Technology and Market Analysis for Global 3D Printing

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

After initial commercialisation in the 1990s, 3D printing underwent a period of intense interest in 2013. Key players were quick to capitalise on this interest, enjoying exponential revenue growth between 2013 and 2016 as a result. Since then, the hype has subsided and additive manufacturing is starting to find its place among other manufacturing methods. In particular, focus has now shifted away from the consumer and rapid prototyping towards the digitisation of workflows and the manufacture of production quality final products. Several industries are now seriously analysing the benefits and competitive edge that 3D printing can lend their operations and the most eagerly anticipated technological innovations are catering to these professional users. Although all signs point to a period of seriousness and readjustment in the 3D printing market as it transitions to cater to the needs of this user group, there remains enormous potential for growth over the next decade: in the recently released report 3D Printing 2019-2029: Technology and Market Analysis, IDTechEx Research forecasts that the global market for 3D printing equipment, materials, software and services is estimated to be worth $31 billion by the year 2029.

Technology and Applications

In 2018, the 3D printing market comprises multiple different printer technologies. This report takes an in-depth look into established printer types compatible with polymer, metal and ceramic materials, including Vat Photopolymerisation (SLA/DLP/CLIP), Powder Bed Fusion (SLS/DMLS/EBM), Material Extrusion, Material Jetting, Binder Jetting, Directed Energy Deposition and Sheet Lamination. Key technological capabilities, applicable markets, SWOT analyses and key manufacturers are discussed for each established printer type. In addition, nascent printer technologies that will be commercialised in 2018 are introduced and their technological capabilities evaluated. 

Market Analysis

3D Printing 2019-2029: Technology and Market Analysis forecasts the overall 3D printing market to 2029 with in-depth discussion of currently commercialised and emerging printer technologies. The current state of the printer market is analysed and long-range forecasts from 2019-2029 for installed base, units sold and revenue per annum segmented by printer technology, value chain position and end-user industry are evaluated.

IDTechEx conducted exhaustive primary research with companies positioned throughout the entire 3D printing value chain for key insights into the trends impacting growth to 2028. Over 60 company profiles have been included in the report including Stratasys, 3D Systems, EOS, Concept Laser GmbH and Arcam AB, amongst others.