3D Printing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Printer Type, By Technology, By Software, By Application, By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Research Methodology

A three-pronged approach was followed for deducing the 3D printing market estimates and forecasts. The process has three steps: information procurement, analysis, and validation. The whole process is cyclical, and steps repeat until the estimates are validated. The three steps are explained in detail below:

Information procurement: Information procurement is one of the most extensive and important stages in our research process, and quality data is critical for accurate analysis. We followed a multi-channel data collection process for 3D printing market to gather the most reliable and current information possible.

• We buy access to paid databases such as Hoover’s and Factiva for company financials, industry information, white papers, industry journals, SME journals, and more.
• We tap into Grand View’s proprietary database of data points and insights from active and archived monitoring and reporting.
• We conduct primary research with industry experts through questionnaires and one-on-one phone interviews.
• We pull from reliable secondary sources such as white papers and government statistics, published by organizations like WHO, NGOs, World Bank, etc., Key Opinion Leaders (KoL) publications, company filings, investor documents, and more.
• We purchase and review investor analyst reports, broker reports, academic commentary, government quotes, and wealth management publications for insightful third-party perspectives.

Analysis: We mine the data collected to establish baselines for forecasting, identify trends and opportunities, gain insight into consumer demographics and drivers, and so much more. We utilized different methods of 3D printing market data depending on the type of information we’re trying to uncover in our research.

• Market Research Efforts: Bottom-up Approach for estimating and forecasting demand size and opportunity, top-down Approach for new product forecasting and penetration, and combined approach of both Bottom-up and Top-down for full coverage analysis.

• Value-Chain-Based Sizing & Forecasting: Supply-side estimates for understanding potential revenue through competitive benchmarking, forecasting, and penetration modeling.

• Demand-side estimates for identifying parent and ancillary markets, segment modeling, and heuristic forecasting.

• Qualitative Functional Deployment (QFD) Modelling for market share assessment.

Market formulation and validation: We mine the data collected to establish baselines for forecasting, identify trends and opportunities, gain insight into consumer demographics and drivers, and so much more. We utilize different methods of data analysis depending on the type of information we’re trying to uncover in our research.

• Market Formulation: This step involves the finalization of market numbers. This step on an internal level is designed to manage outputs from the Data Analysis step.

• Data Normalization: The final market estimates and forecasts are then aligned and sent to industry experts, in-panel quality control managers for validation.

• This step also entails the finalization of the report scope and data representation pattern.

• Validation: The process entails multiple levels of validation. All these steps run in parallel, and the study is forwarded for publishing only if all three levels render validated results.

3D Printing Market Categorization:

The 3D printing market was categorized into eight segments, namely component (Hardware, Software, Services), printer type (Desktop 3D Printer, Industrial 3D Printer), technology (Stereolithography,Fuse Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering, Direct Metal Laser Sintering, Polyjet Printing, Inkjet Printing, Electron Beam Melting, Laser, Metal Deposition, Digital Light Processing, Laminated Object Manufacturing, Others), software (Design Software, Inspection Software, Printer Software, Scanning Software), application (Prototyping, Tooling, Functional Parts), vertical (Industrial 3D Printing, Desktop 3D Printing), material (Polymer, Metal, Ceramic), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, MEA)

Segment Market Methodology:

The 3D printing market was segmented into component, printer type, technology, software, application, vertical, material, and region. The demand at a segment level was deduced using a funnel method. Concepts like the TAM, SAM, SOM, etc., were put into practice to understand the demand. We at GVR deploy three methods to deduce market estimates and determine forecasts. These methods are explained below:

Market research approaches: Bottom-up

• Demand estimation of each product across countries/regions summed up to from the total market.

• Variable analysis for demand forecast.

• Demand estimation via analyzing paid database, and company financials either via annual reports or paid database.

• Primary interviews for data revalidation and insight collection.

Market research approaches: Top-down

• Used extensively for new product forecasting or analyzing penetration levels.

• Tool used invoice product flow and penetration models Use of regression multi-variant analysis for forecasting Involves extensive use of paid and public databases.

• Primary interviews and vendor-based primary research for variable impact analysis.

Market research approaches: Combined

• This is the most common method. We apply concepts from both the top-down and bottom-up approaches to arrive at a viable conclusion.

Regional Market Methodology:

The 3D printing market was analyzed at a regional level. The globe was divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa, keeping in focus variables like consumption patterns, export-import regulations, consumer expectations, etc. These regions were further divided into fourteen countries, namely, the U.S.; Canada; Mexico; the UK; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Japan; China; India; South Korea; Singapore; Brazil.

All three above-mentioned market research methodologies were applied to arrive at regional-level conclusions. The regions were then summed up to form the global market.

3D Printing market companies & financials:

The 3D printing market was analyzed via companies operating in the sector. Analyzing these companies and cross-referencing them to the demand equation helped us validate our assumptions and conclusions. Key market players analyzed include:

• 3D Systems, Inc.: 3D Systems, Inc. is a U.S.-based technology company and develops3D printing products and services such as 3D printers, software, haptic design tools, and 3D scanners virtual surgical simulators. The company also provides 3D solutions to design complex and unique parts, locally manufactured parts to reduce lead time, and cut-down production costs. The company caters to numerous industries and verticals including automotive, healthcare, aerospace & defence, educational, durable goods, and entertainment. 3D Systems Inc. sells its products through a direct sales force, regional distributors, and channel partners. Further, the company’s primary clients are small and medium-sized businesses that serve across a range of industries including electronics and automotive, jewelry, aerospace, energy, and consumer goods. The company has a wide range of products and services offering rapid prototyping, additive fabrication, rapid manufacturing, stereolithography, selective laser sintering, 3D printing, 3D content, 3D parts services, 3D scanning, and 3D inspection. The company’s key product portfolio includes 3D printers, software, scanners, materials, on-demand manufacturing, and healthcare-oriented products & services.

• 3DCeram: 3DCeram, is a French designer, and developer of innovative ceramic parts and goods using additive manufacturing technology with the assistance of qualified doctors, engineers, and technicians. The company caters to aerospace, defense, aeronautics, and automotive industries, biomedical (eye implants, cranial), and luxury markets (jewelry and watchmaking). Its 3DCERAM printer is a classic example of modern technology that involves advanced ceramic manufacturing using laser stereolithography applied to ceramics. The company’s product portfolio comprises of CERAMAKER 3D printing lines, ready-to-use 3DMIX ceramic pastes for CERAMAKER 3D printers, and on-demand production of parts.

• Arcam AB: Arcam AB is a Swedish mechanical engineering company focused on the development of additive manufacturing systems. It primarily manufactures electron beam melting (EBM) systems for additive manufacturing processes. It provides 3D solutions to develop metal components using EBM technology. The company’s focus verticals include medical, especially orthopedic and aerospace industries, and offers specialized 3D printing, additive manufacturing, orthopedic implants, metal powders, and EBM solutions. Arcams’ major product offerings are EBM machines, metal powders, related software, auxiliary equipment, and support services. Additionally, the company offers a broad range of patent portfolios consisting of several patents registered under more than 50 different patent families.

• Autodesk, Inc.: Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software company that caters to engineering, architecture, manufacturing, construction, entertainment, and media industries. The company’s AutoCAD software is popular for designing and engineering purposes. The commercial versions of its software are paid, whereas, the educational software versions for schools, universities, and institutions are offered free of cost via the Autodesk Education Community. The company specializes in 3D design software & technology, sustainable design software, digital prototyping, PLM, cloud, and mobile. Its software portfolio includes AutoCAD, Maya, Revit, 3ds Max, SketchBook, and Fusion 360, among others.

• Canon, Inc.: Canon, Inc. is a Japanese multinational technology company that develops imaging and optical devices, products, and systems, along with consumer electronic products including cameras, photocopiers, camcorders, and computer printers. It also manufactures medical devices and equipment used in imaging and optical applications in the healthcare industry. Canon’s majority of business and revenue generation originates from the manufacturing, marketing, and selling of office multifunction devices (MFDs), laser printers, plain paper copying machines, inkjet printers, cameras, flat panel display (FPD) lithography equipment, and lithography equipment for semiconductors. The company is one of the prominent manufacturers of printers and cameras across the globe. The company’s basic business divisions are the Imaging System Business Unit, the Office Business Unit, and the Industry & Others Business Unit.

• Dassault Systemes: Dassault Systemes is a French multinational software company. The company designs, develops, and offer 3D design, 3D digital, and product lifecycle management (PLM) software. The company caters to the aerospace & defense, architecture & engineering, consumer goods & retail, energy, process, & utilities, life sciences, high-tech, industrial equipment, marine & offshore, natural resource, and transportation industries. Its major 3D printing products and services include 3D modeling apps, social & collaborative apps, content & simulation apps, and information intelligence apps. Solidworks, CATIA, Enovia, Delmia are among the popular 3D modelling apps developed by the company. Dassault Systemes’s services comprise consulting, deployment, engineering, and enablement services.

• EnvisionTec, Inc.: EnivisionTEC is a German technology company and manufactures widely purchased professional 3D printers. The company is keen on innovating, developing, manufacturing, and distributing advanced 3D printers and related materials worldwide. The company has developed commercial DLP printing technology for commercial purposes and it is involved in the trading of more than 40 different types of 3D printers. Its 3D printers are based out of six different technologies used for building the objects from a digital design file. EnvisionTec’s product offerings include a wide variety of 3D printers & accessories as well as a wide range of printing materials. The company’s 3D printing solutions are used for building prototypes, production parts, finished products, and tools. The company majorly caters to the medical (bio fabrication, dental, medical devices, hearing aids, orthodontic) industrial (jewelry, consumer goods, automotive, manufacturing, entertainment, aerospace) and professional markets. It owns over 100 patents and more than 70 proprietary materials.

• EOS (Electro Optical Systems) GmbH: EOS (Electro Optical Systems) GmbH is a German technology company that develops industrial 3D printing products and services. It specializes in Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and provides additive manufacturing systems for plastic materials. The company provides its services to aerospace, automotive, lifestyle, industrial, medical, tooling, and rapid prototyping industries. Its major systems & solution offerings include plastic, metal, 3D printing software, and services. The company developed its own Micro Laser-Sintering (MLS) technology which focuses on the 3D printing process for e-manufacturing of the miniaturized parts.

• ExOne: ExOne is an American publicly traded technology company engaged in 3D printing and additive manufacturing product innovations. The company is one of the global providers of 3D printing machines and other 3D-printed products. The company serves the aerospace, energy, oil & gas, automotive, heavy equipment, and other industries. The company’s business majorly includes the production of 3D printing machines and the marketing & selling of additive manufacturing printing products based on customer specifications. ExOne’s 3D printing machines are designed for direct and indirect printing applications. The company has a network of production service centers (PSCs) and ExOne Adoption Centers (EACs) that offer pre-production collaboration opportunities and printed products for its customers. The company also supplies related materials including consumables & replacement parts and services such as training & technical support helpful for the buyers of 3D printers & products.

• GE Additive: GE Additive is a multinational company engaged in advanced additive manufacturing technologies. The company products help customers simplify modern-day designing and production challenges using the transformative strength of advanced & improved 3D printing manufacturing technologies. ArcamEMB series and the Concept Laser technologies are the company’s prominent additive manufacturing technology machineries. It deploys a broad range of 3D printing machines based on the technologies such as Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM). The company also offers 3D printing materials and metal powders which are certified and tested. In addition, the company also provides a variety of design data helpful for the material selection, optimized product designs, and material science services. Moreover, the company provides engineering consulting services as well for the design & powder metallurgy experience in additive manufacturing procedures.

Value chain-based sizing & forecasting

Supply Side Estimates

• Company revenue estimation via referring to annual reports, investor presentations, and Hoover’s.

• Segment revenue determination via variable analysis and penetration modeling.

• Competitive benchmarking to identify market leaders and their collective revenue shares.

• Forecasting via analyzing commercialization rates, pipelines, market initiatives, distribution networks, etc.

Demand side estimates

• Identifying parent markets and ancillary markets

• Segment penetration analysis to obtain pertinent

• revenue/volume

• Heuristic forecasting with the help of subject matter experts

• Forecasting via variable analysis

3D Printing Market Report Objectives:

• Understanding market dynamics (in terms of drivers, restraints, & opportunities) in the countries.

• Understanding trends & variables in the individual countries & their impact on growth and using analytical tools to provide high-level insights into the market dynamics and the associated growth pattern.

• Understanding market estimates and forecasts (with the base year as 2023, historic information from 2017 to 2022, and forecast from 2024 to 2030). Regional estimates & forecasts for each category are available and are summed up to form the global market estimates.

3D Printing Market Report Assumptions:

• The report provides market value for the base year 2022 and a yearly forecast till 2030 in terms of revenue/volume or both. The market for each of the segment outlooks has been provided on region & country basis for the above-mentioned forecast period.

• The key industry dynamics, major technological trends, and application markets are evaluated to understand their impact on the demand for the forecast period. The growth rates were estimated using correlation, regression, and time-series analysis.

• We have used the bottom-up approach for market sizing, analyzing key regional markets, dynamics, & trends for various products and end-users. The total market has been estimated by integrating the country markets.

• All market estimates and forecasts have been validated through primary interviews with the key industry participants.

• Inflation has not been accounted for to estimate and forecast the market.

• Numbers may not add up due to rounding off.

• Europe consists of EU-8, Central & Eastern Europe, along with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

• Asia Pacific includes South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania (Australia & New Zealand).

• Latin America includes Central American countries and the South American continent

• Middle East includes Western Asia (as assigned by the UN Statistics Division) and the African continent.

Primary Research

GVR strives to procure the latest and unique information for reports directly from industry experts, which gives it a competitive edge. Quality is of utmost importance to us, therefore every year we focus on increasing our experts’ panel. Primary interviews are one of the critical steps in identifying recent market trends and scenarios. This process enables us to justify and validate our market estimates and forecasts to our clients. With more than 8,000 reports in our database, we have connected with some key opinion leaders across various domains, including healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and the chemical sector. Our process starts with identifying the right platform for a particular type of report, i.e., emails, LinkedIn, seminars, or telephonic conversation, as every report is unique and requires a differentiated approach.

We send out questionnaires to different experts from various regions/ countries, which is dependent on the following factors:

• Report/Market scope: If the market study is global, we send questionnaires to industry experts across various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA.

• Market Penetration: If the market is driven by technological advancements, population density, disease prevalence, or other factors, we identify experts and send out questionnaires based on region or country dominance.

The time to start receiving responses from industry experts varies based on how niche or well-penetrated the market is. Our reports include a detailed chapter on the KoL opinion section, which helps our clients understand the perspective of experts already in the market space.