North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Polylactic Acid, ABS, Polyamide, Polycarbonate, and Others), By End-use Industry (Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, Electronics & Electrical, Consumer Goods, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics market size was valued at USD 508.6 million and USD 339.1 million, respectively, in 2022. The North America market is projected to grow from USD 622.8 million in 2023 to USD 2,929.0 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 24.8% during the forecast period. The Europe market is projected to grow from USD 415.0 million in 2023 to USD 1,778.4 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.1% during the forecast period. 

3D printing plastic, also known as 3D filament or 3D printer material, refers to the thermoplastic materials used as feedstock in 3D printing or additive manufacturing processes. These plastics are typically supplied in the form of filaments or pellets and are heated and extruded layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects in a layer-by-layer manner. These products are a crucial component in various 3D printing technologies, including stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and selective laser sintering (SLS).

COVID-19 IMPACT

Supply Chain Challenges Caused By Pandemic Hampered the Market Growth

The North America and European market encountered supply chain problems in the early stages of the pandemic due to lockdowns and limitations. Many businesses were forced to either halt or slow down their 3D printing activities.

However, as the pandemic progressed, the versatility of 3D printing proved to be a valuable tool. The technique was quickly put to use in the production of crucial medical supplies such as face shields and ventilator components, addressing urgent healthcare demands.

Furthermore, the pandemic highlighted the significance of local production and supply chain resilience. As a result, there was a boom in demand for 3D-printed medical and personal protective equipment, and there was an increased interest in distributed production via 3D printing.

North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics Market Trends

Increasing Adoption of 3D Printing in Home Printing to Boost Market Growth

The adoption of 3D printing technology in home settings is a burgeoning trend that is opening up significant opportunities for the market. The proliferation of consumer-grade 3D printers has increased access to the technology, making it more widely available.

Moreover, the home printing trends have resulted in 3D printer design innovation, with manufacturers creating more user-friendly devices. This not only increases the need for plastics used in these printers but also encourages more consumers to enter the field of 3D printing, further fueling the market growth. The rise of 3D printing is propelling a diverse growth trajectory for the North America and European market, which is being driven by improved accessibility, customized needs, educational uses, and developing printer technology.

Furthermore, the educational sector is embracing 3D printing as a great teaching tool. Students and teachers are utilizing 3D printers to learn STEM ideas and inspire creativity. As 3D printing becomes more incorporated into the educational curriculum, there is a growing demand for the product to support these initiatives.

North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics Market Growth Factors

Transforming Aerospace & Defense Industry to Boost the Product Demand, Driving the Market Growth

The aerospace & defense industry has emerged as one of the key drivers behind the market growth, revolutionizing their manufacturing processes and supply chain. Several forces are driving this shift, strategically establishing the product as a cornerstone technology in various industries.

The aerospace & defense industry requires lightweight, high-performance, and often finely built-components. Plastics for 3D printing, such as sophisticated polymers and composites, provide the optimal combination of strength and weight reduction, making them invaluable in the fabrication of aviation and spacecraft components. These materials make it possible to create complicated shapes that were previously unobtainable using typical manufacturing methods. The automotive industry has also adopted the trend of lightweight and high-performance material.

Plastics used in 3D printing can reduce material waste because they are deposited layer by layer, eliminating the need for subtractive operations. This not only saves money but also corresponds with sustainability goals, which are becoming increasingly essential in the industry. Moreover, the ability to rapidly develop and iterate designs utilizing plastics boosts 3D printing innovation tremendously.

The defense industry, in particular, benefits from 3D printing plastics' on-demand production capabilities. It allows for the rapid production of spare parts and components in remote or harsh settings, eliminating logistical obstacles and downtime. The aerospace & defense industry is not only driving the expansion of the market but also redefining how complicated, high-performance parts are developed, manufactured, and deployed. This transformational impact puts 3D printing plastics as key resources for the future of the aerospace and defense industry.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Environmental Concerns and High Cost May Hamper the Market Momentum

The market faces significant constraints due to both growing environmental concerns and the high cost associated with plastics used in 3D printing technology.

Concerns about the sustainability of plastics have been raised because of increased environmental consciousness. While additive manufacturing through 3D printing carries the promise of minimizing waste, the reality can be quite different. Many plastics used in 3D printing are made from non-renewable resources and may not be biodegradable. This has raised concern about the environmental impact of 3D printing waste, particularly in applications that require support or include unsuccessful prints.

On the other hand, the cost of plastics used in 3D printing continues to be a significant obstacle to mainstream use. Specialty 3D printing materials, particularly those with advanced features such as high strength, heat resistance, or flexibility, can be costly. This cost element may limit the viability of 3D printing for some applications, particularly in industries where cost efficiency is critical.

Addressing these difficulties necessitates the development of eco-friendly 3D printing materials derived from sustainable sources, as well as the optimization of printing techniques to minimize material waste. Furthermore, as the technology improves and economies of scale take effect, the cost of plastics is predicted to gradually become more competitive, thereby alleviating this barrier over time.

North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Polylactic Acid Segment Dominated Due to its Biodegradable Properties

Based on type, the market is segmented into polylactic acid, ABS, polyamide, polycarbonate, and others.

The polylactic acid segment held the prime share in 2022. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the generally used polymers in medical devices owing to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable properties. The growing popularity of PLA as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics that are widely adopted for manufacturing various applications such as disposable utensils, packaging, 3D printing, and others is expected to drive the segment growth.

The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) segment is expected to hold a significant share during the forecast period owing to its exceptional properties such as strength, durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance.

By End-use Industry Analysis

Growth in Product Demand from the Aerospace & Defense Industry to Fuel the Segment Expansion

In terms of end-use industry, the market is fragmented into automotive, aerospace & defense, healthcare, electronics & electrical, consumer goods, and others.

The aerospace & defense segment held the largest North America and European market share in 2022. High demand from the aerospace & defense industry plays an important role in higher product consumption.

The healthcare segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period owing to the use of biocompatible plastics. For instance, the dental industry as a whole has quickly adopted 3D printing for a long list of products. For products ranging from models to temporary dentures and permanent implants, 3D printing delivers the patient-specific products dentists require at consumer-friendly prices. Dentists normally use resin 3D printing to manufacture dentures, surgical tools, mouthguards, and a range of other products that are used temporarily or permanently.

Regional North America and Europe 3D Printing Plastics Market Analysis

North America accounted for a major market share in 2022. The North American market places a high value on innovation and technological breakthroughs. This region has been a pioneer in the adoption of 3D printing technologies due to its established industrial landscape. The presence of significant market players, as well as extensive R&D activities, has fueled market expansion in the region. The aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries are among the most significant end-users of 3D printing plastics for prototyping and production. Furthermore, the region’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental issues is driving the development of environmentally friendly 3D printing materials. The U.S. held a leading share in the region in 2022 and is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to the rising adoption of technology in several industries.

The market in Europe has a similar dedication to innovation and sustainability. The region has seen a considerable increase in the usage of additive manufacturing, led by industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. There is a growing demand for recyclable and biodegradable 3D printing plastics as strict rules promote sustainability and a lower carbon impact. Europe is also a center for sophisticated materials research & development, as well as 3D printing technologies, preparing the industry for continued growth. The coordinated efforts of industrial companies and research institutions help elevate Europe’s position in the global market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Top Companies Focus on Strategic Partnerships to Enhance their Market Position

This market includes major companies such as 3D Systems, Inc., Stratasys, Arkema S.A., Evonik Industries Ag, EOS GmbH, Formlabs, and other players. Top players in the market have a focused combination of innovation, customer-centric approaches, and strategic partnerships. They invest significantly in research and development to enhance the quality and diversity of 3D printing materials. Furthermore, an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials is gaining traction, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. The top players leverage these strategies to maintain a competitive edge in regional as well as global market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• 3D Systems, Inc. (U.S.)


• Stratasys  (U.S.)


• Arkema S.A. (France)


• Evonik Industries Ag (Germany)


• EOS GmbH (Germany)


• Ensinger Group (Germany)


• Raise 3D Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)


• Matter3D Inc. (Canada)


• 3D Printz Ltd. (U.S.)


• Formlabs (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2023: 3D Systems, Inc. introduced new high-performance materials - Accura AMX Tough FR V0 Black, Figure 4 Tough FR V0 Black, and Figure 4 JCAST-GRN 20 to enhance its Stereolithography (SLA). These materials enable efficient production for automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, and consumer goods.


• June 2023: Arkema announced a partnership with Raplas, a leading 3D printer manufacturer, to develop high-performance N3xtDimension custom formulations for use in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. The partnership will bring Arkema’s material expertise for new market trends and application-specific needs.


• May 2023: 3D Systems, Inc. acquired Wematter, a Swedish 3D printer manufacturer, to broaden its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) portfolio. Wematter introduced and designed the Wematter Gravity, which brought an affordable, turnkey SLS solution to the market.


• May 2023: Formlabs announced a strategic partnership with Hawk Ridge Systems to expand access to digital fabrication tools across North America. The full Formlabs ecosystem of materials, 3D printers, and solutions is available to Hawk Ridge Systems customers.


• April 2023: Stratasys Ltd. announced the acquisition of the additive manufacturing materials business of Covestro AG. The acquisition will bring R&D facilities and activities, a portfolio of nearly 60 additive manufacturing materials, North America and Europe development, and sales teams across Europe, the U.S. and the Asia.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as competitive landscape, types, and end-use industries. It offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years. It includes historical data and forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and analyzes the latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation