Market Overview

The global 3D printing materials market size in 2023 was valued at 460,720 million yen (124.9% of the preceding year, based on the end user price).
When examining the market by 3D printing type, materials for material extrusion (MEX) are seeing robust growth, driven by steady demand from both individual users and the increasing need from industries for MRO inventory (supplies, spare parts, and other materials essential for maintenance, repair, and operations). In the case of powder bed fusion (PBF), there has been strong demand for metals in the aerospace, defense, and medical sectors, while resin use has expanded to support production parts across a range of industries. Light-curing resin for vat photopolymerization (VPP) has seen growth due to its medical applications, such as dental models and hearing aid components. Additionally, there has been robust demand for light-curing resin in material jetting (MJT), primarily for prototype production in overseas markets.

Noteworthy Topics

Trends of Materials for Material Extrusion (MEX)

The demand for MEX 3D printing spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, construction, and education, as well as consumer markets. Professional creators and hobbyists use 3D printers to make figurines, toys, and accessories, primarily with PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments. While a Taiwanese manufacturer exited the desktop 3D printer market in 2023, a new high-speed, low-cost model introduced by a Chinese startup is gaining attention.

In the automotive industry, MEX 3D printing is commonly used for creating prototypes to evaluate designs or functionalities (such as large components like bumpers), as well as jigs and custom parts for car modifications and the aftermarket.

In aerospace, manufacturers are using MEX 3D printers with high-performance engineering plastics to produce ducting, brackets, switches, and even engine components for satellites. A rebound in capital investments—following a period of stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic—along with advancements in 3D printing technologies, has driven increased demand for CFR and GFR filaments.

Future Outlook

With advancements in 3D printing technologies and innovations in materials—such as those offering enhanced mechanical properties and heat resistance—the potential applications for 3D printed prototypes, jigs, and small- to medium-volume parts are expected to expand significantly. Given this outlook, the global market for 3D printing materials is projected to exceed one trillion yen by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3% from 2023 to 2028.

Research Outline