3D Printing Market Dynamics: Understanding Supply Chain And Demand Drivers

The global 3D printing market size was valued at USD 20.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to register a CAGR of 23.5% from 2024 to 2030. The aggressive research & development in three-dimensional printing and the growing demand for prototyping applications from various industry verticals, particularly healthcare, automotive, and aerospace & defense, are expected to drive the growth of the market.

The use of 3D printing in industrial applications is usually referred to as additive manufacturing (AM). Additive manufacturing involves a layer-by-layer addition of material to form an object, referring to a three-dimensional file, with the help of software and a 3-dimensional printer. A relevant 3D printing technology is selected from the available set of technologies to implement the process. The last step involves the deployment of this process across different industry verticals based on the necessity.

The deployment includes providing installation services, offering consultation solutions, and customer support, as well as handling aspects related to copyrights, licensing, and patenting. 3D printing is benefiting manufacturers in terms of prototyping, designing of the structure and end products, modeling, and time to market. As a result, the production expenses have been reduced considerably, and the manufacturers are in a position to offer better products at reasonable prices. As a result of these benefits, the demand for 3D printers is expected to be triggered more in the coming years.

However, the prevailing misconceptions with respect to the prototyping processes held by small and medium-scale manufacturers are hindering the adoption of additive manufacturing. Companies involved in designing, particularly small-scale and medium-scale enterprises, are deliberating before considering investments in prototyping as accountable investments rather than trying to understand the advantages and benefits of prototyping. The general notion prevailing among these enterprises is that prototyping is merely an expensive phase prior to manufacturing. Such perceptions regarding prototyping, coupled with the lack of technical knowledge and a looming lack of standard process controls, are expected to hinder market growth.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, 3D Systems, Inc. announced the launch of NextDent Cast and NextDent Base, two new printing materials, and NextDent LCD1, a printing platform. The materials are designed to enhance material properties, and the printing platform is an easy-to-use small-format printer. With these launches, the company aimed to aid its customers in accelerating additive manufacturing adoption.

• In November 2023, Autodesk Inc. announced the launch of Autodesk AI. This new technology is available in Autodesk products and is designed to provide customers with generative capabilities and intelligent assistance. With the launch of this new technology in Autodesk products, the company aimed to minimize errors by automating repetitive tasks and the needs of its customers.

• In February 2022, Dassault Systèmes has announced a strategic partnership with Cadence Design Systems, Inc. to provide integrated solutions for the development of high-performance electronic systems to enterprise customers in a variety of vertical markets, such as high tech, industrial equipment, and transportation and mobility, aerospace and defense, and healthcare.

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Key 3D Printing Company Insights

• 3D Systems, Inc. is the U.S.-based technology company. The company is involved in the development of Desktop 3D printing products and services such as 3D printers, materials, software, 3D scanners and virtual surgical simulators and haptic design tools. Additionally, the company serves its customers with 3D solutions to manufacture and design complex and unique parts, produce parts locally to reduce the lead time, and eliminate expensive tooling, among others. The company caters to numerous industries and verticals such as aerospace & defense, automotive, healthcare, educational, durable goods, and entertainment.

• Materialise is a Belgium-based technology company operating in the additive manufacturing industry. The company is actively involved in the field of Desktop 3D printing to develop a broad range of software solutions, Desktop 3D printing services, and engineering. The company primarily caters to the industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, and art & design.

• madeinspace.us is an American company engaged in the space-based Desktop 3D printing technology. The company specializes in the engineering, designing, and development of the 3D printers and solutions. The company’s 3D printers are majorly used in spatial environments such as microgravity and vacuum conditions.

• Voxeljet AG is a German technology company indulged in the mechanical and industrial engineering practices. The company is a manufacturer of three-dimensional printing systems. In addition, the company is operative in the on-demand manufacturing services of models & molds for the metal casting purposes worldwide. The company’s 3D printers operate based on the technologies such as powder binding and additive manufacturing to develop parts by utilizing different sets of materials such as particulate materials or proprietary chemical binding agents. Its major product offerings consist Desktop 3D printing a broad range of Desktop 3D printing systems and Desktop 3D printing materials.