The global 3D printing polymer material market has made significant strides, exceeding a market value of US$900 million in 2021. Projections indicate a revenue growth exceeding 12% by the end of 2030. This substantial growth is propelled by diverse industrial applications and the increasing adoption of 3D printing technologies across various sectors.
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Market Analysis in Brief
Polymers, alongside ceramics and metals, are widely used materials in 3D printing. They are expected to remain the preferred material choice in the long term due to their extensive industrial applications. The surge in the consumer electronics industry continues to create business opportunities for the 3D printing polymer materials market. Additionally, the demand for industrial products is generating strong tailwinds for the industry. The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled the market, with increased demand for medical equipment, personal protective equipment, and isolation wards. Besides healthcare, key industries such as automotive and aerospace and defense are also driving the market.
Key Report Findings
Healthcare Industry Leads Demand The healthcare sector continues to generate remarkable demand for 3D printing polymer materials, driven by the need for customized medical components and equipment.
Aerospace and Defense Sector Growth The aerospace and defense industry’s increasing adoption of 3D printing technologies is elevating the market’s prospects.
North America at the Forefront North American markets lead the global 3D printing polymer material market, bolstered by government initiatives promoting additive manufacturing technology.
Asia Pacific’s Strengthening Position The unwavering growth of the automotive industry is solidifying Asia Pacific’s position in the 3D printing polymer material market.
Growth Drivers
Widening Application Base
While numerous commercially usable polymers are available, none possess all the required properties for specific applications. The environment, conditions (e.g., temperature, mechanical load, UV light, chemical exposure, radiation, and moisture), 3D printing method, availability, and processability under which the component is exposed must be considered. No single polymer available in the market can be printed using a single additive manufacturing technique. This allows for fluid design, complex macro and microstructures, and simple modeling and optimization. Consequently, additive manufacturing is embraced as a primary production method for printing prototypes and final components in industries such as biomedical engineering, transport, and the military. The 3D printing polymer material market is thus expected to witness promising growth in the near future.
Increasing Demand from Aerospace and Defense Sectors
The material selection for 3D printing polymer materials is product-focused, catering to customer requirements. Polymers are used to produce PET bottles, dolls, tools, luggage, phones, computers, appliances, cushions, electronics, and transportation parts, making them consumer products. The rising demand for 3D polymer printing, combined with the need for high-performance materials across various industries, is expected to drive market expansion.
The aerospace and defense, healthcare, and automotive sectors are likely to contribute significantly to the growth of 3D polymer printing due to the active adoption of technology in various production processes. The aviation industry, in particular, is embracing three-dimensional technologies to meet increased demand. In 2021, a total of 950 global commercial aircraft deliveries were made, indicating a growing market for 3D printing polymer materials in the coming years.
Rising Employment in Prototyping
A key driver for the 3D printing polymer material market is the increasing use of 3D printers for product design and prototypes. This method is associated with lower manufacturing costs and greater precision in the final product. 3D-printed car components, for example, are lighter, resulting in better vehicle performance and reduced energy use. In addition to rapid prototyping, the technique is also used to create tooling and, in some cases, finished goods. Global car sales grew to around 66.7 million units in 2021, up from approximately 63.8 million units in 2020. As the number of automobiles continues to rise, so will the demand for 3D polymer printing in the coming years.
Overview of Key Segments
Healthcare Industry Dominant
The healthcare end-use category led the market during the forecast period, accounting for a significant share of global revenue. The cost-effectiveness, ease of customization, and rising prevalence of vascular and arthritic illnesses are driving demand for 3D printing plastics in the medical industry. Enhanced technology, favorable government support, and rapid product development are expected to further boost demand for medical products.
The rising demand for medical components such as face shields, mask clips, 3D printed masks, and filter coverings due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to drive market growth. Additionally, the expansion of dentistry can be attributed to the increased use of polymer materials for creating scaffold structures because of their superior biological and mechanical qualities, simplicity of processing, low production cost, and lightweight nature compared to metals and ceramics.
Growth Opportunities Across Regions
North America Leads with Supportive Governments
North America led the global 3D printing polymer material market due to significant adoption of additive manufacturing. Factors such as better material usage, reduced human errors, product customization, and reduced production time and cost are driving the North American market. Countries like the United States and Canada were early adopters of this technology in various manufacturing processes.
The potential for polymer 3D printing in North America spans a range of applications. Government initiatives for 3D printing development and R&D financing are driving adoption. President Biden’s new plan in May 2022 aims to promote 3D printing technology, reduce reliance on the global supply chain, and boost investment in local and medium-sized firms. Consequently, increased initiatives by both private and public sector participants are expected to enhance the 3D printing polymer material market.
Asia Pacific Forms a Favorable Growth Environment
Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the fastest rate over the projection period. The region’s industrial advancements and upgrades contribute to the quick adoption of polymer 3D printing. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as an automobile manufacturing powerhouse, with over 34 million passenger autos expected to be sold in 2021, including over 21 million in China.
A focus on consumer electronics manufacturing and expanding urbanization are also contributing to the region’s growing need for 3D printing. Businesses in Asia Pacific are increasingly interested in creating a sustainable 3D printing environment, and regional governments have enacted various policies and legislative initiatives.
Global 3D Printing Polymer Material Market: Competitive Landscape
Major players in the 3D printing polymer material market include 3D System (US), Royal DSM (Netherlands), Stratasys Ltd. (US), EOS GmbH Electro Optical ExOne Company (US), Systems (Germany), Arkema S.A. (France), Materialise NV (Belgium), Sandvik AB (Sweden), General Electric (US), and Höganäs AB (Sweden).
Recent Notable Developments
In March 2022, the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) and 3D Systems, a leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions, agreed to extend the use of additive manufacturing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions, including the Middle East and North Africa.
In March 2022, Evonik, a specialty chemicals business, and Asiga, a 3D printer maker in Australia, announced a collaboration in photopolymer-based 3D printing. Both companies aim to advance large-scale industrial 3D printing by expanding the capabilities of current photo-curing technologies.
