3D Printing Plastics Market by Type (Photopolymers, ABS & ASA, Polyamide/Nylon, Polylactic Acid, and Others), Form (Filament, Ink, and Powder), End-use (Automotive, Medical, Aerospace & Defense, and Consumer Goods), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

3D Printing Plastics Overview

3D printing plastics has become a cutting-edge technology in recent years with several uses across numerous sectors. By piling plastic components on top of one another this cutting-edge technique also known as additive manufacturing, produces three-dimensional items based on computer blueprints. Due to its adaptability, economy, and effectiveness, 3D printing plastics have experienced rapid market expansion. These polymers have a wide range of qualities such as toughness & adaptability and resistance to diverse environmental influences, they have so found uses in a variety of industries including aerospace & automotive & healthcare & consumer products, and education. The capacity to make complicated forms and patterns with relative simplicity is one of the key benefits of utilizing 3D printing plastics.

Global 3D Printing Plastics Market Analysis

The global 3d printing plastics market size was $986.7 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 24.5%, by generating a revenue of $8,465.2 million by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global 3D Printing Plastics Market

When the pandemic struck, the 3D printing plastics market faced disruptions in the supply chain. Many manufacturers and suppliers faced challenges in sourcing raw materials, causing delays in production and delivery. This situation caused a shortage of polymers for 3D printing, which had an impact on the market’s supply and material prices. Positively, the outbreak highlighted the advantages of 3D printing technology, namely its agility and capacity to react quickly to changing demands. During the health crisis, some businesses and sectors changed their attention to employing 3D printing to provide necessary medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other products. This shift showcased the versatility and potential of 3D printing plastics in addressing urgent needs during emergencies.

Growing Demand from Various Sectors Across the Globe to Drive the Market Growth

3D printing has transformed medical research client-specific implants and surgical planning leading to better patient results and improvements in healthcare. For students across many subject areas, 3D printing is a fantastic teaching tool that encourages creativity and practical learning experiences. By using 3D printing designers and artists can make their inventive conceptions come to life encouraging innovation and expanding the frontiers of art and design. The demand for 3D printing plastic is increasing from a variety of application sectors, including aerospace and defence, electrical and electronics, and healthcare, as it reduces project efforts, time, and costs. The increasing use of photopolymers and polyamide (nylon) materials in 3D printing due to their appealing properties is expected to drive the growth of the 3D printing plastics market during the forecast period.

Environmental Concerns Surrounding 3D Printing Plastics to Restrain the Market Growth

3D printing plastics are typically derived from petroleum-based sources (fossil fuels). This extraction process can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, affecting the overall climate and environmental health. Some 3D printing plastics may be challenging to recycle due to their mixed composition or the presence of additives. This limitation reduces the potential for a circular economy and sustainable use of resources. Not all 3D printing plastics possess the same mechanical properties as traditional injection-molded plastics, limiting their application in certain industries or products. These factors may restrict the growth of the 3D printing plastics market during the forecast period.

Advancements in 3D Printing Plastics to Drive Excellent Opportunities

3D printing will find its way into more industries including aerospace & automotive & healthcare and consumer goods also due to its ability to create complex geometries and customized components. The creation of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials that support a greener manufacturing process will be sparked by innovations in 3D printing plastics. Technology advancements will speed up 3D printing, making it possible to produce complex items more quickly. Advancements in remote printing technologies will enable printing from different locations, making it easier to access specialized manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, the development of innovative, stronger, lighter, and safer components and parts with shorter lead times and lower costs is expected to open up new opportunities for the global 3D printing plastic industry during the forecast period.

Global 3D Printing Plastics Market Share, by Type, 2022

The photopolymers sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Photopolymers have emerged as the prevailing choice among 3D printing plastics due to their unique characteristics and versatility. These resins are widely favored for their ability to solidify when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, typically from ultraviolet (UV) sources. This property allows for precise and controlled layer-by-layer curing, making photopolymers exceptionally suitable for additive manufacturing. One of the key reasons behind their dominance is the impressive level of detail they can achieve in 3D prints. For example, the photopolymer’s ability to cure in thin layers results in smoother surfaces and finer features, leading to high-quality finished products. Another significant advantage is the wide range of material options within the photopolymer family. All these factors are predicted to boost the sub-segment's growth over the forecast period.

Global 3D Printing Plastics Market Share, by Form, 2022

The filament sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Its usability is one of the main factors contributing to its supremacy. Because the filament comes in spool-like packaging, it is simple to handle and feed into 3D printers. Both professionals and enthusiasts have embraced filament-based 3D printing technology because of its user-friendly nature. Furthermore, a variety of materials are available with filament. Manufacturers have access to a variety of plastics including PLA & ABS & PETG and others to manufacture filaments, because each material has distinct qualities, such as being strong-to-flexible or heat-resistant the 3D printing technique may be used for a variety of purposes. In addition, filament-based 3D printing allows for precise and detailed printing. The fine control over the extrusion process ensures high-quality outputs with intricate designs, enabling professionals to create complex prototypes, customized products, and functional parts with ease.

Global 3D Printing Plastics Market Share, by End-use, 2022

The medical sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The medical sector has emerged as the leading end-user in the realm of 3D printing plastics due to its extensive array of applications and tangible benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike. This dominance can be attributed to several key factors. Medical applications often demand intricate and complex designs that can be challenging to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing allows for the production of such intricate structures with precision and accuracy, surpassing conventional techniques. 3D-printed models of patient anatomy aid surgeons in planning complex procedures. They offer a tangible representation that enhances understanding and improves surgical outcomes. Additionally, medical students benefit from realistic models for hands-on learning. Thus, the versatility, cost-effectiveness, and capacity for customization make 3D printing plastics an indispensable tool in the medical field. Its impact continues to grow as researchers and medical practitioners explore novel applications that improve patient care and medical outcomes.

Global 3D Printing Plastics Share, by Region, 2022-2032

The North American 3D printing plastics market generated the largest revenue in 2022, mainly because the region boasts a dynamic and innovative manufacturing landscape that has been quick to embrace cutting-edge technologies. This openness to exploration and experimentation has paved the way for the rapid integration of 3D printing technology in various industries. Furthermore, North America benefits from a robust network of research institutions & universities and private enterprises that actively contribute to the development and refinement of 3D printing techniques, these collaborative efforts have resulted in a continuous improvement of the technology making it more accessible & reliable, and versatile. The innovative manufacturing landscape & strong research and development network & entrepreneurial spirit & emphasis on sustainability & presence of skilled professionals, well-developed supply chain, and cultural openness to technological progress in the North America region are the major factors predicted to boost the regional market growth during the forecast period.

Competitive Scenario in the Global 3D Printing Plastics Market

Some of the top leading 3D printing plastics market players are 3D Systems Corporation, Arkema Inc., Envisiontec Inc, Stratasys Ltd., SABIC, Materialise nv, HP INC., Eos GmbH Electro Optical Systems, PolyOne Corporation, and Royal DSM N.V.