3D printing materials market estimated to grow to US$8 bln by 2025

28-Dec-15

Developments in 3D Printing now allow a wider variety of materials to be printed. 3D Printing is no longer used only for one-off pieces and prototypes, but for final part production, so materials consumption is increasing dramatically. Seven key materials (photopolymers, thermoplastic filaments, thermoplastic powders, metal powders, sand and binder, and welding wire) are expected to have a total market of over US$8 bln by 2025, as per ReportBuyer. Gone are the days of 3D Printing being synonymous with Rapid Prototyping; the days of Additive Manufacturing are here. Since the 1980s, when 3D Printing was first commercialised, it has grown reasonably slowly, being adopted mostly for small scale prototyping. In 2009, Stratasys' key patent expired, the market place became flooded with cheap thermoplastic extruders, interest exploded, and the market for thermoplastic filament rocketed. It is expected to reach over $1B by 2025, despite the falling price per kg. This new interest inspired developments in many technologies to 3D print a wider variety of materials. A brief overview of each of these technologies is outlined in this report. But not all materials are equal. This report outlines the advantages and disadvantages of printing in different materials, the applications of each, and technical data on the properties of 3D printed materials, which often differ from their traditionally manufactured analogue. These new materials mean there has been space for many new companies, and also many acquisitions by 3D printer manufacturers. Information on start-ups, closures, mergers and acquisitions is included. No longer is 3D Printing used only for one-off pieces and prototypes, but for final part production of items with reduced and simplified assembly, quicker design iterations, greater design freedom, mass customisation and minimal material wastage. For these reasons, 3D Printing is already common in aerospace, orthopaedic, jewelry and dental sectors. Adoption is fast-growing in education, military, architecture, medical research, and automotive sectors. Nineteen end markets, including all of these have been investigated. The most common applications, technologies and materials vary by geography so the current markets and growth rates are split by region. Changes in use will lead to different growth rates for different materials.