3D Printing Metal Market to Reach USD 20 Bn by 2033, 23.6% CAGR

Introduction

The global 3D Printing Metal market, valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2023, is on a significant growth trajectory. By 2033, it’s expected to soar to approximately USD 20.0 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.6%.

This expansion is driven by the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing technologies, which enable the production of complex and lightweight metal components. Key sectors boosting demand include aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, which leverage these technologies for their high precision and customization capabilities.

Challenges in the market include the high costs associated with initial investments and limitations in material variety, which can hinder broader adoption. Nonetheless, ongoing technological advancements are anticipated to lower these barriers over time.

Recent developments in the industry highlight the competitive nature of the market, with key players focusing on strategic alliances and product innovations to secure their market positions​

Innovations such as new titanium powder formulations tailored for aerospace applications and advancements in 3D printing technologies are expected to further catalyze market growth. The introduction of such materials caters to the need for parts that can withstand extreme conditions, making them especially valuable in the aerospace and defense industries.

Proto Labs has been actively enhancing its capabilities in the 3D printing metal market. In a significant move, the company has expanded its range of metal materials for Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) to include high-performance alloys such as Inconel 718 and Maraging Steel 1.2709.

These materials are known for their high strength and corrosion-resistant properties, making them ideal for aerospace applications. Moreover, Proto Labs recently opened a new 120,000-square-foot metal 3D printing facility in North Carolina, aimed at increasing production capacity and expanding their service offerings in metal 3D printing.

Key Takeaways

• The 3D Printing Metal market is set to skyrocket, with an expected worth of USD 20.0 billion by 2033 from USD 2.4 billion in 2023, exhibiting a remarkable CAGR of 23.6% during 2023-2033.
• Powder form dominates the market, holding over 89.3% revenue share. The demand for accurately characterized metal powder particles is rising, especially particles ranging from 15 to 75 μm for optimal 3D printing results.
• titanium products hold the highest revenue share (42.4%) and are expected to grow significantly due to their non-corrosive properties and suitability for aerospace applications.
• Aerospace and defense currently occupy the largest market share (29.6%), leveraging 3D printing for quicker production of complex components. Medical and dental applications are expected to witness a growth rate of 27.4%.
• Asia Pacific leads the market share (32.5%), with Europe projected to experience the fastest CAGR (26.2%) from 2023-2032. Countries like the UK and India are adopting 3D printing technology for aerospace and medical applications.

3D Printing Metal Statistics

Funding and Market Expansion in Metal 3D Printing

• The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $3.7 million in grants to help address current and future barriers to the widespread adoption of metals-based additive manufacturing (AM) through measurement science research.
• The Manufacturing USA (MFG USA) institute headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, has announced $11.7 million in new funding opportunities, spread across ten different topic areas in additive manufacturing (AM).
• The Government of Canada has announced that seven businesses and organizations in life sciences, manufacturing, and technology based in Burnaby, British Columbia will receive 20.8 million CAD to provide them with access to 3D printing technology, helping to scale up operations and create jobs.
• An early investment of $1.78 million has been secured by the cloud- and API-based 3D engineering platform provider Metafold. This funding will be used to expedite the general use of 3D printing in the industrial sector.
• Freeform Secures $14M from NVIDIA and Others for AI-Powered 3D Printing

Innovations and Achievements in Metal 3D Printing

• Another significant benefit of 3D printing metal parts is that the process in general does not create much waste. As much as 90% of CNC parts can be wasted, whereas metal AM wastes less than 5% on average.
• 3D printing startup AON3D wants to remove both of those barriers by increasing automation and, crucially, making more materials 3D-printable, and it has raised an $11.5 million Series A to get there.
• Plus, Meltio says that by using blue lasers, the system offers a deposition rate that’s up to 3.5 times higher than its predecessor, and also reduces energy consumption by 30%.
• With over 2,000 EOS M 290 units sold globally, the system has established itself as EOS’s top metal AM solution, playing a vital role in industries ranging from medical and aerospace to tooling and energy.
• £14 million awarded to projects that harness digital technology to drive energy efficiency, productivity, and growth across key manufacturing industries.

Emerging Trends

• Advanced Materials Integration: The push towards integrating more advanced materials into 3D metal printing is gaining momentum. These developments are not just aimed at enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of products but are also focused on promoting sustainability.
• Enhanced AI and Automation: Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are increasingly vital for refining the precision, efficiency, and capabilities of 3D metal printers. This trend encompasses enhanced design software capable of predicting metal behavior under various conditions and automated systems that fine-tune printing parameters in real time, thereby streamlining the manufacturing process.
• Scaling Production: As the technology behind metal 3D printing matures, there’s a noticeable shift from using these techniques for prototyping to full-scale production. This expansion is supported by the development of printers with larger build volumes, improved printing speeds, and multi-laser systems that significantly boost production throughput.
• Cost Efficiency and Speed: Efforts to make metal 3D printing more cost-effective continue, focusing on reducing the costs of raw materials, enhancing printer efficiency, and shortening production cycles. These advancements help lower the overall manufacturing time and expense, making metal 3D printing more accessible for various applications.
• Broader Industry Adoption: Metal 3D printing is increasingly being adopted across diverse industries, extending beyond traditional sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. Sectors such as electronics, fashion, and even food are exploring how metal 3D printing can innovate and enhance their product offerings, indicating the versatile applications of this technology.

Use Cases

• Aerospace Components: Metal 3D printing is highly valued in the aerospace industry for manufacturing complex, lightweight components such as turbine blades and fuel nozzles. The ability to produce parts that are lighter yet strong enhances the efficiency and performance of aircraft.
• Automotive Parts: In the automotive sector, 3D printing is used to create custom, lightweight designs for components like metal brackets and complex engine parts. This not only reduces the weight of vehicles, which can lead to better fuel efficiency but also allows for rapid prototyping and design flexibility.
• Medical Implants and Devices: The medical field benefits from 3D metal printing through the production of bespoke implants and surgical instruments. Materials like titanium are commonly used for their biocompatibility and strength, making them ideal for patient-specific implants.
• Jewelry and Fashion: Custom jewelry and high-fashion pieces are being crafted using 3D metal printing, allowing for intricate designs that are difficult or impossible to create with traditional methods. This application highlights the design freedom that 3D printing offers, enabling designers to realize unique and complex creations.
• Industrial Tooling and Molds: Metal 3D printing is also revolutionizing the production of tooling and molds. By using 3D printing, companies can reduce the lead time and costs associated with manufacturing molds and dies, particularly for highly specific or intricate designs.

Major Challenges

• Quality Control Variability: Ensuring consistent quality in metal 3D-printed parts remains a challenge. Variability in the printing process can lead to defects in parts, which can be costly and time-consuming to rectify. This affects the reliability of 3D printing for producing standardized products on a large scale.
• High Costs: The initial costs of metal 3D printing remain high, not just in terms of the equipment but also due to the cost of metal powders and the required post-processing steps. These factors contribute to the overall expense of metal 3D printing, making it less competitive against traditional manufacturing methods in some cases.
• Complexity in Design and Production: Metal 3D printing involves complex design and production processes that require a high level of expertise. The need to redesign parts specifically for additive manufacturing combined with the intricate setup and operational requirements of the printers adds to the complexity.
• Limited Materials Availability: The variety of materials that can be effectively used in metal 3D printing is still limited. While there are advancements in developing new metal alloys and composites, the range of materials that can be used without compromising on quality or performance is not as extensive as in conventional manufacturing.
• Supply Chain and Operational Disruptions: Like many other industries, the metal 3D printing sector is susceptible to supply chain disruptions that can affect the availability of essential materials and parts. Additionally, fluctuations in economic conditions can impact investment in new technologies and operational capabilities.

Market Growth Opportunities

• Increased Application in Industrial Sectors: Metal 3D printing is finding increased application in various industrial sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, which require complex part geometries and lightweight materials for improved performance and efficiency.
• Integration with Traditional Manufacturing: There’s a growing trend to integrate 3D printing into traditional manufacturing processes. This integration allows for greater flexibility in production, the ability to produce parts on demand, and reduces costs associated with inventory and logistics.
• Advancements in Printer Technology: Innovations in 3D printer technology are expected to continue, with improvements in speed, cost, and material handling. These advancements will make metal 3D printing more accessible and cost-effective, expanding its use in both existing and new markets.
• Expansion into New Geographical Markets: As the technology becomes more widespread and economically viable, there is significant potential for metal 3D printing to expand into new geographic markets, particularly in regions that are currently underpenetrated.
• Development of New Materials: Ongoing research and development in new printable materials are expected to further drive the adoption of metal 3D printing. These new materials will potentially open up additional applications in industries such as electronics and consumer goods, where specific material properties (like conductivity or aesthetic qualities) are crucial.

Key Players Analysis

• Proto Labs, Inc. provides rapid manufacturing services including 3D printing with metals like stainless steel and titanium, using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). They cater to a variety of industries, delivering prototypes and production parts within days, with capabilities for post-processing and detailed inspections to ensure quality.
• Voxeljet AG is actively involved in the 3D printing metal sector, primarily through its binder jetting technology that facilitates the tool-free production of molds and cores for metal casting. This innovative approach allows for the creation of complex geometries in metal casting, enhancing both design flexibility and production efficiency.
• Stratasys LTD is advancing in the 3D printing metal sector through its proprietary Layered Powder Metallurgy (LPM) technology, designed for cost-effective, production-grade metal parts for low-to-mid volumes. This technology aims to streamline the production of metal parts, making it quicker and more cost-effective, and is ideal for industries like automotive and aerospace.
• The ExOne Company is a recognized leader in the metal 3D printing sector, using its advanced binder jetting technology to create high-quality parts. ExOne’s metal 3D printers, such as the X1 160PRO, are designed for high-volume production with capabilities to print a variety of metals including stainless steels like 316L and 304L.
• Renishaw PLC is a significant player in the 3D metal printing sector, offering a range of advanced metal additive manufacturing systems like the RenAM 500 series. These systems utilize laser powder bed fusion technology to create metal parts for various industrial applications, featuring high precision and production scalability. Renishaw’s systems are known for their advanced gas flow system, precision optics, and software that integrates into digital workflows, enhancing both safety and production efficiency.
• EOS GmbH is renowned for its comprehensive range of industrial 3D metal printers, using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology. This allows for flexible integration into existing production environments, catering to various manufacturing requirements with an extensive portfolio of metal materials and advanced laser systems.
• General Electric Company, now operating under its aerospace branch as Colibrium Additive, specializes in metal 3D printing, producing industrial 3D printers, and metal powders, and offering related services. The company is dedicated to leading innovations in the additive manufacturing industry, ensuring high-quality and reliable manufacturing outcomes for a diverse range of industrial applications.
• Materialise NV utilizes Metal 3D Printing to create high-quality metal parts, blending advanced laser sintering technologies with a broad selection of metal materials. Their approach is particularly beneficial for producing intricate designs that traditional manufacturing can’t easily replicate, ensuring both quality and precision in end products for industries like automotive and aerospace.
• Höganäs AB is at the forefront of the 3D printing metal sector, specializing in the production of high-quality metal powders designed for additive manufacturing. They offer a wide range of metal powders tailored for various industrial applications, ensuring high performance and reliability in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.
• Wipro 3D is advancing in the metal 3D printing sector by delivering metal components and products through its strategic partnership with Authentise. They utilize a comprehensive selection framework to enhance their additive manufacturing capabilities, focusing on rapid prototyping and efficient production across various industries, including automotive and healthcare.
• SLM Solutions Group AG is a leader in metal additive manufacturing, focusing on the development of selective laser melting (SLM) technology. This technology is used across various industries to produce parts that are lightweight and structurally complex. SLM Solutions emphasizes innovation in its SLM machines and processes, providing high-quality metal powders and precise engineering parameters to ensure manufacturing success.
• Markforged, Inc. excels in the metal 3D printing sector with their Metal X System, a comprehensive solution for creating functional metal parts efficiently and affordably. This system utilizes advanced 3D printing technologies to produce a wide range of metals, offering an intuitive and safe experience for users without the need for extensive training or complex safety measures.
• GKN PLC, through its division GKN Powder Metallurgy, is a leader in the 3D printing metal sector. They specialize in producing advanced metal powders and manufacturing metal parts using additive manufacturing technologies. This expertise allows them to provide innovative solutions across various industries, enhancing product design and manufacturing processes to meet modern engineering demands.
• Carpenter Technology Corporation excels in the 3D Printing Metal sector by offering high-quality alloy powders optimized for additive manufacturing. They provide a full range of services from the creation of custom powders to the manufacturing of parts, aiming to enhance performance and quality across various critical industries like aerospace and medical devices.
• Arcam AB, a company based in Mölndal, Sweden, has made significant strides in the 3D printing metal sector by developing the electron beam melting machine for metal-based additive manufacturing. They also produce advanced metal powders and cater to industries like aerospace and healthcare.
• Titomic Limited has reshaped the 3D metal printing landscape through their innovative cold spray technology, known as Titomic Kinetic Fusion. This method allows for rapid production and repair of metal parts, combining high performance with sustainability.
• Sandvik AB is active in the 3D printing metal sector, leveraging its expertise in metal technology and manufacturing to offer a range of innovative 3D metal printing solutions. Their work in this field is aimed at enhancing production capabilities and optimizing performance across various industries, marking them as a key player in the additive manufacturing landscape.

Conclusion

Metal 3D printing is set to revolutionize manufacturing with its ability to produce complex, lightweight parts quickly and sustainably. As technology advances, it offers significant opportunities in industrial applications, promising greater customization and efficiency.

This growth is driven by innovations in materials and printing techniques, making metal 3D printing a key player in the future of manufacturing.

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