The global direct to shape printer market size is anticipated to reach USD 5.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. One of the primary drivers of the direct to shape, also referred to as direct to object printer market, is the increasing demand for personalized and customized products across industries like automotive, packaging, consumer goods, and fashion. As consumers seek unique, tailor-made items, businesses are adopting direct to shape printing as an efficient way to meet these needs. Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability, as this technology helps reduce material waste and lowers energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
In terms of market opportunities, the direct to shape printer market is benefiting from the trend toward on-demand manufacturing, where products are produced as needed, reducing excess inventory and associated costs. This shift is particularly evident in industries such as packaging and consumer electronics. The rise of eco-conscious manufacturing processes also presents opportunities for growth, as businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprint and implement more sustainable production techniques. Emerging markets, especially in Asia Pacific and Latin America, are also showing significant potential as industrial sectors in these regions increasingly adopt advanced printing technologies.
Regulatory pressures are playing a substantial role in shaping the direct to shape printer market. With growing concerns over environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, many countries have introduced regulations that encourage businesses to adopt cleaner, more sustainable manufacturing practices. For example, regulations surrounding waste reduction and the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly materials are pushing manufacturers to develop printing solutions that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, regulations on product quality and safety standards in industries like automotive and healthcare are driving the demand for highly precise and reliable direct to shape printing technologies.
Top players in the direct to shape printer market are adopting several key strategies to maintain their competitive edge. Innovation in product development is a primary focus, with leading manufacturers investing heavily in research and development to improve printer performance, material compatibility, and automation features. Companies are also forming strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders to expand their technological capabilities and market presence. Additionally, leading players are increasingly emphasizing sustainability by developing energy-efficient printers and integrating eco-friendly materials into their products. Another strategy is the expansion into emerging markets, where there is growing demand for customized and on-demand manufacturing solutions. By diversifying their product portfolios and targeting new geographic regions, these companies are positioning themselves to capture a larger share of the evolving market. For instance, in July 2023, Orora Packaging Australia Pty Ltd partnered with Velox Ltd. to launch HELIO, a direct-to-can digital printing solution. This collaboration enables Orora to integrate high-speed digital printing capabilities at its Dandenong facility, enhancing customization options for beverage can designs and reducing turnaround times for new products and promotional campaigns.
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Based on technology, the inkjet segment dominated the market in 2024 due to its ability to deliver high-resolution prints across various substrates, making it ideal for industries like cosmetics, automotive, and consumer goods. The demand for customization and quality in these sectors is driving strong adoption of inkjet-based direct to shape printing solutions
Based on end use, the food & beverage segment led the market in 2024. The demand for direct to shape printing in the food and beverage industry is driven by the need for customized, high-quality packaging that meets regulatory and aesthetic standards. The focus on sustainability and efficient production further fuels adoption in this sector
Based on ink type, the UV-based segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by its instant curing with ultraviolet light, resulting in fast, durable prints. This technology is especially beneficial for industries like automotive and electronics, where high-performance prints are essential, while its eco-friendly properties increase their appeal
Based on type, the multi pass segment dominated the market in 2024. Multi-pass printers are favored for applications requiring detailed, high-quality prints, particularly in electronics, cosmetics, and luxury goods. Despite being slower than single-pass systems, their superior print quality and color accuracy make them essential for premium product customization
In March 2023, HOFFMANN.CH, a global packaging provider, integrated Velox's high-definition direct to shape digital printing technology (IDS-PT 250) to enhance its EcoDesign tube production. This upgrade allows for superior print quality on various tube materials, including sustainable options like Polyfoil® MMB and PICEA™ wood tubes, with features like extended color gamut, 360-degree decoration, and selective matte/gloss effects
Grand View Research has segmented the global direct to shape printer market on the basis of technology, end-use, ink type, type, and region:
Direct to Shape Printer Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Inkjet
Laser
Others
Direct to Shape Printer End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Automotive
Electronics
Food & Beverage
Toys & Sporting Goods
Others
Direct to Shape Printer Ink Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
UV-based
Solvent-based
Aqueous-based
Direct to Shape Printer Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Single Pass
Multi Pass
Direct to Shape Printer Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
UK
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
South Korea
Australia
Latin America
Brazil
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
List of Key Players in the Direct To Shape Printer Market
HP Development Company, L.P..
Canon Inc.
Xerox Corporation
Durst Group
EFI (Electronics For Imaging, Inc.)
Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd.
Roland DG Corporation
Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Seiko Epson Corporation
Konica Minolta, Inc.
Agfa-Gevaert Group
Xaar plc
Inca Digital Printers Ltd.
Kornit Digital Ltd.
Stratasys Ltd.
3D Systems Corporation
Markforged, Inc.
Voxeljet AG
Brother Industries, Ltd.
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