3D Printing Composites Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, By Type (Continuous Fiber, Chopped Fiber), By Application (Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial), and Regional Forecast to 2028

Updated On: 13 November 2023

3D Printing Composites Market Report Overview

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3D Printing Composites Market is expected to grow from 95 million in 2021 to USD 315.9 million by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth (CAGR) of 18.5% from 2021 to 2028

3D printing composites refer to materials that are used in 3D printing and are composed of two or more different materials, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, or fibers, to achieve specific properties and functionalities. These composites can be engineered to have unique properties that cannot be obtained with a single material, such as high strength, stiffness, durability, heat resistance, or electrical conductivity. 3D printing composites can be used to produce parts with improved performance, quality, and functionality in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. The use of 3D printing technology to produce composite parts offers several advantages, such as reduced waste, lower costs, faster production, and greater design flexibility.

One of the major market developments in recent years has been the expansion of 3D printing services. The demand for 3D printing services has grown in correlation with the accessibility and affordability of 3D printing technology, especially among small and medium-sized businesses that lack the funds to invest in their 3D printing capabilities. 3D printing services providers offer a range of services, from design and prototyping to production and finishing, using various 3D printing technologies and materials, including composites. They provide a cost-effective solution for businesses that need to produce small to medium-sized batches of parts or prototypes quickly and without the need for large capital investments in equipment and training. Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing services offer a faster and more efficient process, allowing businesses to bring their products to market more quickly.

COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic caused a slowdown in the 3D printing composites market due to supply chain disruptions and reduced demand

The outbreak led to the shutdown of various manufacturing facilities and disrupted supply chains, resulting in a slowdown in the production and sales of 3D printing composites. Many end-use industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare were also negatively affected, which further impacted the demand for 3D printing composites. The pandemic also highlighted the need for agility and resilience in manufacturing processes, which has led to an increased interest in 3D printing technologies. Companies are now looking for ways to reduce their dependence on global supply chains and are exploring local and on-demand manufacturing options, which can be facilitated by 3D printing composites. The healthcare industry saw a surge in demand for 3D printing composites to produce medical devices such as masks and ventilator components during the pandemic. This increased demand led to several initiatives and partnerships aimed at increasing the production of 3D-printed medical devices, further driving the growth of the 3D printing composites market. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused some disruptions to the 3D printing composites market, it also highlighted the potential benefits of 3D printing technologies in terms of agility, resilience, and local manufacturing, leading to a growing interest in the market.

Latest Trends

"Adoption of continuous fiber composites in 3D printing is caused by the superior strength and stiffness of the material"

Continuous fiber composites are a type of composite material that is reinforced with long, continuous fibers throughout the material. This is in contrast to traditional composites, which use chopped or woven fibers. This method of reinforcement results in composites that are significantly stronger and stiffer, making them highly suitable for use in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where lightweight and high-performance materials are essential. Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend toward using continuous fiber composites in 3D printing, with a particular focus on the aerospace and automotive industries. This trend is due to the many advantages that continuous fiber composites offer over traditional composites. For instance, in addition to their superior strength and stiffness, continuous fiber composites are also highly resistant to fatigue, enabling them to be used in critical applications where durability is paramount. 3D printing with continuous fiber composites allows for greater design freedom and the production of complex geometries and internal structures, which is highly attractive for industries that require highly specialized and customized components. This manufacturing technique produces significantly less waste than traditional manufacturing methods, reducing material costs and improving the efficiency of the production process. Although continuous fiber composites can be more expensive than traditional composites, using 3D printing can result in cost savings due to reduced waste and increased efficiency. As such, the adoption of continuous fiber composites in 3D printing is expected to continue to grow as the benefits of this material become more widely recognized, and as the cost of the technology decreases over time.

3D Printing Composites Market Segmentation

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• By Type Analysis

According to type, the market can be segmented into continuous fiber, and chopped fiber.

• By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market can be divided into automotive, aerospace, and industrial.

Driving Factors

"Development of bio-based composites is a response to the growing concern for environmental sustainability"

The development of bio-based composites is a response to the growing concern for environmental sustainability. These composite materials are derived from renewable resources such as plant fibers, starches, and biodegradable plastics. Bio-based composites offer several advantages over traditional composites, including reduced environmental impact, improved biodegradability, and the ability to use waste materials as feedstock. These bio-based composites can offer comparable or even superior mechanical properties to traditional composites. For example, cellulose nanofiber composites made from wood pulp have been found to have a strength-to-weight ratio that rivals that of high-performance composites made from carbon fibers. The use of bio-based composites is already being seen in a range of applications, from packaging materials to construction products. For example, some manufacturers are using bio-based composites to make pallets, which can be reused and eventually recycled at the end of their useful life. The development of bio-based composites is expected to continue as more companies seek to reduce their environmental impact and meet sustainability goals. The use of renewable resources also offers the potential for a more secure and sustainable supply chain, as well as the opportunity for rural economic development through the cultivation of crops and other materials used in the production of bio-based composites. As this trend continues, the use of bio-based composites will likely become more prevalent across a range of industries, contributing to a more sustainable future.

"Multi-material 3D printing produces versatile parts, leading to increased adoption and innovation in industries"

Multi-material 3D printing is a technology that allows for the production of complex parts with different materials and properties. This technique involves using multiple materials in a single print job to create structures that have varying levels of strength, flexibility, and durability. Multi-material 3D printing can produce parts that are more functional and better suited to their intended purpose than those produced using traditional manufacturing techniques. It is also being used in other industries, such as aerospace and automotive, where complex parts with varying properties are required. For example, aerospace companies can use multi-material 3D printing to create lightweight parts with high strength and stiffness, while automotive companies can produce parts that are strong, lightweight, and flexible. The adoption of multi-material 3D printing is expected to increase in the coming years as the technology becomes more sophisticated and the range of materials that can be used in the process expands. As more industries recognize the benefits of this technology, the demand for multi-material 3D printing is likely to grow, leading to more innovative applications and designs.

Restraining Factors

"Widespread availability of 3D printing technology has led to concerns about intellectual property theft and piracy"

The rise of 3D printing has brought a new set of challenges for companies, particularly regarding intellectual property concerns. The ease of access to 3D printing technology has raised concerns about the potential for unauthorized reproduction of designs and products, leading to concerns about intellectual property theft and piracy. One of the main challenges is that 3D printing allows for the creation of exact replicas of existing products or parts, without the need for specialized equipment or knowledge. This raises concerns about the potential for counterfeiting and the unauthorized production of patented designs. In addition to concerns about counterfeiting, there is also a risk of reverse engineering. 3D printing technology allows for the creation of precise, detailed models of existing products, which could be reverse-engineered to produce identical or similar designs. The use of open-source 3D printing software and the sharing of 3D design files online can make it easier for individuals to access and replicate designs without authorization. This has led to concerns about the need for tighter intellectual property laws and regulations, as well as the development of new tools and technologies for protecting designs and products. The intellectual property concerns associated with 3D printing are likely to remain a challenge for companies, particularly as the technology becomes more widely available and accessible. As such, companies need to develop strategies for protecting their intellectual property and ensuring the security of their designs and products.

3D Printing Composites Market Regional Insights

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"North American market is expanding as a result of the rising demand for 3D printing in the healthcare industry"

The leading region in the market for 3D printing composites in North America. The region has a significant share of the 3D printing market, primarily due to the presence of several key players, including 3D Systems, Stratasys, and HP. These companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop innovative technologies and products that meet the evolving needs of customers. The region has a strong manufacturing base, particularly in the aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries, which are among the largest end-users of 3D printing technology. The healthcare sector, in particular, has witnessed significant growth in the adoption of 3D printing technology, owing to the increasing demand for patient-specific implants and prosthetics. North America is expected to continue to dominate the 3D printing composite market share due to its favorable government policies, investments in R&D, and growing adoption of 3D printing technology in various industries. The increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 and the digitization of manufacturing processes are expected to boost the growth of the 3D printing market in North America. The region has a significant presence of major software companies, which are leveraging their expertise to develop advanced 3D printing software and solutions. The region has a large number of start-ups that are exploring innovative applications of 3D printing technology, further fueling the growth of the market. North America is expected to remain the leading region in the 3D printing market, driven by its strong manufacturing base, favorable government policies, investments in R&D, and the increasing adoption of 3D printing technology across various industries.

Key Industry Players

"Innovative initiatives taken by key players are driving 3D printing composites market growth and increasing accessibility to advanced materials"

The market is highly competitive with several key players in the market. These companies are investing in research and development activities to come up with innovative products and solutions to meet the demand from various end-use industries. Some of the major initiatives taken by these players include partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and product launches. The market players are also focusing on expanding their market reach by increasing their production capacity and strengthening their distribution networks. The 3D printing composites market share is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in various end-use industries such as aerospace and automotive.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Sandvik (Europe)
• Continuous Composites (US)
• Ingersoll (North America)
• Markforged (US)
• Arevo (US)
• Desktop Metal (US)
• 3DXTECH (US)

Report Coverage

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, etc. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.