The global 3D printing plastics market is expected to reach $4,39-billion by 2030 – with a CAGR of 24,2% from 2024 to 2030 – according to a new report by Grand View Research.
The market is projected to witness substantial growth due to rising demand from various end-use industries such as medical, automotive, aerospace and defense, and consumer goods. Properties such as clarity in the image, high durability, high impact resistance, excellent UV and temperature resistant, sliding friction, high chemical resistance, rigidity, and dimensional stability are significantly fueling the demand for 3D printing plastics in the above-mentioned end-use industries across the globe.
3D printed products assist significantly in attaining economies of scale through the consumption of lesser lead time, reduced costs, and mitigated risks. 3D plastics also allow easier customisation as per the consumers’ needs. And, thus, attract favourable government regulations across various end-use industries such as automotive, medical, and consumer goods.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period. The medical end-use segment in the region is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period on account of the increasing applications of 3D plastics in prototyping, custom orthodontic implants, prosthetics, medical instruments, and others.
Moreover, the rising demand for high-quality medical instruments and components from hospitals in major economies such as China, India, and Singapore is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities in the medical industry.
Furthermore, the recent outbreak of Covid-19 in countries such as India, China, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia is creating a high demand for 3D printing plastics – especially in face shields, 3D printed masks, and filter cover applications. Thus, the rising positive cases in the region are projected to significantly boost the market growth.
The consumer goods segment is emerging as a significant end-use of 3D plastic products on account of the reduced lead time offered by additive manufacturing techniques. Innovative additive manufacturing solutions enable the production of designer parts with complex geometries – facilitating the manufacturers to cater to rising consumer needs for personalised parts.
The photopolymers segment is anticipated to progress at a substantial rate over the forecast period. Massive demand for photopolymers is attributed to high consumption in the production of industrial prototypes through the utilisation of SLA technology.
Polyamide/nylon is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period on account of the rising demand from both domestic as well as commercial applications. The demand for polyamide/nylon is majorly contributed by laser sintering technology.
Additional highlights from the report include:
- Based on type, the photopolymers segment led the market with a revenue share of 58,4% in 2024 owing to the increasing demand for high-precision manufacturing in industries like dental, jewelry,
- Based on form, the filament segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 71,4% in 2024 – driven by the increasing accessibility of desktop 3D printers. As more individuals, small businesses, and educational institutions adopt affordable 3D printing technology the demand for versatile and user-friendly filaments like PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and nylon has surged.
- Based on end use, the medical segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 48,91% in 2023. The increasing demand for personalised medical devices and implants is a key driver for the use of 3D printing plastics in the medical industry.