Global 3D Printing Filament Market by Application (Industrial, Aerospace & Defense), by Plastic Type (Polylactic Acid, ABS), by Type (Metal, Plastics, Ceramics) and Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa), Forecast To 2028

Summary of the Report

Global 3D printing filament market was valued at USD 471.3 Million in 2019. It is expected to grow at an annual compound growth rate (CAGR of 18.8%) between 2020 and 2027. 3D printing filament demand is driven by increasing use in the aerospace and defense industries for prototyping and design communication. Market growth is also being driven by the increasing demand for high quality print in automotive and industrial applications.

The primary function of 3D printing filament is to provide a thermoplastic feedstock for fused-deposition modeling (FDM/FFF), or fused filament fabrication. The market's main driver is the use of multiple filaments to print different materials simultaneously. Market growth is also possible due to the affordability of filaments and their ease of use.

The market in the U.S. is expected to grow at a rate of 21.0% during the forecast period. There are growth opportunities in Aerospace and Defense component enhancements, as well as the adoption of ecofriendly parts. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) can produce space components and parts in minutes or hours using a 3D printer, while conventional manufacturing can take months to build them before they are sent into orbit.

The market is highly attracted to 3D printing filament innovation and research and development, such as multi-property material and bio-degradable 3D prints. The bio-degradable filaments are also being expanded by strict European environmental regulations.

Plastic 3D printing filaments are widely used due to their low cost, water resistance, and ease-of-use. Plastics use fused filament fabrication techniques to produce prototypes for aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial applications. This is a significant improvement on regular printing, such as nylon and composites.

The market is seeing positive trends due to a variety of product development phases and trends in 3D printing filament. Major component producers in aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial and healthcare include India, China and South Korea. This will likely add to the market's growth over the forecasted time.

Type Insights

The plastics segment was the dominant market in 2019, accounting for 60.5% of the total revenue. It is projected to grow at a CAGR 19.0% during the forecast period. Plastic type 3D filament printing is popular because of its ease-of-use manufacturing and ability to fuse on any surface. The product's malleability makes it suitable for many applications, including space-aircrafts and motor vehicles.

Metal-filled 3D printing filament is made from very fine metal powders, such as copper, brass and bronze. These metals are attractive and can be molded without the use of a high-temperature extruder. Metal filaments last longer than plastic filaments and are therefore heavier than other printing filaments. Producing metal filament for printing takes three to four times as much energy as producing plastics or ceramics. This might be a limitation to metal-based 3D printing filament segments.

Ceramics are an alternative to metal-based 3D printing filaments and plastics. Ceramics are used for printing to create artistic figurines, models and statues. It is also used extensively in biomedical to create custom implants, such as 3D-bone substitute. Complex parts and components can be difficult to produce using ceramic filament. It is also expensive and time-consuming to make. The market's major players are therefore investing heavily in research and development to develop new printing methods.

Composites, nylon, hybrid material, composites, nylon, alumide (polyamide, aluminum powder), soluble and many other materials are all used in 3D printing filaments. For easy manufacturing and flexibility, these materials are often combined with plastics. This has led to the expansion of the market.

Plastic Type Insights

The Polylactic Acid (PLA), segment led the market. It accounted for more than 39.0% of the total revenue in 2019. This was due to its ease of printing and the fact that it does not require a heating platform when printing on the structure. Due to strict environmental regulations, Europe prefers the material's biodegradability.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Steyrene (ABS), is the most widely used 3D printing filament due to its flexibility and shock-resistant characteristics. It is used extensively in the manufacture of exterior parts (bumpers), mobile phone cases and electronic appliances. The market is growing rapidly because of the prominence of electronics producers such as the United States, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, and South Korea that use 3D filament printing to make electronic items.

The forecast period will see a rise in 3D printing using PLA material due to increased awareness about product sustainability. Other materials, such as Acrylonitrile Steyrene Acrylate(ASA), Polyethylene TerephthalateGlycol (PETG), Polyethylene Terephthalate [PET], and others, have good chemical resistance and are expected to be used in aerospace, defense and automotive sectors.

The increasing year-on-year spending by space agencies around the world is driving the demand for 3D printing. This allows for the reduction of ware-house space and storage costs, as well as the manufacturing of aerospace parts like aircraft structures and engine parts. The market is seeing positive growth due to sustainable 3D filaments like PLA from cornstarch and plant-based 3D printer material.

Application Insights

Due to high production of prototypes, the aerospace and defense segment had a 26.5% revenue share in 2019. The projected growth in additive manufacturing of aerospace components around the world for cost-effective solutions will drive demand for 3D printing filament.

3D-printed parts are lighter than average components for aerospace and reduce drag. This helps to lower fuel costs. Factors such as environmental awareness, fuel cost reduction and emission will likely reduce the environmental impact. This will lead to a rise in the demand for 3D printed filament over the forecast period.

Due to the demand for stronger, lighter, stronger and safer designs, the automotive segment will be a significant market share in 3D printing filament. In June 2020, Tesla Inc., a giant in electric car manufacturing, used 3D printing to create its Model-Y's rear underbody components.

Due to increased manufacturing of components like automotive spares and replacement parts as well as injector heads and wall panels, industrial and other manufacturing applications account for a fair portion of the market. The market is likely to see significant growth in components and parts like jigs and fixture, robotics grippers and sensor mounts, as well as other applications such artwork and model designs.

Regional Insights

North America was the dominant market player in 2019, accounting for more than 37.0% of the total revenue. The projected CAGR is 18.8%. The projected growth of the regional market will be supported by increased investment from the U.S. defense and aerospace sectors in manufacturing high-end designs for critical components like spacer panels, circuit boards and spare parts.

The U.S. was North America's largest consumer of 3D printing filament in 2019. The market is expected to benefit from the development of defense industry operations and the increase in production of automobiles in the region's automobile sector.

The Asia Pacific market was second in revenue in 2019, due to the growing spending in the manufacturing sector, which includes the production of tools, fixtures, electronics, toys and other items. 3D printers allow for significant time savings when manufacturing the products mentioned above, compared to traditional CNC machine.

The market for European aviation components and aircraft parts is expected to grow by 17.6% in the next forecast period. The market growth will be slowed by strict policies regarding the use of nonbiodegradable materials like ABS and other high performance polymers made from petroleum feedstock.

Market Share Insights & Key Companies

Key players have a variety of market strategies, including investment, acquisition, and innovation. The key players are also expanding their capabilities to serve the respective markets. Due to the adoption of 3D filament printing technology, the market is competitive. This allows for higher product quality and faster production. This market is characterised by the presence of many application industries that concern with high lead times and low operation costs. The market leader in 3D printing filament is:

• Hoganas AB

• 3D Systems Corporation

• General Electric

• Arkema S.A

• Royal DSM N.V

• Stratasys, Ltd.

• Evonik Industries AG

• ExOne

• Arcam AB

Up Market Research published a new report titled “3D Printing Filament Market research report which is segmented by Application (Industrial, Aerospace & Defense), by Plastic Type (Polylactic Acid, ABS), by Type (Metal, Plastics, Ceramics), By Players/Companies Arcam AB, Evonik Industries AG, ExOne, Royal DSM NV, 3D Systems Corporation, H¶gan¤s AB, Stratasys Ltd, General Electric, Arkema SA”. As per the study the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX% in the forecast period.

Report Scope

The report covers comprehensive data on emerging trends, market drivers, growth opportunities, and restraints that can change the market dynamics of the industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market segments which include products, applications, and competitor analysis.

Global 3D Printing Filament Market Report Segments:

The market is segmented by Application (Industrial, Aerospace & Defense), by Plastic Type (Polylactic Acid, ABS), by Type (Metal, Plastics, Ceramics).

3D Printing Filament Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report.

Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders:

• Industry drivers, restraints, and opportunities covered in the study
• Neutral perspective on the market performance
• Recent industry trends and developments
• Competitive landscape & strategies of key players
• Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered
• Historical, current, and projected market size, in terms of value
• In-depth analysis of the 3D Printing Filament Market

Overview of the regional outlook of the 3D Printing Filament Market:

Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America region is further bifurcated into countries such as U.S., and Canada. The Europe region is further categorized into U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific is further segmented into China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, South East Asia, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Latin America region is further segmented into Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America, and the MEA region is further divided into GCC, Turkey, South Africa, and Rest of MEA.

Highlights of The 3D Printing Filament Market Report:

1. The market structure and projections for the coming years.
2. Drivers, restraints, opportunities, and current trends of 3D Printing Filament Market.
3. Historical data and forecast.
4. Estimations for the forecast period 2028.
5. Developments and trends in the market.

                1. Industrial

                2. Aerospace & Defense

                1. Polylactic Acid

                2. ABS

                1. Metal

                2. Plastics

                3. Ceramics

9. Market scenario by region, sub-region, and country.
10. Market share of the market players, company profiles, product specifications, SWOT analysis, and competitive landscape.
11. Analysis regarding upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics.
12. Government Policies, Macro & Micro economic factors are also included in the report.

We have studied the 3D Printing Filament Market in 360 degrees via. both primary & secondary research methodologies. This helped us in building an understanding of the current market dynamics, supply-demand gap, pricing trends, product preferences, consumer patterns & so on. The findings were further validated through primary research with industry experts & opinion leaders across countries. The data is further compiled & validated through various market estimation & data validation methodologies. Further, we also have our in-house data forecasting model to predict market growth up to 2028.

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• Correctly Positioning New Products
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• Business Expansion Strategies
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• Product & Brand Management
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Reasons to Purchase the 3D Printing Filament Market Report:

• The report includes a plethora of information such as market dynamics scenario and opportunities during the forecast period
• Segments and sub-segments include quantitative, qualitative, value (USD Million,) and volume (Units Million) data.
• Regional, sub-regional, and country level data includes the demand and supply forces along with their influence on the market.
• The competitive landscape comprises share of key players, new developments, and strategies in the last three years.
• Comprehensive companies offering products, relevant financial information, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategies by these players.