3D Printer Industry Forecasted to Surpass USD 486.3 Billion by 2034
In 2024, the global 3D printer market is witnessing a significant shift, with leading companies like DMG Mori, Grob, GF Machining Solutions, and others from the broader machine tool sector making their mark. However, specific market shares for 3D printer companies in 2024 are yet to be detailed in available sources.
One technology that has emerged as a clear leader is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), capturing an impressive 44.8% of the global market in 2024. Plastics remain the most widely used 3D printing material, accounting for 58.7% of the market share.
The automotive sector is leading the charge in adopting 3D printing technology, with a 29.0% market share in 2024. Companies are leveraging 3D printing for tooling, jigs, fixtures, and even final parts, enhancing production efficiency and customization. The aerospace industry is also benefiting from 3D printing, using it to manufacture lightweight and complex components, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
The medical field is another area where 3D printing is making a significant impact. Customized medical implants and prosthetics are being produced, offering tailored solutions for patients and improving surgical outcomes. Moreover, 3D printing is increasingly used in the medical field for applications like prosthetics and tissue engineering.
The potential for mass customization is another key advantage of 3D printing. Manufacturers can produce personalized products at scale, meeting individual customer preferences. This, coupled with the ability to streamline supply chains, reduce inventory costs, and minimize lead times, makes 3D printing an attractive proposition for businesses.
However, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent quality and reliability of 3D-printed products, particularly for critical applications in aerospace and healthcare, is a significant hurdle. The range of materials suitable for 3D printing is also limited, restricting the technology's applicability across various industries.
The cost of industrial-grade 3D printers and materials can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized enterprises, hindering widespread adoption. Intellectual property concerns, such as copyright infringement and protection of intellectual property rights, are also raised by the ease of replicating designs with 3D printing.
Despite these challenges, the future of 3D printing looks promising. North America leads the global 3D printers market with a 35.6% share in 2024, and the market is projected to reach approximately USD 486.3 billion by 2034. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the 3D printers market is 35.8% from 2025 to 2034.
Moreover, 70% of businesses printed more parts in 2023 than in 2022, and 61% of users plan to increase investment in 3D printing. The combination of 3D printing with smart manufacturing technologies enhances production efficiency and flexibility.
Finally, 3D printing facilitates decentralized production, allowing consumers to manufacture products locally. This, coupled with the potential for mass customization and environmental benefits, such as reducing waste and seeking environmentally friendly materials, makes 3D printing a technology that is set to shape the future of manufacturing.
