Global 3D Printing Plastics Market Size By Type (Photopolymers, ABS & ASA, Polyamide, and PLA), Form (Filament, Ink, and Powder), Vertical (Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Heavy Industry, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Electronics & Electrical, & Others), and Region - Market Share, Trend Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, Historical Data, and Forecast 2023 - 2030

Market Perspective

The global 3D Printing Plastics Market was worth around USD 854.7 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow to around USD 5,210.6 million by 2030 at a CAGR of approximately 25.69% over 2023 - 2030.

3D printing plastics, also known as filament or resin materials, are essential components in additive manufacturing, a rapidly evolving technology that constructs three-dimensional objects layer by layer from digital designs. This market has witnessed substantial growth from various industry verticals due to increased adoption, advancements in 3D printing technology, and the versatility of plastics in printing applications. The development of eco-friendly and high-performance 3D printing plastics, the expansion of applications in aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods sectors, and the emergence of new players in the market are several factors further accelerating market growth. With continuous innovation in materials, increased customization of products, and the potential to revolutionize supply chains by enabling on-demand manufacturing have created potential demand for the market.

North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are attracting substantial investments from key market players owing to the presence of robust industry verticals such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and electronics. Deployment of strategic business models, such as partnerships, acquisitions, and R&D collaborations, among other strategies, is anticipated to bolster market reach in developing regions.

Key Insights

• Based on type, the photopolymers segment held the dominating position in 2022
• Based on form, the filament segment acquired the largest market share in 2022
• Based on vertical, the aerospace & defense segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period
• On the basis of region, North America accounted for the largest market share in 2022

Rapid Prototyping and Customization Drive 3D Printing Plastics Market Development

The need for rapid prototyping has a significant impact for rising demand for the technology. Traditionally, the process of designing and manufacturing a prototype involved multiple iterations and elongated lead times. However, with the advent of 3D printing technology, companies can swiftly create prototypes and iterate designs at a much faster pace. By leveraging 3D printing, businesses across industries can significantly reduce their time-to-market. This advantage is particularly crucial in today's fast-paced and competitive environment. The ability to quickly produce prototypes allows companies to test and refine their designs before committing to large-scale production. Consequently, this helps in minimizing risks and optimizing the final product.

Moreover, the versatility of 3D printing plastics plays a pivotal role in driving the adoption of this technology for rapid prototyping and customization. Unlike conventional manufacturing methods, which often involve labor-intensive processes and limited design possibilities, 3D printing plastics offer immense design freedom and flexibility. 3D printing plastics can be used to create complex geometries and intricate details that may pose a challenge when using traditional manufacturing techniques. This presents several opportunities for designers and engineers to push the boundaries of product development. From lightweight and durable components for aerospace applications to intricate and delicate designs for jewelry, 3D printing plastics offer a wide range of possibilities.

High Material Costs Restrain 3D Printing Plastics Market Expansion

High costs associated with 3D printing plastics pose a major restraint to market progress. While 3D printing offers numerous advantages, such as rapid prototyping and customization, the expense associated with quality 3D printing plastics remains a significant challenge. It particularly impacts the specialized applications that require specific properties or certifications. The high cost of 3D printing plastics can limit their adoption in certain industries, especially those with budget constraints or where economies of scale are crucial. Large-scale production may hindered by the financial burden imposed by expensive materials. Additionally, small businesses and startups may find it challenging to rationalize the cost of 3D printing plastics, which can inhibit their entry into the market.

Recent Development

January 2022- CRP Technology introduced the second version of Alba’s PocketQubes, named AlbaPod, in collaboration with Alba Orbital. 13 AlbaPods were deployed into SpaceX’s Transporter-3 mission using Falcon 9 rocket.

Segmentation Analysis

Based on type, the market is further segmented into photopolymers, ABS & ASA, polyamide, and PLA. The photopolymers segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to several benefits offered by photopolymers, particularly their light-sensitive properties that enable them to undergo physical and chemical transformations when exposed to light. As advancements in material formulations and printing technologies persist, photopolymers are expected to maintain their stronghold in the market, opening up new opportunities for innovation and growth in the field of 3D printing plastics.

Based on form, the market is divided into filament, ink, and powder. The filament segment dominated the market in 2022 and is anticipated to continue its dominance over 2023-2030 owing to the versatile features of filament and the increasing demand from various industrial applications such as food packaging, dinnerware, upholstery, and disposable clothing. Filament, as a widely used material in 3D printing, offers flexibility and compatibility with a range of printers. It can be made from various plastics, such as ABS and PLA, providing different properties and characteristics suitable for diverse applications. This adaptability has contributed to the widespread adoption of filament in industries requiring functional and aesthetically appealing 3D-printed products.

Based on vertical, the market is further categorized into healthcare, aerospace & defense, automotive, heavy industry, manufacturing, consumer goods, electronics & electrical, & others. The healthcare segment accounted for the highest value in 2022, primarily due to increased demand for medical applications driven by advancements in technology, favorable government support, and rapid product development. The healthcare segment is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. The increasing adoption of 3D printing technology in medical applications offers numerous benefits such as patient-specific treatments, reduced surgical times, and improved surgical outcomes. Moreover, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on enhancing the biocompatibility and sterilization properties of 3D-printed medical devices, further expanding their applications in areas such as organ transplantation, prosthetics, and surgical implants.

North America Emerged as the Dominating Region Owing to Established Industrial Sector

North America led the 3D printing plastics market in 2022 and is estimated to continue to hold the largest share over 2023-2030, largely attributed to its robust industrial and manufacturing sector. The region boasts a strong foundation of established industries that heavily rely on 3D printing technology, such as aerospace, healthcare, and automotive sectors. These industries drive demand for 3D printing plastics and foster a favorable ecosystem for regional market growth. The presence of key players in the 3D printing industry further bolsters North America's dominance. The region is home to prominent companies specializing in additive manufacturing, including industry giants and innovative startups. These players bring expertise, resources, and advanced technologies to the market. Moreover, North America's commitment to research and development plays a crucial role in its leading position in the global marketplace. The region attracts substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies, material advancements, and process optimization. This focus on innovation ensures that North America remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the 3D printing plastics market.

Asia Pacific to Witness Robust Growth Due to Expansion of Manufacturing Sector

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth between 2023 and 2030, fueled by the rapid expansion of the manufacturing sector. Countries such as China and India have witnessed significant industrial expansion, which has created a strong demand for 3D printing plastics for prototyping and production purposes. As these economies continue to grow, the need for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes becomes increasingly paramount, thereby driving the adoption of 3D printing technology.

Competitive Landscape

The global 3D printing plastics market is fragmented with key players such as Covestro AG, EOS, 3D Systems Corporation, Stratasys, Arkema, BASF SE, Evonik, SABIC, HP Development Company, L.P., and Avient Corporation. Companies employ a variety of strategic measures such as acquisitions, mergers, partnerships, product introductions, and collaborations to expand their business globally and enhance their competitive position.

The global 3D Printing Plastics Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Photopolymers
• ABS & ASA
• Polyamide
• PLA

By Form

• Filament
• Ink
• Powder

By Vertical

• Healthcare
• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Heavy Industry
• Manufacturing
• Consumer Goods
• Electronics & Electrical
• Others

By Region

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• U.K.
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• GCC
• South Africa
• North America
• Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America