3D Printing Market Report

The rising demand for 3D printing in the manufacturing of medical equipment is significantly escalating the market owing to the ability of 3D printing to make highly customized and complex medical devices. The technology offers great precision and accuracy crucial in the medical field where personalized solutions greatly enhance the results of the patients. The production of customized implants and prosthetics is one of the most notable applications of 3D printing. For instance, players such as Stratasys and Stryker lead this market by leveraging the technology to produce tailored orthopedic implants and prosthetic limbs specified to the anatomical needs of individuals.

Additionally, 3D printing is revolutionizing the production and usage of surgical instruments and models used for pre-operative planning. Surgeons, nowadays, are using 3D-printed body-specific anatomy models to plan complex surgeries more effectively which helps in the expansion of the market. For instance, the use of 3D-printed heart models has improved the planning and execution of cardiac surgeries allowing for better preparation and results. This application not only enhances patient care but also demonstrates the transformative potential of 3D printing technology in healthcare. According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, medical 3D printing appears to reduce operating room costs secondary to shortening procedure times by approximately US$ 1488 per case saved from reduced time.

Alternatives to 3D printing, such as injection moulding, CNC machining, and casting, offer significant advantages in producing strong and reliable products, potentially impacting the growth of the 3D printing market. These traditional manufacturing techniques beat 3D printing in creating high-strength, high-tensile components, which can be a downside for 3D printing, especially in applications requiring extreme durability and structural integrity. For instance, injection moulding is known for its capability to produce high-volume, consistent parts with excellent mechanical properties. The process is largely effective and can produce parts with high tensile strength and dimensional accuracy. Automotive components produced through injection moulding are known for their robustness and reliability, with materials such as metals providing exceptional strength. Injection moulding is particularly cost-effective for large runs, reducing per-unit costs as production scales.

CNC machining is another strong alternative, using computer-controlled tools to cut and shape solid materials into precise parts. It's suitable for producing high-strength components from metals such as aluminium, titanium, and stainless steel. CNC-crafted parts are used enormously in aerospace and defence sectors where strength and reliability are paramount. For instance, aircraft components made with CNC machining are designed to repel extreme conditions and stress. Casting ways, including sand casting and die casting, are also largely effective for creating durable and complex parts. Die casting, in particular, involves forcing molten metal into a mould under high pressure, resulting in parts with superior mechanical properties and surface finish.

Automotive engine blocks and transmission housings are frequently produced via die casting due to their need for high strength and durability. These techniques, with their focus on producing strong and reliable parts, can impact the adoption of 3D printing, which, while fast and cost-effective for prototyping and small-batch production, may struggle to match the strength and effectiveness of traditional manufacturing methods in high-demand applications. For instance, while 3D printing is increasingly used in medical implants, conventional styles like CNC machining and casting still dominate in high-strength applications due to their strength and reliability.

Technological advancements that took place in recent years have more or less affected every industry positively as the scope for innovations and developments is broadened. The 3D printing market has also seen significant innovations in the market. For instance, in June 2024, Ricoh USA, Inc. announced the launch of its fully managed on-site 3D-printing solution, RICOH All-In 3D Print which is designed to streamline the production of 3D-printed product prototypes and other additive manufacturing uses. This complete XaaS solution for additive manufacturing includes all the necessary components, such as state-of-the-art printing hardware, advanced 3D production software, specialized Ricoh labor, and essential supplies to propel businesses’ manufacturing capabilities forward with the power of rapid prototyping. In addition, in November 2022, Wipro 3D launched in India, an industrial-grade 3D printer that incorporates features such as automatic platform leveling, magnetic print bed, self-cleaning nozzle, and dual filtration to ensure user safety and high-quality 3D prints.

Similarly, in May 2023, HP announced new automation solutions, as well as expanded materials, software, and services to help its customers scale 3D printed parts production, on the opening day of RAPID+TCT 2023. HP also announced that Endeavor 3D, one of the new DMPs added metal jet 3D printing capabilities to its existing multi-jet fusion manufacturing services. The first of the two new automation solutions was the HP Jet Fusion 3D Powder Handling Automation Solution, which is pneumatically connected, closed-loop material processing system to minimize labor, as well as providing a cleaner, more efficient material flow, and enable quality control and operational traceability. The other solution was the HP Jet Fusion 3D Automation Accessory designed for customers with high volume production demands.

Similarly, in January 2024, 3DEO, a metal 3D printing service provider, announced it had received ‘significant investment’, which was secured after reviewing by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), from the Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and Seiko Epson Corporation (EPSON). Described as a ‘pivotal step’ in the States- based company’s expansion, the investment aims to support 3DEO’s growth strategies in North America and Japan, particularly for additive manufacturing (AM) operations in the semiconductor, aerospace, medical devices and equipment, and industrial markets. Similarly, in June 2024, Anisoprint introduced the Composer Nova composite 3D printer at TCT 3Sixty in Birmingham and TCT Asia in Shanghai. This model, sharing features with the Industrial Prom IS 500, includes up to four printheads and uses tool changer technology for enhanced productivity without compromising the use of support materials.

Similarly, in April 2024, Nikon Corporation unveiled its latest metal additive manufacturing system, the Lasermeister LM300A, alongside the Lasermeister SB100 3D scanner. Designed for industrial use, these innovations streamline the repair process for turbine blades and molds. Similarly, in June 2023, HeyGears, a leading provider of 3D printing technology and solutions, announced the global launch of its first desktop 3D printing solution available for consumers, the UltraCraft Reflex. The UltraCraft Reflex is an all-in-one production platform enabling users to realize their ideas faster and bring them to life. There are companies that cope with the battle of innovation through investments, partnerships, and collaborations. For instance, in May 2023, Fuji Corporation announced that it had agreed to a partnership with J.A.M.E.S. GmbH to promote the growth of additive electronics. Fuji had developed an electronics 3D printer called FPM Trinity, which combines resin substrate printing, circuit printing, and component mounting to enable the complete 3D printing of electronic devices in a single machine.

North America dominates the 3D printing market due to accelerating investment, technological invention, and prevalent acceptance of 3D printing technology across various industries. The United States, in particular, plays an important role due to its significance to research and development and the advanced technology ecosystem. Major players such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, and HP are leading the trend in the 3D printing market for prototyping as well as manufacturing. In the aerospace sector, players such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin use 3D printing in the manufacturing of parts of aircraft that have to be lighter. Boeing has constantly reported that 3D printing has significantly reduced its time of production and costs. Companies in the automotive sector such as Ford and General Motors also profit from 3D printing.

The Asia Pacific region is rapidly emerging as an important player in the 3D printing market owing to its adoption in its strong manufacturing installations. China, as a major manufacturing hub, leverages 3D printing for both industrial operations and consumer products. In China, players such as INTAMSYS and Unionfab are dominating the market as their technologies are used in the sectors of medical equipment, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. Japan’s commitment to technological innovation is apparent through companies such as Canon and Denso, which exercise 3D printing for prototyping and production. This supporting atmosphere of manufacturers and consumers all in one place fuels the growth of the market. Europe is one of the leading markets of 3D printing due to its strong industrial base and emphasis on technological innovation. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are at the forefront, with Germany leading in operations for aerospace and automotive diligence. German players such as Farsoon, Siemens, and BMW are leveraging the advantage of 3D printing.