Polymers for 3D Printing Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Polymers for 3D Printing Market is segmented By Type (Polycarbonate, Poly Ether Ester Ketone, Photopolymer, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polyetherimide, Polyamide, Nylon, Others), By Form (Liquid, Filament, Powder), By Processes (Material Extrusion, Vat Polymerisation, Powder Bed Fusion, Material Jetting), By Application (Prototyping, Manufacturing), By End User (Healthcare, Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Polymers for 3D Printing Market Overview

The Global Polymers for 3D Printing Market is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecasting period (2024-2031).

Plastic materials are made of synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds with the property capable of changing their shape. Most plastics in the market are entirely commonly derived from petrochemicals. Moreover, the growing environmental issues/concerns, plastics produced from renewable materials like polylactic acid (PLA). Due to their ease of manufacture, low cost, versatility and water resistance, plastics are used in many sectors and products. Furthermore, the most popular and affordable 3D printing process is FDM, which produces parts through plastic filaments' extrusion. However, FDM machines' precision is not the same as other AM processes like SLS or SLA; it is often used to create prototypes. Therefore, for industrial and end-use parts, manufacturers might opt for SLS (using plastic powders) or SLA (using plastic resins) technologies that offer part quality and accuracy.

Polymers for 3D Printing Market Scope

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Polymers for 3D Printing Market Dynamics

The increasing demand for high-performing thermoplastics and composite materials is expected to increase the market's growth in the forecast period. Simple plastics like PLA and ABS will dominate the polymer market due to the increasing demand for functional material, strong, withstand harsh environments and high temperatures. The 3D printing industry responds to this trend by developing high-performance thermoplastics, like carbon-reinforced composites, ULTEM, PEEK and PEKK. Moreover, many 3D printer hardware manufacturers are also working closely with companies to adapt the 3D printing hardware required for these materials. For an instant, Roboze, an Italian manufacturer of extrusion 3D printers, has collaborated with SABIC on an amorphous thermoplastic polyimide filament called EXTEM AMHH811F. 

Furthermore, the development of high-performance thermoplastics is essential for industrialization as it supports the development of technology from prototyping to advanced applications in demanding industries like medical and aerospace. This new technology claims to have excellent resistance to high temperatures, and a heat deflection range of up to 230° C, and a 247° C glass development, which is considered the highest of any 3D printable material. In addition, it offers good chemical resistance, excellent flame-retardant properties, and maintains its mechanical strength at high temperatures. For instance, PEEK 3D printing is now used to create patient-specific implants, which is expected to grow the opportunity in medical PEEK 3D printing has encouraged Evonik to invest in Meditool, a Chinese start-up specializing in PEEK 3D-printed implants for neurological and spinal surgery.

However, this polymer has also some limitation which includes the selection of plastics, and the metal raw material is not exhaustive; the printing chamber of the 3D printer is small which restrict the size of the parts, the larger volume is costly; copyright issues; and others are some reasons to hinder the growth of 3D printing.

Polymers for 3D Printing Market Segmentation Analysis

By type, the market is segmented into polycarbonate, polyether ester ketone, photopolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyetherimide, polyamide, nylon, others By form, the market is segmented into filament, liquid, powder. By processes, the market is segmented into material extrusion, vat polymerization, powder bed fusion, material jetting. By application, the market is segmented into prototyping, manufacturing. By end-use, the market is segmented into healthcare, aerospace, defence, automotive, electrical & electronics, and others.

ABS fibre is the most commonly used 3D printing plastic used in the bodywork of cars, mobile phone cases, and appliances. Moreover, it is a thermoplastic that includes elastomers based on polybutadiene, making it more flexible and resistant to shocks. In addition, it can also be found in powder form for powder bed processes like SLS and liquid form for SLA and Poly Jet technologies. Furthermore, it is used in 3D printing when heated between 230ºC and 260ºC as it is a rigid material; it can withstand temperatures of -20ºC to 80ºC easily. It is also a reusable material to its high strength and can be joined by chemical processes. However, ABS is non-biodegradable and shrinks in contact with air, so the printing floor must be heated to limit warping. In addition, it is recommended to use a closed chamber 3D printer to restrict particle emissions when printing with ABS.

Global Polymers for 3D Printing Market Geographical Share

North America and Europe dominate the regions of the polymers market for 3D printing. Research and development activities are carried out in these regions comprised of mature markets, thereby contributing to its significant growth. Moreover, the 3D printing industry is growing across the world, which opens an opportunity for polymer manufacturers to develop their products according to 3D printing applications' requirements. Investments and development by companies could provide an opportunity to capture local market share during the forecast period. The U.S. holds the largest market share in the North American market and is expected to continue dominance during the forecast period. The demand for 3D printing plastics in the country is majorly produced from the growing medical end-use segment due to its rising elderly population. Increasing demand for 3D printing plastics in medical equipment can be attributed to the mechanical and chemical properties offered by 3D printed plastics.

Moreover, APAC and other regions are also expected to contribute to the growth of polymer used in the 3D printing market due to the increasing demand for automobile industries.

Polymers for 3D Printing Market Companies and Competitive Landscape

The polymers for the 3D printing market are fragmented with the presence of regional and global players. The competitive outline lies with the increase in the regional company and growing investment in upstream application. BASF SE, Innofil3D BV, ELIX Polymers, Carbon Inc., Arkema Group, Evonik, Stratasys Ltd., ENVISIONTEC INC., 3D Systems Corporation, Royal DSM N.V. are the major player in the 3D printing market. The major players are adopting several growth strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations, contributing to growing the polymers for the 3D printing market globally.

ELIX Polymers

ELIX Polymers has produced a new “ABS 3D printing” which aims to develop advanced versions of the terpolymer specifically for 3D printing using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), more commonly known as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). Moreover, ELIX aims to design materials with better mechanical properties like low warpage, resistance to impact, dimensional precision and high resolution.

AIMPLAS and ELIX are working together in various stages of the new R&D project, from the development of the ABS product and modification of the formulas and manufacturing of filament with thicknesses of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm, using AIMPLAS’s filament extruder line, which is equipped with a single-screw extruder, controlled cooling bath, drive system and spool system, printing and validation of the product, and requirements for the final application

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