3D printing materials market to be worth $16B in 2028

Following commercialisation in the 1990s, today 3D printing has established itself as an attractive manufacturing solution for prototyping and beyond. Materials suppliers are poised to capitalise on this unmet demand, with the 3D printing materials market to be worth $16B in 2028. This rapid growth is analysed, and implications evaluated in the latest market intelligence report from IDTechEx Research: 3D Printing Materials 2018-2028: Technology and Market Analysis.

 

 

As metal powders and photosensitive resins have the highest price points of all 3D printing materials, they will continue to generate the most annual revenue over the next ten years. However, demand for metal powders will dwarf demand for all other materials, as new innovations come to market intended to dramatically increase throughput and thanks to keen interest from consumers in the aerospace and medical industries. As such, metals' share of total annual revenues will grow to over 70% by 2028.

 

(pictured) At TCT in 2017, Carbon released their meter mix and dispense (MMD) unit developed in partnership with Henkel Adhesive Technologies, targeted at professional users looking to increase operational efficiency.

 

 

Increasingly, 3D printer companies looking to secure long term revenues are investing significant resources in the development of novel and superior materials. Start-up Carbon, recently valued at $1.7 billion, has been the subject of much media focus for diversifying the range of 3D printing polymeric materials. Metal printer manufacturers are also pursuing materials development as a revenue strategy: in 2017 both Desktop Metal and Markforged publicised new metal feedstocks that are poised to challenge loose metal powders. However, while these materials may offer alternative technical capabilities, proprietary materials are renowned for their high price point, a barrier that may drive consumers eager to find cost-effective solutions elsewhere. Hype-free analysis of the latest materials to hit the market and their growth potential is included in the report.

 

3D Printing Materials 2018-2028: Technology and Market Analysis

 

3D Printing Materials 2018-2028: Technology and Market Analysis shares insights into the main established material classes compatible with 3D printing including Photosensitive Resins, Thermoplastic Powders, Thermoplastic Filaments, Metal Powders, Metal Wire and Ceramic Powders. Key technological capabilities, printer compatibilities, strengths and weaknesses, manufacturers and example applications are discussed for each established material type. In addition, emerging materials have been recently developed, or that will be commercialised in 2018 are introduced, and their technological capabilities evaluated.

 

Readers of this new report by IDTechEx will gain a comprehensive view of 3D printing material types, applications and market demand. IDTechEx conducted exhaustive primary research with companies positioned throughout the entire 3D printing value chain for key insights into the trends impacting growth to 2028. Over 25 company profiles have been included in the report including Stratasys, 3D Systems, Carbon3D, Carpenter Technology, DSM Somos and Evonik, amongst others.