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand from the aerospace and automotive industries. Both of these industries are turning to 3D printing to produce high-quality, custom parts that meet their specific needs and requirements. This trend is driving demand for a wide range of 3D printing filaments, including those made from high-performance materials like PEEK, PEI, and carbon fiber composites.

In the aerospace industry, 3D printing is being used to produce complex, lightweight parts that can be used in a variety of applications, including airframes, engines, and satellites. These parts are designed to meet high performance standards and are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure that they meet safety and durability requirements. By using 3D printing to produce these parts, aerospace companies are able to streamline their manufacturing processes and reduce costs, while also improving the speed and quality of their products.

The automotive industry is also adopting 3D printing, using it to produce a wide range of parts and components, including engine covers, gear shifters, and even entire car bodies. 3D printing is being used to create custom parts that can be optimized for strength, weight, and functionality, as well as for prototypes and small production runs. This allows automotive companies to quickly and easily test new designs and make modifications, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

In addition to the aerospace and automotive industries, 3D printing is also being used in the medical sector to produce custom prosthetics and implants, as well as in the consumer goods sector to produce items like phone cases, toys, and home decor. This diverse range of applications is driving demand for a wide range of 3D printing filaments, each with its own specific properties and benefits.

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  INCREASING DEMAND FOR MASS CUSTOMIZATION MANUFACTURING

  
  

One of the key driving factors for the growth of the 3D printing filament market is the increasing demand for mass customization. Mass customization refers to the ability to produce custom products in large quantities, at a relatively low cost. This is made possible by the use of advanced technologies such as 3D printing, which allows manufacturers to produce unique and customized products in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

In recent years, the demand for mass customization has grown significantly, particularly in industries such as consumer goods, fashion, and medical. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized products that are tailored to their specific needs and preferences, and 3D printing allows manufacturers to meet this demand by producing high-quality, customized products in large quantities. For example, in the fashion industry, 3D printing is being used to produce customized clothing and accessories. Customers can choose from a range of styles and materials, and their orders are produced quickly and cost-effectively, using 3D printing technology. In the medical sector, 3D printing is being used to produce custom prosthetics and implants, allowing patients to receive products that are tailored to their specific needs and body type.

3D Printing Filament Market Segment Insights

3D Printing Filament by Type Insights

Based on type, the 3D Printing Filament Market is segmented into Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyamide (PA), Polylactic Acid (PLA), Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Polyethylene (PE), Polycarbonate ABS alloy (PC-ABS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), and Others. Among these, the Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament is the most widely used material in 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic material that is melted and extruded through a nozzle to create a 3D object layer by layer. The melted plastic cools quickly and solidifies, creating a strong and durable object. Advantages of using Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament in 3D printing include affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filaments are also versatile, with a wide range of properties and strengths that make them suitable for a variety of applications. The use of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament in 3D printing is growing as the technology becomes more widely adopted and new applications are discovered. The growth of the 3D printing market is expected to drive further innovation and development in Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament technology, offering new and exciting opportunities for makers, engineers, and product designers.

3D Printing Filament by End-user Insights

By End-user, the global market is segmented into Aerospace & Defense, Medical & Dental, Automotive, Electronics, Others. Among these, the Aerospace & Defense segment emerged as the leading and the fastest-growing segment with a CAGR of 21.2%. The segment is projected to reach a value of USD 2,757.51 million by the end of the forecast period. The aerospace and defense industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of the 3D printing filament market. This industry is adopting 3D printing as a means of producing complex parts and components with reduced lead times and costs, while also enabling greater design freedom and functional integration. 3D printing filaments are being used in aerospace and defense to produce various parts, such as engine components, air ducts, cabin interiors, and structural components. The use of high-performance filaments provides aerospace and defense manufacturers with the strength and durability needed for high-stress applications. In addition, 3D printing is also being used for prototyping and tooling applications, allowing engineers to test and refine designs before committing to large-scale production. Overall, the aerospace and defense industry is expected to continue to be a major adopter of 3D printing technology, particularly for the production of high-performance parts and components. The growth of the aerospace and defense sector is expected to drive further innovation and development in the 3D printing filament market, offering new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers.

The medical & dental segment accounted for the second-largest growing segment with a healthy CAGR of 26.5%. The medical and dental industries have been quick to adopt 3D printing technology, and the 3D printing filament market has responded with the development of specialized materials for these applications. In medical applications, 3D printing is used to produce customized implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools. The use of 3D printing allows for precise and accurate production of these items, which can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. In dentistry, 3D printing is used to produce dental implants, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices. The technology allows for the production of highly accurate and precise dental devices that can be customized to fit each patient's mouth. Materials used in medical and dental 3D printing applications include biocompatible plastics, such as PCL (Polycaprolactone) and PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), as well as metal alloys, such as titanium and cobalt-chromium. These materials must meet strict regulatory requirements to ensure that they are safe for use in the human body. Overall, the use of 3D printing in the medical and dental industries is growing and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by the demand for more personalized and precise medical devices. The development of specialized materials and the increasing sophistication of 3D printing technology are expected to further drive growth in this area.

3D Printing Filament Regional Insights

By region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, The North American region has been a leader in the adoption and development of 3D printing technology and its associated markets, including the 3D printing filament market. The region is home to some of the world's largest and most innovative companies, which have been early adopters of 3D printing technology. This, combined with the region's highly developed infrastructure and strong economy, has made North America a hub for 3D printing innovation and growth.

The 3D printing filament market in North America has experienced significant growth in recent years. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing demand for 3D printing in various industries, technological advancements, and increasing awareness about the potential of 3D printing. The region's thriving manufacturing and technology industries, as well as its large consumer base, have also been key drivers of growth. North America is home to several of the world's leading manufacturers of 3D printing filaments, including companies such as 3D Systems, Stratasys, and HP. These companies have invested heavily in research and development and have been at the forefront of developing new and innovative filaments that offer improved performance and new applications.

In conclusion, the North American 3D printing filament market is a rapidly growing and highly dynamic industry, driven by innovation and demand from a wide range of industries and applications. The region is home to some of the world's largest and most innovative companies and is a hub for the development of new and innovative filaments that are shaping the future of 3D printing technology.

3D Printing Filament Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The competitive landscape of the 3D printing filament market is highly fragmented, with a large number of players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include, Stratasys, Ltd., 3D Systems Corporation, Arkema S.A., Koninklijke Dsm N.V and others. These players are competing on the basis of factors such as product quality, pricing, innovation, and customer service. The market is also characterized by continuous product innovations and new product launches, leading to intense competition. Moreover, the increasing demand for 3D printing technology and the growing popularity of 3D printing in various industries are driving the growth of the market.

Stratasys Ltd.: Stratasys Ltd. is a leading provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions. The company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Rehovot, Israel. It has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Stratasys offers a wide range of 3D printing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and PolyJet technology. The company's products are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and education.

Stratasys is committed to innovation and has developed a number of industry-leading 3D printing solutions, such as the Connex3, Fortus 900mc, and Objet260 3D printers. The company also provides a range of materials, including thermoplastics, photopolymers, and composites, to meet the needs of its customers. In addition to its 3D printing solutions, Stratasys also offers a range of software and services, including product design and development, reverse engineering, and prototyping. The company's software solutions include GrabCAD Print, Insight, and GrabCAD Workbench, among others.

Stratasys has a strong reputation in the industry and has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovation and leadership in the 3D printing market. The company is committed to driving growth and expanding its market presence, and is well-positioned to continue to play a key role in the future of 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

3D Systems Corporation: 3D Systems Corporation is a global provider of 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 3D Systems offers a range of products and services, including 3D printers, materials, software, and services. The company's products and services are used by a variety of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. 3D Systems also provides digital manufacturing solutions, such as rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing, to help companies produce parts and products more efficiently. The company has a strong presence in the global market, with a network of over 200 dealers and distributors in over 50 countries. 3D Systems has also established partnerships with a number of leading companies in various industries, allowing the company to leverage its expertise and technology to offer comprehensive solutions to its customers. 3D Systems is committed to innovation and is constantly developing new solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The company has invested heavily in research and development, and has a strong patent portfolio that protects its intellectual property. With its broad range of products, services, and expertise, 3D Systems is well positioned to continue its growth and success in the years ahead.

Key Companies in the 3D Printing Filament Market includes.

• Stratasys Ltd


• 3D Systems Corporation


• Arkema SA


• Materialise NV


• Evonik Industries AG


• Koninklijke Dsm N.V.


• SABIC


• Clariant


• HP Inc.


• Dow Inc.

3D Printing Filament Industry Developments

February 2021:  Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) partnered with Stratasys Ltd. for 2021 Supercar Championship. The WAU team will leverage Stratasys FDM Printers to produce prototypes of customized parts on the Supercars, as well as tooling and fixtures for production within the Walkinshaw Group who are a global leader in the design, engineering, development, and marketing of performance vehicles, and has significant motor sport interests in Australia and the UK.

January 2021: Stratasys Ltd., acquired UK-based RP Support Ltd. (RPS), a provider of industrial stereolithography 3D printers and solutions. RPS’ complementary technology expands Stratasys’ polymer suite of solutions across the product life cycle, from concept modeling to manufacturing. Stratasys will leverage its industry-leading go-to-market infrastructure to offer RPS’ Neo® line of systems to the global market with an expanded set of applications.

January 2021: 3D Systems expands into bio printing with breakthrough in lung regeneration. 3D Systems is expanding its research activities with an emphasis on regenerative medicine and bio printing solutions. This decision was motivated by the immense progress made in partnership with United Therapeutics Corporation and its organ processing and transplantation subsidiary, Lung Biotechnology PBC, in designing 3D printing systems for solid-organ scaffolding and human lung regeneration.

February 2021, 3D Systems to collaborate with US Army and partners on virtual design and qualification project 3D Systems Company, was chosen by Raytheon Technology, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, and the Combat Capability Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) as part of a research project entitled 'Research for Virtual Design and Qualification Process for Additively Produced Parts Designed for Multi-Laser Machines.' 3D Systems will collaborate with Raytheon Technology, the Penn State Applied Science Centre, Johns Hopkins University, and Identify3D to refine the component compared to the Army modernization product to increase cooling and enhance overall system performance.

3D Printing Filament Market Segmentation

3D Printing Filament Type Outlook

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)


• Polyamide (PA)


• Polylactic Acid (PLA)


• Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)


• Polyethylene (PE)


• Polycarbonate ABS alloy (PC-ABS)


• Polyoxymethylene (POM)


• Others

3D Printing Filament End-user Outlook

• Concrete


• Aerospace & Defense


• Medical & Dental


• Automotive


• Electronics


• Others

3D Printing Filament Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Russia
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Latin America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  • Rest of Latin America
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • GCC
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa