3D PRINTING EXTRUSION MATERIALS MARKET ANALYSIS

The global 3D printing extrusion materials market size was valued at US$ 3.69 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 12.77 Bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The increasing demand for 3D printing in various end-use industries, such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods, is driving the growth of the market.

The 3D printing extrusion materials market includes a wide range of materials that can be used in the extrusion process such as thermoplastics, thermoplastic composites, metals, ceramics, and even food-grade materials. These materials come in the form of filaments or pellets that are compatible with extrusion-based 3D printers.

The demand for 3D printing extrusion materials has been increasing due to the growing adoption of 3D printing technology across various industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods, and others. With the ability to rapidly prototype and manufacture complex geometries, 3D printing has become a valuable tool for product development and production.

Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Regional Insights

• North America: North America is expected to dominate the global 3D printing extrusion materials market during the forecast period. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. The presence of a large number of 3D printing companies and government initiatives to promote the use of 3D printing technology are also driving the growth of the market in North America. This region holds a substantial percentage of the market share, accounting for approximately 37.0%.
• Europe: Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for 3D printing extrusion materials during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology in the automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries. The presence of a large number of 3D printing companies and government initiatives to promote the use of 3D printing technology are also driving the growth of the market in Europe, and Europe holds around 27% of the market share.
• Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for 3D printing extrusion materials during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology in the automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries. The rising disposable income of consumers in the region is also expected to drive the growth of the market. Asia Pacific accounts for approximately 24% of the market share.

Figure 1. Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Share (%), by Region, 2023 

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Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Drivers:

• Advancements in Material Formulations: There is continuous research and development in the field of 3D printing materials, leading to the formulation of new materials with improved properties and compatibility with extrusion-based 3D printing. Innovations in material formulations, such as high-performance polymers, composites, and metal filaments, expand the range of applications and increase the demand for extrusion materials.
• Increasing Adoption of 3D Printing Technology: The adoption of 3D printing technology is growing across various industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer goods, and others. 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, customized manufacturing, and complex geometries, which enhances product development and manufacturing capabilities. As the adoption of 3D printing increases, so does the demand for extrusion materials.
• Customization and On-demand manufacturing: 3D printing enables the production of highly customized and on-demand products. With extrusion-based 3D printing, manufacturers can quickly produce unique parts and components without the need for expensive tooling or molds. This capability is particularly valuable in industries like healthcare, where personalized medical devices and prosthetics are in high demand.
• Cost and Time Savings: 3D printing can offer significant cost and time savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The ability to produce complex designs as a single, integrated piece reduces the need for assembly and reduces material waste. Additionally, 3D printing eliminates the need for extensive tooling and allows for faster iteration cycles in the product development process.

 Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Opportunities:

• Expanded Material Portfolio: There is an opportunity to expand the range of materials available for extrusion-based 3D printing. Research and development efforts can focus on developing new materials with enhanced properties such as improved strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and conductivity. Expanding the material portfolio will enable the use of 3D printing in a wider range of applications and industries.
• Customized and Personalized Products: 3D printing enables the production of highly customized and personalized products. There is an opportunity to leverage extrusion materials to cater to specific customer needs such as customized medical implants, personalized consumer products, and tailored automotive components. This customization capability can lead to increased customer satisfaction and create new market opportunities.
• Sustainable Materials: Sustainability is a growing focus across industries. There is an opportunity to develop and promote sustainable materials for extrusion-based 3D printing. This includes materials made from recycled sources, bio-based polymers, and materials with improved recyclability. Providing environmentally friendly options can attract environmentally conscious customers and align with sustainability initiatives.
• Emerging Markets: There is an opportunity to tap into emerging markets where 3D printing adoption is still in its early stages. Developing economies, in particular, offer potential growth opportunities as industries start to adopt 3D printing technology. By establishing a presence in these markets and offering suitable extrusion materials, companies can position themselves for long-term growth.

Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Trends:

• Material Diversification: The market is witnessing an increasing diversification of materials for extrusion-based 3D printing. Manufacturers are developing a broader range of materials including high-performance polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, and food-grade materials. This trend is driven by the need to meet specific application requirements and expand the potential applications of 3D printing.
• Enhanced Material Properties: Material formulations are being optimized to improve mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For example, there is a growing demand for materials with higher strength, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity. Manufacturers are also focusing on developing materials with better printability, reduced warping, and improved surface finish to enhance the overall print quality.
• Sustainable and Eco-friendly Materials: Sustainability is a growing concern across industries. The global 3D printing extrusion materials market is witnessing a trend towards the development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. This includes materials made from recycled sources, bio-based polymers, and materials with improved recyclability. Companies are actively working towards reducing the environmental impact of 3D printing by offering greener material options.
• Accessibility and Affordability: As 3D printing becomes more accessible and affordable, there is an increased demand for cost-effective extrusion materials. This trend is driven by the democratization of 3D printing technology, with smaller businesses, educational institutions, and individuals adopting 3D printing for prototyping, small-scale production, and personal projects.

Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Restraints:

• Material Properties and Performance Limitations: While there have been advancements in material formulations, some materials used in extrusion-based 3D printing may not possess the same properties as their conventionally manufactured counterparts. Material limitations can include lower mechanical strength, reduced heat resistance, or limited chemical resistance. These limitations can restrict the use of 3D printing in certain applications, particularly those with high-performance requirements.
• High Cost of Materials: While the cost of 3D printing has decreased over time, certain high-performance or specialized extrusion materials can still be expensive compared to traditional manufacturing materials. The higher cost of materials can be a deterrent for some industries, especially for large-scale production or cost-sensitive applications.
• Intellectual Property and Material Formulations: Protecting intellectual property and proprietary material formulations can be challenging in the 3D printing extrusion materials market. Reverse engineering of materials or unauthorized replication can impact the market share and profitability of material manufacturers.

Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Analyst’s Viewpoint

The global 3D printing extrusion materials market is poised to experience significant growth over the next decade. Major drivers of this market include increased adoption of additive manufacturing across several industries for rapid prototyping and mass production. Further boost will come from the growing demand for customized and personalized products across the automotive, consumer goods, and healthcare sectors.

Key opportunities lie in the development of new materials suitable for multi-material 3D printing as well as materials displaying properties like high strength, temperature, and chemical resistance. Market players should focus on innovating specialty extrusion filaments. Greater collaboration between material suppliers and 3D printer OEMs will also be critical for market growth.

Material prices continue to be a restraint. However, economies of scale and new production technologies are expected to drive down prices over the long term. Regulatory uncertainties around filament toxicity and lack of recycling options for some materials pose additional challenges.

North America holds the largest market share currently due to a strong presence of additive manufacturing companies. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region supported by government initiatives, low production costs, and the presence of key 3D printer and equipment manufacturers in China and Japan. The growing adoption in the construction and industrial sectors would further provide opportunities for regional players.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In March 2023, BASF, a global chemical company, launched a new line of 3D printing materials called Ultrafuse. The line includes a variety of materials such as PA6, PA12, and PC.
• In April 2023, ColorFabb launched a new line of 3D printing materials called XT. The line includes a variety of materials such as PA12, ABS, and PLA.
• In May 2023, Proto-Pasta launched a new line of 3D printing materials called HTPLA. The line includes a variety of materials such as HTPLA, HTPLA+, and HTPLA+ Carbon Fiber.

Acquisition and partnerships

• DSM Partnerships: DSM, a global science-based company, formed several partnerships in the 3D printing industry. For instance, in 2020, DSM partnered with Royal HaskoningDHV, a Dutch engineering and consulting firm, to develop 3D printed dykes for coastal protection. DSM has also collaborated with companies like Origin and Juggerbot 3D to advance material and printer technology in the 3D printing industry.

Figure 2. Global 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market Share (%), by Material Type, 2023

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Top Companies in the 3D Printing Extrusion Materials Market

• 3D Systems Corporation
• Stratasys Ltd.
• Materialise NV
• EOS GmbH
• Arkema S.A.
• SABIC
• Evonik Industries AG
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical Company
• HP Inc.
• Royal DSM N.V.
• EnvisionTEC GmbH
• CRP Group
• Carbon, Inc.

Definition: 3D printing extrusion materials refer to a diverse range of materials that are specifically designed and utilized in the extrusion-based 3D printing process. These materials, which can include thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, composites, and even food-grade substances, are formulated in the form of filaments or pellets that are compatible with extrusion-based 3D printers. They play a crucial role in enabling the creation of three-dimensional objects by melting and depositing successive layers of the material, allowing for rapid prototyping, customization, and the production of complex geometries across various industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods.