Market Overview

The global 3D printer materials market for 2021 is estimated 311,153 million yen (119.3% of the market size of the previous year, based on the end user price).

Viewing by printing process, MJT (material jetting), the technology chiefly used for prototyping, was impacted the most by the spread of novel coronavirus infections, and thus the demand for materials for this process diminished. Demand for materials used in creating prototype by VPP (vat photopolymerization) also decreased, however, the demand in medical sector underpinned the growth. The demand for MEX (material extrusion) printing turned for the better for industrial applications and stayed strong in consumer goods industry and medical industry. For PBF (powder bed fusion) technology, while the demand for PBF using metal power declined due to the slump of aerospace industry, the largest demander, the demand for PBF using resin powder increased for jigs, tools, and production parts.

Noteworthy Topics

Market Trends of Materials for MEX (Material Extrusion) 3D Printing

As 3D printers become affordable, users are expanding among consumers and in the consumer industry. In 2020, special demand rose for facial masks and face shields because of the spread of COVID-19 from the start of the year. In addition, demand for DIY and hobby items grew rapidly as people continued to stay home. The growth continued to the first half of 2021.

For industrial applications, material manufacturers have been releasing super engineering plastic materials like PEEK (polyether ether ketone) and PEI (polyetherimide), as well as glass fiber (GF)/carbon fiber (CF) reinforced high-performance filaments for 3D printing of production parts. Although the market was impacted by the lower operation rate of customer’s manufacturing plants during the pandemic, the demand for the GF/CF reinforced 3D printing filaments is turning for the better from the latter half of 2021.

Future Outlook

Together with a faster printing speed, enhancement of materials in terms of mechanical properties and heat resistance expands adoption of 3D printing technology for making prototypes, jigs, tools, and other items of small- to medium-lot production.

Therefore, the global 3D printing materials market is projected to grow at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.0% between 2021 and 2026, reaching 912,532 million yen by 2026.

Research Outline