3D Printing Market Share: Unveiling the 25 Key Players Shaping the Future [2024] 🖨️

Video: Why 3D printing is vital to success of US manufacturing | FT Film.







Remember that time you saw a 3D printer in action and thought, “Wow, I can print anything!”? Well, you weren’t wrong. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is transforming the way we design, create, and manufacture objects, and the market is exploding. But who are the giants leading this revolution? This article dives into the 3D printing market share, revealing the 25 key players who are shaping the future of this exciting industry. We’ll explore the technologies, materials, applications, and key players driving this incredible growth, so you can get a clear picture of who’s making waves in the 3D printing world. We’ll also delve into the challenges and opportunities facing this industry, giving you insights into what to expect in the years to come.

Ready to discover the companies that are printing the future? Let’s get started!

Quick Answer #quick-answer

Here are the key takeaways from this article about the 3D printing market share:

  • The global 3D printing market is booming, projected to reach USD 68.2 billion by 2032.
  • 25 key players are shaping the market, including Stratasys, 3D Systems, Materialise, EOS, GE, ExOne, Voxeljet, HP, SLM Solutions, Proto Labs, Optomec, Ultimaker, Renishaw, Beijing Tiertime, XYZprinting, and more.
  • The market is segmented by offering (printers, materials, software, services), process, technology, application, and vertical.
  • Key drivers of growth include lower manufacturing costs, faster prototyping, greater design flexibility, improved sustainability, and increased customization.
  • Challenges include high initial investment costs, limited material availability, and a lack of skilled labor.

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Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts #quick-tips-and-facts

3D printing is booming! The global 3D printing market is predicted to reach a whopping USD 68.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.4%. 🤯 That’s a lot of plastic (and metal!) being printed.

The 3D printing market is diverse and includes everything from desktop printers to industrial-grade machines. You can find 3D printers for everything from creating prototypes to manufacturing finished products.

There are many different 3D printing technologies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most common technologies include Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

The 3D printing market is driven by several factors, including:

  • Lower manufacturing costs
  • Increased customization
  • Faster prototyping
  • Greater design flexibility
  • Improved sustainability

But there are also some challenges facing the 3D printing market, such as:

  • High initial investment costs
  • Limited material availability
  • Lack of skilled labor

Don’t worry, though! The 3D printing market is still in its early stages of development, and we’re constantly seeing new innovations and advancements. The future of 3D printing is bright!

Want to learn more about the latest statistics about 3D printing? Check out this article: Statistics About 3D Printing.

The Rise of 3D Printing: A History of Innovation #the-rise-of-3d-printing-a-history-of-innovation

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The story of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a captivating journey of innovation that has revolutionized the way we design, create, and manufacture objects. It’s a story that goes back decades, with roots in rapid prototyping and computer-aided design (CAD).

The early days:

  • 1980s: The first 3D printing technologies emerged, with stereolithography (SLA) being the pioneer. This method used UV light to solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer.
  • 1986: 3D Systems, a company founded by Chuck Hull, introduced the first commercially available SLA machine, the SLA-1. This marked a turning point, opening up the possibility of creating physical models from digital designs.
  • 1987: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) was invented by Scott Crump, who founded Stratasys. FDM became popular because it used less expensive materials and was more accessible than SLA.

The rise of desktop 3D printing:

  • Early 2000s: The development of RepRap, an open-source 3D printer, made 3D printing more accessible to hobbyists and educators.
  • 2009: MakerBot, one of the first companies to offer affordable desktop 3D printers, launched its first product, the MakerBot Cupcake CNC. This marked a significant shift in the 3D printing market, making 3D printing more mainstream.

3D printing enters the mainstream:

  • 2010s: 3D printing technology continued to advance, with new materials, processes, and applications emerging.
  • 2014: The Maker Faire event became a global phenomenon, showcasing the creativity and innovation happening in the 3D printing community.
  • 2010s-present: The use of 3D printing in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods, has exploded.

The future of 3D printing:

  • Continued innovation: We can expect to see even more advanced materials, processes, and applications in the years to come.
  • Increased adoption: 3D printing is likely to become even more integrated into our lives, from manufacturing to healthcare to education.
  • Sustainability: 3D printing has the potential to reduce waste and improve sustainability in manufacturing.

The story of 3D printing is just beginning. We’re excited to see what the future holds for this transformative technology!

Understanding the 3D Printing Market Landscape #understanding-the-3d-printing-market-landscape

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The 3D printing market is a complex and rapidly evolving landscape. To understand it, we need to look at the different segments that make up this industry.

3D Printing Technology: The Building Blocks of Innovation

The foundation of the 3D printing market is the different technologies used to create physical objects from digital designs. Each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, which determine its suitability for different applications. Here are some of the most common 3D printing technologies:

  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM is the most common 3D printing technology, known for its affordability and versatility. It works by extruding a thermoplastic filament, layer by layer, to build up a 3D object. FDM is well-suited for prototypes, educational projects, and low-volume production.
  • Stereolithography (SLA): SLA is a more precise and accurate technology that uses a UV laser to solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer. SLA is known for its smooth surface finish and high detail, making it ideal for prototypes, dental models, and jewelry.
  • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): SLS uses a laser to fuse powdered materials, layer by layer, to create a solid object. SLS is often used for functional prototypes, tooling, and high-performance parts, as it can handle a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and ceramics.
  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): DMLS is a specialized technology that uses a laser to fuse metal powder, layer by layer, to create complex metal parts. DMLS is commonly used in the aerospace, medical, and automotive industries for its ability to create intricate and durable metal components.
  • Other Technologies: There are many other 3D printing technologies, including Vat Photopolymerization (VPP), Material Jetting (MJ), Binder Jetting (BJ), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). These technologies offer different advantages and are used in specific applications.

3D Printing Materials: The Substance of Creation

The materials used in 3D printing are just as important as the technology. The choice of material will determine the properties of the final object, such as its strength, durability, and appearance. Some of the most common 3D printing materials include:

  • Plastics: Plastics are the most widely used 3D printing materials, offering a wide range of properties and affordability. Some common plastics used in 3D printing include ABS, PLA, PETG, and Nylon.
  • Metals: Metal 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows for the creation of complex and durable metal parts. Some common metals used in 3D printing include aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and bronze.
  • Ceramics: Ceramics offer high strength, durability, and heat resistance, making them suitable for applications in the aerospace, medical, and energy industries.
  • Other Materials: Other materials used in 3D printing include composites, wood, and concrete. These materials offer unique properties and are used in specific applications.

3D Printing Applications: The Possibilities are Endless

The applications of 3D printing are as diverse as the technologies and materials used. 3D printing is being used in a wide range of industries, including:

  • Prototyping: 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, enabling designers to quickly create physical models of their designs and test them before committing to production.
  • Manufacturing: 3D printing is being used to manufacture finished products, including tools, jigs, fixtures, and even complex components for aerospace and medical devices.
  • Healthcare: 3D printing is revolutionizing healthcare, with applications in prosthetics, surgical guides, and personalized medicine.
  • Education: 3D printing is being used in schools and universities to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing.
  • Consumer Goods: 3D printing is being used to create personalized products, including jewelry, toys, and home decor.

3D Printing Market Players: The Key Drivers of Growth

The 3D printing market is driven by a number of key players, including:

  • Printer Manufacturers: Companies like Stratasys, 3D Systems, HP, and Ultimaker manufacture a wide range of 3D printers, from desktop models to industrial-grade machines.
  • Material Suppliers: Companies like BASF, Evonik, and Arkema supply a wide range of materials for 3D printing, including plastics, metals, and ceramics.
  • Software Developers: Companies like Autodesk, Siemens, and Dassault Systèmes develop software for 3D design, modeling, and printing.
  • Service Providers: Companies like Materialise, Shapeways, and Protolabs offer 3D printing services, including design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

The 3D printing market is constantly evolving, with new players entering the market and existing players expanding their offerings. This dynamic landscape makes it an exciting and innovative industry to watch.

Key Players Shaping the 3D Printing Market #key-players-shaping-the-3d-printing-market

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The 3D printing market is a dynamic landscape, with a diverse range of companies vying for market share. Some of the key players shaping this industry include:

1. Stratasys Ltd. (1989, Israel):

  • Focus: 3D printing technology for industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and tech giants.
  • Offerings: Hardware, software, materials, consulting, training, and end-to-end support.
  • Strengths: Wide range of 3D printing technologies, including FDM, PolyJet, and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Strong focus on innovation and customer support.
  • Website: Stratasys Official Website

2. 3D Systems, Inc. (1986, California):

  • Focus: Additive manufacturing innovator with hardware, software, and material solutions for various industries, including plastics and metals.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, software, and services.
  • Strengths: Pioneer in 3D printing, with a wide range of technologies and materials. Strong focus on research and development.
  • Website: 3D Systems Official Website

3. Materialise NV (1990, Belgium):

  • Focus: Combines software development with a large 3D printing facility. Offers software solutions and 3D printing services for healthcare, automotive, aerospace, art, and consumer goods.
  • Offerings: Software, 3D printing services, and materials.
  • Strengths: Strong expertise in software development and 3D printing services. Wide range of applications and industries served.
  • Website: Materialise Official Website

4. EOS GmbH (1989, Germany):

  • Focus: Leading provider of industrial 3D printing for metals and plastics. Offers responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology.
  • Offerings: Industrial 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and metal 3D printing. Known for its high-quality products and services.
  • Website: EOS Official Website

5. General Electric Company (1892, New York):

  • Focus: World leader in metal additive design and manufacturing. Utilizes 3D printing for various applications, including ultrasound transducers.
  • Offerings: 3D printing services, materials, and software.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on metal 3D printing and aerospace applications. Known for its innovation and expertise in additive manufacturing.
  • Website: GE Official Website

6. The ExOne Company (Desktop Metal Inc.) (1995, Pennsylvania):

  • Focus: Global leader in industrial 3D printing systems. Uses Binder Jetting technology for metal, sand, or ceramic materials.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and Binder Jetting technology. Known for its high-volume production capabilities.
  • Website: ExOne Official Website

7. Voxeljet AG (1999, Friedberg):

  • Focus: Global innovator and technology driver for advanced 3D printing systems and solutions in production environments.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and large-scale 3D printing. Known for its innovative technologies and solutions.
  • Website: Voxeljet Official Website

8. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (1939, California):

  • Focus: Aims to make life better for everyone through technology. HP Personalization partners with 3D printing to make ideas a reality.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on consumer applications and 3D printing for mass customization. Known for its innovative technologies and solutions.
  • Website: HP Official Website

9. SLM Solutions Group AG (2006, Lubeck):

  • Focus: Leading provider of industrial metal 3D printing machines focused on metal additive manufacturing and multi-laser technology.
  • Offerings: Industrial 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and metal 3D printing. Known for its high-quality products and services.
  • Website: SLM Solutions Official Website

10. Proto Labs, Inc. (1999, Minnesota):

  • Focus: World’s fastest digital manufacturing source for rapid prototyping and on-demand production. Offers a wide range of 3D printers with reduced cost and increased speed to market.
  • Offerings: 3D printing services, materials, and software.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on rapid prototyping and on-demand production. Known for its fast turnaround times and high-quality products.
  • Website: Proto Labs Official Website

11. Optomec, Inc. (1982, New Mexico):

  • Focus: Offers production equipment and digital solutions for 3D printed metal and 3D printed electronics. Enables customers to print full 3D parts and add materials onto existing 3D parts.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and 3D printed electronics. Known for its innovative technologies and solutions.
  • Website: Optomec Official Website

12. Ultimaker BV (2011, Netherlands):

  • Focus: Market leader in desktop 3D printing with an open and easy-to-use solution of 3D printers, software, and materials.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and software.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on desktop 3D printing and open-source solutions. Known for its user-friendly products and services.
  • Website: Ultimaker Official Website

13. Renishaw Plc (1973, United Kingdom):

  • Focus: Systems manufacturer and solutions provider for additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing. One of the leading manufacturers of advanced metal additive manufacturing systems.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and metal 3D printing. Known for its high-quality products and services.
  • Website: Renishaw Official Website

14. Beijing Tiertime Technology Corporation Limited (2010, Beijing):

  • Focus: Delivers additive manufacturing solutions to a wide variety of fields, including science, mechanical engineering, industrial design, low-volume manufacturing, and education.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on industrial applications and a wide range of industries served. Known for its innovative technologies and solutions.
  • Website: Tiertime Official Website

15. XYZprinting, Inc. (2013, Taiwan):

  • Focus: Leading global provider of comprehensive 3D printing solutions. Offers desktop 3D printing products and services and is venturing into the industrial additive manufacturing arena.
  • Offerings: 3D printers, materials, and services.
  • Strengths: Strong focus on both desktop and industrial 3D printing. Known for its wide range of products and services.
  • Website: XYZprinting Official Website

These are just a few of the many companies shaping the 3D printing market. As this industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation and competition in the years to come.

Market Segmentation: A Deep Dive into the 3D Printing World #market-segmentation-a-deep-dive-into-the-3d-printing-world

Video: A Deep Dive into Metal 3D Printing | Ft. Emma Coury, Applications and Technology Specialist at BASF.






To truly understand the 3D printing market, we need to break it down into its various segments. This segmentation helps us to see the different trends, drivers, and challenges within each segment.

By Offering:

Segment Description Revenue Share in 2023
Printers Hardware used to create 3D objects from digital designs. 75.2%
Materials The substances used to create 3D objects, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and more.
Software Programs used to design, model, and control 3D printers.
Services Support services for 3D printing, including design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

Printers:

  • Industrial Printers: These high-performance printers are used in manufacturing, aerospace, and other industries where precision and durability are critical.
  • Desktop Printers: These more affordable printers are popular for hobbyists, educators, and small businesses.

Materials:

  • Plastics: The most widely used 3D printing materials, offering a wide range of properties and affordability.
  • Metals: Metal 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows for the creation of complex and durable metal parts.
  • Ceramics: Ceramics offer high strength, durability, and heat resistance, making them suitable for applications in the aerospace, medical, and energy industries.
  • Other Materials: Other materials used in 3D printing include composites, wood, and concrete.

By Process:

Segment Description
Powder Bed Fusion A process that uses a laser to fuse powdered materials, layer by layer, to create a solid object.
Material Extrusion A process that extrudes a thermoplastic filament, layer by layer, to build up a 3D object.
Vat Photopolymerization A process that uses a UV laser to solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer.
Material Jetting A process that deposits a liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Binder Jetting A process that uses a binder to fuse powdered materials, layer by layer, to create a solid object.
Other Processes Other 3D printing processes, including electron beam melting (EBM) and direct light projection (DLP).

By Technology:

Segment Description Revenue Share in 2023
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) A widely used 3D printing technology that extrudes a thermoplastic filament, layer by layer, to build up a 3D object.
Stereolithography (SLA) A precise and accurate 3D printing technology that uses a UV laser to solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer. 10.2%
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) A 3D printing technology that uses a laser to fuse powdered materials, layer by layer, to create a solid object.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) A specialized 3D printing technology that uses a laser to fuse metal powder, layer by layer, to create complex metal parts.
Polyjet/Multi Jet Printing (MJP) A 3D printing technology that uses a jetting process to deposit a liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Electron Beam Melting (EBM) A 3D printing technology that uses an electron beam to melt metal powder, layer by layer, to create a solid object.
Direct Light Projection (DLP) A 3D printing technology that uses a projector to solidify liquid photopolymer resin, layer by layer, to create a 3D object.
Other Technologies Other 3D printing technologies, including binder jetting (BJ) and vat polymerization (VPP).

By Application:

Segment Description Revenue Share in 2023
Prototyping The creation of physical models of designs for testing and evaluation. 53.4%
Functional Part Manufacturing The production of finished parts for use in various industries.
Tooling The creation of tools and molds for manufacturing processes.

Prototyping:

  • Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing allows for the creation of prototypes quickly and efficiently, enabling designers to test and refine their designs before committing to production.
  • Functional Prototypes: 3D printing can be used to create prototypes that are functional and can be used to test the performance of a product.

Functional Part Manufacturing:

  • Aerospace: 3D printing is being used to manufacture lightweight and durable parts for aircraft and spacecraft.
  • Medical: 3D printing is being used to create customized implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools.
  • Automotive: 3D printing is being used to manufacture lightweight and complex parts for vehicles.

Tooling:

  • Molds: 3D printing can be used to create molds for casting and injection molding processes.
  • Jigs and Fixtures: 3D printing can be used to create jigs and fixtures for manufacturing processes, which can help to improve efficiency and accuracy.

By Vertical:

Segment Description Revenue Share in 2023
Automotive The use of 3D printing in the automotive industry for prototyping, tooling, and production of finished parts. 24.5%
Aerospace & Defense The use of 3D printing in the aerospace and defense industries for prototyping, tooling, and production of finished parts.
Healthcare The use of 3D printing in the healthcare industry for prosthetics, surgical guides, and personalized medicine.
Consumer Goods The use of 3D printing in the consumer goods industry for creating personalized products and for mass customization.
Others Other industries that use 3D printing, such as education, construction, and energy.

Automotive:

  • Prototyping: 3D printing is used to create prototypes of new vehicle designs and components.
  • Tooling: 3D printing is used to create molds and jigs for the production of vehicle parts.
  • Production: 3D printing is being used to manufacture finished parts for vehicles, such as grilles, interior components, and engine parts.

Aerospace & Defense:

  • Prototyping: 3D printing is used to create prototypes of new aircraft and spacecraft designs and components.
  • Tooling: 3D printing is used to create molds and jigs for the production of aerospace parts.
  • Production: 3D printing is being used to manufacture finished parts for aircraft and spacecraft, such as engine parts, landing gear, and structural components.

Healthcare:

  • Prosthetics: 3D printing is used to create custom-fit prosthetics for patients with limb loss.
  • Surgical Guides: 3D printing is used to create personalized surgical guides that help surgeons to plan and perform complex surgeries.
  • Personalized Medicine: 3D printing is being used to create personalized medical devices, such as implants and drug delivery systems.

Consumer Goods:

  • Personalized Products: 3D printing is being used to create personalized products, such as jewelry, toys, and home decor.
  • Mass Customization: 3D printing is being used to create products that are tailored to the individual needs and preferences of consumers.

Other Industries:

  • Education: 3D printing is being used in schools and universities to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing.
  • Construction: 3D printing is being used to create custom-designed homes and other structures.
  • Energy: 3D printing is being used to create components for solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies.

3D Printing Technologies: A Look at the Players #3d-printing-technologies-a-look-at-the-players

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We’ve talked about the different 3D printing technologies and how they’re used, but let’s dive deeper into the players who are leading the charge in this exciting field.

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