Global Polymer Additive Manufacturing Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2030

Global Polymer Additive Manufacturing Market to Reach US$44 Billion by 2030 with a Remarkable CAGR of 24.1%
Polymer additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the production of intricate and customized polymer parts. It involves the layer-by-layer deposition of materials using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create three-dimensional objects. This technology offers numerous advantages, including reduced lead times, cost-effective production, design flexibility, and the ability to manufacture complex geometries. Consequently, the polymer additive manufacturing market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. With the increasing adoption of 3D printing across various industries, the market for polymer additive manufacturing is poised for continued expansion.

Key Report Findings

• Substantial Revenue Growth: The polymer additive manufacturing market is expected to exhibit significant revenue growth between 2023 and 2030.
• Rising Demand for Lightweighting: The trend toward lightweighting, particularly in the automotive industry, is boosting the prospects of polymer additive manufacturing.
• Growing Adoption in Aerospace and Automotive: Polymer additive manufacturing has gained prominence in industries such as aerospace and automotive due to the demand for complex, lightweight, and strong parts.
• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Dominates: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology remains the most popular technique in the market.
• North America Leads, Asia Pacific Grows Strong: North America is expected to maintain its leadership position, while the Asia Pacific market is set for the most significant growth until 2030.

Growth Drivers

Development of Affordable, High-Performing 3D Printing Materials: The market's expansion is driven by the development of cost-effective, high-performance 3D printing materials. Innovative materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA) filament are increasingly used, catering to industrial demand for 3D printing. Collaboration between companies is also enabling the creation of economically viable selective laser sintering (SLS) printing processes for high-performance polymers.

Rising Adoption in the Automotive Sector: Polymer additive manufacturing is finding substantial application in the automotive sector. Major automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Ford, utilize this technology to produce final automotive parts. Polymer additive manufacturing allows for the production of components without the need for traditional tooling, offering design freedom and streamlined production processes. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with 3D printing in the automotive industry enhances efficiency, exemplified by Ford's use of robotic systems to manage 3D printers.

Market Challenges

Climbing Costs of Machinery and Materials: The polymer additive manufacturing market faces challenges associated with the costs of machinery and materials. Initial investments and ongoing expenses related to 3D printing equipment and materials can be prohibitive for some businesses, despite the technology's advantages. Additionally, specialized filaments and resins used in 3D printing can be more expensive than conventional manufacturing materials, impacting overall production costs.

Skills and Training Requirements: The operation and maintenance of 3D printing equipment may require specialized skills and training, adding to the cost of adoption. Post-processing procedures such as support removal, cleaning, and finishing can extend production time and raise labor costs.

Overview of Key Segments

FDM Remains a Leading Technology: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology holds the largest market share in 2022. Its ease of use, versatility, and increasing adoption across industries contribute to its dominance. FDM is expected to continue playing a significant role in the polymer additive manufacturing industry, driven by advancements in technology and the creation of novel materials.

Rising Demand from Electronics Industry: The consumer electronics industry led the market in 2022. Sensors play a crucial role in monitoring and improving the 3D printing process, enhancing control, efficiency, and product quality. Sensors enable real-time monitoring of variables such as temperature, humidity, and material flow, facilitating quality control and process improvement. The integration of sensors aligns with the Industry 4.0 concept, emphasizing data, automation, and connectivity.

Growth Opportunities Across Regions

North America - A Hub for 3D Printed Polymer Materials: North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the polymer additive manufacturing market. The region is home to established economies like the United States and Canada, known for early adoption of cutting-edge technology. The U.S. leads in 3D printing technology development and is a hub for 3D printer manufacturers, academic institutions, and tech firms. Government programs and investments in polymer additive manufacturing in the U.S. further promote market growth.

Noteworthy Prospects in Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region is poised for significant growth in the polymer additive manufacturing market, with emerging economies like China and India driving business expansion. The aerospace and automotive sectors in China contribute to the growing demand for polymer additive manufacturing. Government support for innovative manufacturing technologies, research, development, and acceptance of 3D printing technology accelerates market growth. Polymer additive manufacturing is increasingly adopted across industries in the Asia Pacific region for prototyping, tooling, and finished part production.

Polymer Additive Manufacturing Market: Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the polymer additive manufacturing market include 3D Systems, Protolabs, Arkema S.A., Xometry Inc., Covestro AG, DuPont, Inc., EOS GmbH, Hexagon AB, Evonik Industries AG, INTAMSYS, Stratasys Ltd., and Solvay S.A. These companies are at the forefront of advancing polymer additive manufacturing technologies and contributing to the transformation of manufacturing methods.