The method to print an object layer by layer to create a three-dimensional object from a digital file with the use of a material is called 3D printing and the materials used are called 3D printing materials. The material used plays the key role in any 3D printing technology as 3D printed objects have the ability to be used practically. With the latest technologies and innovative materials, 3D printing technology has become a global revolution. This revolutionary market has the ability to manufacture objects that are used in industrial, commercial, medical, and several other industries. The type of materials can be classified into plastics, metals, ceramics, and others. Each material has its individual access in various industries with respective features and applications.
Plastics are in high demand, especially ABS and PLA. Plastics are the major 3D printing materials, as they are durable and flexible materials that are available in the market with a wide range of colors. With the invention of home 3D printers that uses plastic filaments to 3D print any object, the demand for these materials has grown aggressively and is expected to continue in the next five years. 3D printing, with their ability to manufacture any three dimensional object with a simple design and setup equipment brought about an awareness among people to design and manufacture their own products, instead of depending on online purchases, where the choice is limited and the customer has to compromise with the available designs. Metals are the strongest materials available in the market, but are extremely expensive. Metals include steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, silver, gold, nickel, cobalt, etc. Metal 3D printing is a costly method as the metal printers use laser methods to manufacture any objects. Hence, metal materials are limited to high-end applications. Ceramics and Others are affordable materials that will garner a high demand in future.
The demand for these materials is influenced by the growing awareness of the ability to manufacture objects with the use of 3D printing technology where a simple CAD design and 3D printer are necessary. 3D printing materials are printer specific and are available universally. There are wide ranges of materials that can print plastic toys to metal guns, dental crowns to human heart, automotive parts to satellite parts, car to aero jets, and so on. The 3DP materials can be in the form of filaments, powders, and liquids, based on the end-user interest. Generally, plastics come in the form of filaments and metals come in the form of powders. Metal powders too costly and are used in high-end applications, whereas plastics are available in different prices that range from low to high and are mostly used in consumer 3D printing. Currently, 3D printing materials are mainly concentrated in North America, APAC, and Europe. The APAC and North American markets are expected to grow at a higher rate in future.
The 3D printing materials market is moderately fragmented, where 3D Systems Inc. (U.S.), Stratasys Ltd. (U.S.); Arcam AB (Sweden); and ExOne GmbH (Germany) captured about 75.0% of the market share in production and supply. The companies in this market need to compete with each other with respect to prices and a wide product range with an advanced technology in order to meet the market requirements.
The report analyzes the 3D printing materials market in various applications and covers the market demand with respective regions. The report also provides a market overview for the 3D printing material market.
By Types:
Plastics
Metals
Ceramics
Others
By Applications:
Consumer & Industrial
Aerospace & Defense
Automotive
Medical & Dental
Education
Others
