3D Printing Materials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Photopolymers, Thermoplastics), By Application (Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Medical), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

3D Printing Materials Market Size & Trends

The global 3D printing materials market size was valued at USD 2.80 billion in 2024 and is expected to register a CAGR of 29.1% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to a significant surge in demand for manufacturing applications, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors, where lightweight components are essential. In addition, the trend toward mass customization allows for unique designs tailored to consumer needs, enhancing market appeal. Furthermore, advancements in material technology, including introducing high-performance materials such as graphene, are expanding application possibilities.

3D printing materials are substances used in additive manufacturing to create objects layer by layer, encompassing a variety of types such as plastics, metals, and resins. The aerospace sector is increasingly utilizing these materials due to their ability to produce lightweight components with complex geometries, reducing energy consumption and resource use. This shift leads to fuel savings and facilitates the production of spare parts for engines, which require regular replacements due to wear and tear.

In healthcare, 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the production of skin models for pharmaceutical testing, organ replicas for cancer research, and orthopedic implants. By accurately mimicking natural structures, 3D printing enhances research outcomes and creates customized medical solutions. Moreover, neurosurgeons benefit from 3D-printed models that simulate real patient conditions, improving surgical precision.

Furthermore, emerging trends indicate that innovations in regenerative medicine and personalized implants are expected to drive further growth in the 3D printing materials market. The dental sector is also witnessing a surge in 3D printing applications, including orthodontic devices and prosthetics. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to expand the market's potential across various industries while addressing current challenges related to material costs and accessibility.

Product Insights

The photopolymers led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.9% in 2024. This growth is attributed to their ability to produce complex and intricate designs with high precision. In addition, photopolymers facilitate rapid prototyping and are increasingly utilized in industries such as healthcare and automotive, where detailed models are essential. Their versatility allows for creating lightweight components that meet stringent performance standards. Furthermore, as demand for high-performance materials rises, photopolymers' ease of use and efficiency are expected to boost their market presence significantly.

Thermoplastics are expected to grow at a CAGR of 29.1% over the forecast period, owing to their low cost and favorable mechanical properties. These materials are highly sought after in aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors for their lightweight and durable characteristics. In addition, the ability to produce parts quickly with minimal waste further enhances their appeal, making thermoplastics a preferred choice for manufacturers aiming for cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, as industries continue to adopt 3D printing technologies, the demand for thermoplastics is anticipated to rise, driven by their adaptability and performance in various applications.

Applications Insights

The aerospace and defense sector dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 24.8% in 2024, driven by the need for lightweight, high-performance components that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce costs. In addition, adopting additive manufacturing allows for the production of complex geometries and customized parts, facilitating rapid prototyping and reducing lead times. Furthermore, with an increasing focus on sustainability and innovation, aerospace manufacturers are leveraging 3D printing technologies to create efficient designs that meet stringent performance standards while minimizing material waste, significantly boosting market demand.

The automotive segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30.2% over the forecast period, owing to the industry's shift towards lightweight components and rapid prototyping capabilities. In addition, as manufacturers seek to improve fuel efficiency and reduce production costs, 3D printing enables the creation of intricate designs that traditional methods cannot achieve. Furthermore, the ability to produce custom parts on demand enhances supply chain resilience and reduces inventory costs. Moreover, the automotive industry's increasing investment in advanced materials and technologies further propels the growth of 3D printing applications, making it a vital component in modern vehicle manufacturing.

Regional Insights

North America 3D printing materials market dominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 39.0% in 2024 attributed to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and technological innovation. In addition, the region benefits from a strong presence of major industry players and extensive investment in research and development. The demand for rapid prototyping and customized solutions across various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and automotive, further propels the market. Moreover, supportive government initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency contribute to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technologies.

U.S. 3D Printing Materials Market Trends

The 3D printing materials market in the U.S. dominated the North American market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by its robust aerospace and defense industries. The emphasis on lightweight components and rapid prototyping has increased the utilization of 3D printing technologies for manufacturing complex parts. Furthermore, the growing trend of digital manufacturing and customization in various sectors enhances the demand for innovative materials. As companies seek to optimize production processes and reduce costs, the U.S. market is expected to expand significantly in the coming years.

Asia Pacific 3D Printing Materials Market Trends

Asia Pacific 3D printing materials market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30.6% from 2025 to 2030, owing to a booming automotive industry and increasing urbanization. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of adopting additive manufacturing technologies. In addition, the rising disposable income and demand for customized products drive investments in 3D printing across various sectors. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting research and development further support the rapid expansion of 3D printing applications in this region.

The 3D printing materials market in China is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to experiencing rapid growth due to its expanding manufacturing sector and increasing adoption of advanced technologies. In addition, the country focuses on enhancing its aerospace, automotive, and healthcare capabilities through additive manufacturing. As Chinese manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the demand for high-performance 3D printing materials is expected to rise significantly. Moreover, government support for innovation and technology development is crucial in driving market growth.

Europe 3D Printing Materials Market Trends

Europe 3D printing materials market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, owing to is driven by advancements in technology and a strong focus on sustainability across various industries. Countries such as Germany are leading in adopting additive manufacturing technologies due to their robust engineering sector. In addition, the emphasis on reducing waste and improving production efficiency aligns with the principles of 3D printing. Furthermore, increasing investments in research and development foster innovation in material formulations, further propelling the growth of the 3D printing materials market in Europe.

The growth of the 3D printing materials market in Germany is driven by its strong industrial base and commitment to technological advancement. The country's focus on precision engineering and high-quality manufacturing has led to increased adoption of additive manufacturing solutions across sectors such as automotive and aerospace. Furthermore, Germany's initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices enhance the demand for innovative 3D printing materials that meet stringent environmental standards, contributing to continued market growth.

Key 3D Printing Materials Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the market include ATI, CNPC Powder, GKN Powder Metallurgy, and others. These companies adopt various strategies to enhance their competitive edge. These include launching innovative products that meet evolving industry demands, forming strategic partnerships to leverage complementary strengths, and engaging in mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence. In addition, companies focus on enhancing customer experience through improved service offerings and integrating advanced technologies, thereby driving growth and fostering collaboration across the 3D printing ecosystem.

• CNPC Powder offers diverse products, including iron-based, aluminum-based, nickel-based, copper-based, and titanium-based powders. These materials are primarily used in additive manufacturing processes in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. Operating in the metal powder segment of the 3D printing materials market, the company focuses on providing innovative solutions that enhance production efficiency and material performance across multiple applications.

• Colibrium Additive specializes in producing specialized thermoplastics and photopolymers designed for various additive manufacturing processes. The company operates within the polymer segment of the 3D printing materials market, catering to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and consumer products. Colibrium Additive aims to meet the growing demand for customized and efficient 3D printing solutions across diverse applications by focusing on innovation and quality.

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, CRP Technology announced the launch of Windform XT 2.0 IMG, its first injection molding material made entirely from recycled Windform XT 2.0 industrial 3D printing materials. This high-performance composite, reinforced with carbon fibers and based on nylon PA12, aims to enhance sustainability in industrial production. This innovation allows companies to seamlessly transition from 3D printing prototypes to large-scale injection molding without compromising performance while also reducing their carbon footprint by utilizing 100% recycled materials.

• In April 2023, Stratasys announced the successful acquisition of Covestro’s additive manufacturing materials business, significantly enhancing its portfolio of 3D printing materials. This acquisition includes around 60 new materials and a robust intellectual property portfolio, positioning the company to better serve customers across various industries, including aerospace and healthcare. This strategic move is expected to foster innovation and expand their offerings in stereolithography and powder bed fusion technologies, ultimately driving growth in the 3D printing materials market.

3D Printing Materials Market Report Scope

Global 3D Printing Materials Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the latest industry trends in each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global 3D printing materials market report based on product, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Photopolymers

  • Thermoplastics

  • Metals

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Aerospace & Defense

  • Medical

  • Automotive

  • Consumer Products & Industrial

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa