3D Printing Statistics By Usage and Facts

Joseph D'Souza
Written by
Joseph D'Souza

Updated · Jan 02, 2025

Rohan Jambhale
Edited by
Rohan Jambhale

Editor

3D Printing Statistics By Usage and Facts

Introduction

3D Printing Statistics: 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a groundbreaking technology that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital model. This process offers unmatched precision, speed, and customization, transforming industries from healthcare to manufacturing. The global 3D printing market was valued at USD 19.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 135.4 billion by 2033, growing at a robust CAGR of 21.2% between 2024 and 2033.

The United States leads the market with a value of USD 3.1 billion, accounting for 22% of the global share, while Europe hosts 52% of 3D printing businesses. The industry’s impact is wide-reaching, with 47% of schools and universities worldwide adopting 3D printers, and the construction sector is expected to save USD 20 billion annually by 2025 through 3D printing innovations. By 2030, the global market is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 20.8%, potentially reaching USD 62.76 billion. The UK market, currently valued at £468 million, is projected to grow to £685 million by 2026.

Editor’s Choice

  • The global 3D printing market is expected to grow from USD 19.8 billion in 2023 to USD 135.4 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 21.2%.
  • By 2030, the 3D printing market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 20.8%, reaching USD 62.76 billion.
  • The small industrial metal printer market is projected to reach USD 1 billion by 2027.
  • The hardware segment of the 3D printing market held over 67% of the market share in 2023.
  • Industrial 3D printers held more than 75% of the 3D printing market share in 2023.
  • In 2023, the stereolithography (SLA) segment made up over 11% of the 3D printing market.
  • The prototyping segment held more than 54% of the 3D printing market in 2023.
  • The metal segment led the 3D printing market with over 53% share in 2023.
  • In 2023, the automotive sector made up over 61% of industrial 3D printing.
  • North America dominated the 3D printing market in 2023 with 35% share and revenues of USD 6.9 billion.
  • Germany holds 37% of the 3D printing market in Europe, the largest in the region.
  • Asia Pacific accounted for about 45% of the global 3D printing market in 2020.
  • The UK has a 3D printing market worth USD 468 million, the second-largest in Europe.
  • By 2026, the 3D printing market in the UK is expected to reach USD 685 million, growing at a CAGR of around 10%.
  • 66% of research and education organizations use in-house 3D printers.
  • 47% of schools and universities have integrated 3D printers into their education programs.
  • About 51% of engineering and manufacturing industries use 3D printers for prototypes and test parts.
  • In 2020, 43% of UK businesses increased their investment in 3D printing machines.
  • Approximately 17% of the aerospace and defense industry used 3D-printed parts in 2020.
  • 93% of 3D printer users reported a competitive advantage from using the technology.
  • 22% of users experienced a 30%-50% reduction in development time using 3D printers.
  • 61% of 3D printer users plan to increase their investment, while 36% will maintain current spending.
  • Customers spend on average USD 8,000 per year on 3D printing, with 23% spending around USD 80,000.
  • The annual savings from 3D printing for the construction sector are projected to reach USD 20 billion by 2025.
  • The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology accounted for 46% of the 3D printing machine market.
  • Total 3D printer unit sales reached 496,475 units in 2020.

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3D Printing Statistics

  • In 2021, 3D printing originated USD 3.7 billion in sales.
  • 69% of professionals consider the ability of 3D printing to produce complex shapes the main benefit.
  • In the UK, 168,000 3D printers were installed.
  • Globally, between 1 and 2 million people use 3D printers.
  • Worldwide, 2.2 million 3D printers were sold to customers.
  • As per Statista, 871,000 3D printing machines were used in 2021.
  • Globally, all industries are growing worried about plastic usage; therefore, 3D printers have gained popularity.
  • In 2020, Stereolithography (SLA), which once dominated the industry, is being replaced by faster technologies.
  • In 2020, the projected market size for SLA was USD 1.6 billion.
  • The widely used 3D printing technology is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).
  • Selective laser sintering (SLS) is the second most used 3D printing technology. It is widely used by 42% of people.
  • Metal 3D printing is gaining popularity daily as companies worldwide face rising concerns over plastic use.


(Source: tonerbuzz.com)

General 3D Printing Statistics

  • The construction sector has grown by 245% annually due to the use of 3D printing technologies.
  • 66% of educational and research institutions use their own 3D printers.
  • Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) accounts for 46% of all 3D printing machines.
  • The dental 3D printing market is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2027.
  • In the UK, around 43% of companies invested more in 3D technology by 2020.
  • A Ford survey shows that producing car parts with 3D printing is 60% to 80% cheaper than traditional methods.
  • In 2021, 2.2 million 3D printer units were shipped globally.
  • The 3D printing equipment market was worth USD 4.5 billion in 2021, while the materials market was valued at USD 1.7 billion.
  • Top 3D printer manufacturers include AutoDesk, HP Inc., 3D Systems, Desktop Metal, and Proto Labs. AutoDesk’s market value exceeds USD 68.2 billion.
  • In 2018, venture capital funding for 3D printing startups exceeded USD 300 million.
  • By 2020, 23% of companies using 3D printing had invested over USD 100,000 in the technology.
  • 69% of users praise 3D printing for making complex shapes, 52% value its fast product iterations, and 41% appreciate its mass customization abilities.
  • 38% of companies using 3D printing consider it their core activity, 18% have dedicated in-house departments, and 16% use it across various departments.
  • The 3D printed prosthetics, orthotics, and audiology market is expected to reach USD 509 million by 2026 and grow to USD 996 million by 2030.
  • Polymer 3D printing generates more than double the revenue of metal additive manufacturing.
  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the most popular additive manufacturing method, with 56% of users selecting it as their top choice.
  • By 2030, the manufacturing workforce shortage could increase 2.5 times, leading to over 20,500 unfilled jobs in the US for additive manufacturing (AM). The entire manufacturing industry could face over 2.1 million job vacancies.
  • More than 60% of 3D printer users plan to increase investment in 3D technology, and 36% aim to maintain their current investment levels, totaling 96% of manufacturers committed to 3D printing.

3D Printing Usage

  • In 2020, almost 54% of engineering firms had increased their functioning using 3D end-of-use components.
  • Metal printing for 3D has become the most popular practice as companies need to use less plastic.
  • About 75 3D printing service providers have reported creating 1,001 to 10,000 parts yearly; other quarters stated 10,000 and 50,000 annually.

(Reference: market.us)

  • In 2020, 54% of engineering firms improved operations using 3D-printed components for final use.
  • Metal 3D printing has become the most popular method as companies shift away from using plastic.
  • 75 3D printing service providers reported producing between 1,001 and 10,000 parts annually, while others created between 10,000 and 50,000 parts yearly.
  • 68% of companies use 3D printing primarily for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing.
  • The prototyping market for 3D printing was valued at USD 4.4 billion in 2020.
  • 59% of respondents in 2020 used 3D printing for proof of concept, making it the second most popular use.
  • 40% of businesses using 3D printing create functional parts, and 26% make tools.
  • 27% of companies produce finished consumer goods using 3D printing.
  • By 2030, the molds and tooling market is expected to grow from USD 5.2 billion in 2020 to USD 20 billion.
  • Companies that invested heavily in 3D printing reported using it for small series in 70% of cases, large series in 49%, and mass manufacturing in 18%.
  • Adidas uses 3D printing for large-scale production, including the 3D printed soles of its 4DFWD running shoes.
  • 3D printing can reduce waste by up to 95%.

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Industries Utilizing 3D Printing

  • Many industries now use 3D printing, especially aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
  • Boeing uses 3D printing for making airplane interior parts.
  • NASA includes 3D-printed components in satellites and engines.
  • The automotive industry uses 3D printing for rapid tooling and customizing car interiors.
  • 3D printing in healthcare was valued at USD 1,036 million in 2020.
  • Healthcare benefits from 3D printing for making protective equipment, surgical tools, and customized prosthetics.
  • 3D printing is also used for creating dental implants and organ replicas.
  • Many materials can be 3D printed, including plastics, metals, resins, cement, ceramics, and even food.
  • 3D-printed food, like chocolates and purees, is used in gourmet dining.
  • The 3D food printing industry reached USD 76.9 million in 2021.
  • 68% of companies using 3D printing do so for prototyping and pre-series manufacturing.
  • The value of prototyping through 3D printing was USD 4.4 billion in 2020.
  • 59% of companies use 3D printing for proof of concept.
  • 40% of companies create functional parts using 3D printing.
  • 27% of companies make consumer goods through 3D printing.
  • 26% of companies produce tools using 3D printing.
  • Adidas mass-produces 3D-printed running shoes, including 3D-printed soles in their 4DFWD shoes.
  • Companies investing in 3D printing report 70% usage for small series, 49% for large series, and 18% for mass production.
  • The molds and tooling sector of 3D printing was valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to USD 20 billion within 10 years.

Companies Statistics And Facts

  • General Electric company has the most 3D printing patents registered in the US.
  • Creality’s Ender 3 is the top choice for beginners, with more than 800,000 shipments worldwide.
  • In 2022, Autodesk was the most prominent software vendor in the market, with estimated sales of USD 4.39 billion.
  • Proto Labs Inc. says that among all the 3D printing firms, 3D Systems is the most significant business, with 615 million in 2021.
  • Boeing is the most significant aircraft manufacturer that claims to have saved USD 3 million by using 3D printing for titanium.

3D Printer Growth Opportunity Statistics

  • The market for products and services associated with 3D printing has risen by USD 5.1 billion.
  • In 2024, the metal AM hardware industry will earn around USD 4 billion in revenues.
  • By 2027 the market for ortho 3D printing was estimated at USD 691 million. It could be in the range of USD 3.7 billion by 2027.
  • Nealy 71% of businesses believe that they’ll need more knowledge or training to utilize 3D printing technology efficiently.
  • For about 69 percent of 3D printers, this technology should be more dependent, and not costly.
  • Around 55% of firms believe that implementing 3D printing will improve the flexibility of their supply chains.

3D Printers within Healthcare

  • The market for 3D-printed dental devices was USD 3.1 billion in 2021 and will reach USD 7.9 billion in 2027.
  • In 2021 the number of operations was over 1.4 million non-surgical and surgical operations were performed and increased at 15.8% CAGR.
  • The market for medical 3D printing as well as the materials, software, and hardware is estimated to be worth USD 1.25 billion.
  • In 2026, the 3D-printed prosthetics, orthotics, and audiology market will bring in USD 509 million in sales. in 2030 996 million.
  • The healthcare 3D printing market was worth USD 2 billion in 2022 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 22.5% in the coming years.

3D Printing Latest Statistics

  • Every year, the 3D printing market expands at a sparkling rate between 19% and 27%.
  • The Cameron Library’s printer has an infill level of 5%.
  • The stereolithography market sector topped the world’s 3D printing market, handling 8% of global sales in 2021.
  • Almost 29% of the users state that an important project is their lack of faith in the dependability of 3D Printing.
  • A rising 51% of the users use 3D printing technology in their operations.
  • In 2021, the metal category dominated the global market for 3D Printing, accounting for 50.6% of worldwide revenue.
  • About 71% of the industries need more expertise or training to use 3D printing techniques.
  • 70% of the organizations who reported substantial 3D printing technique investments do for a small series.
  • In 2021, the estimated size of the global 3D printing market was 13.84 billion, which is projected to rise to $16.75 billion.
  • In 2021, the market for 3D food printing is projected to be valued at $76.9 million and reach $872.4 million by 2028.
  • In 2020, almost 23% of the industries that use 3D technology admitted to spending more than $100,000 on the technology.
  • 69% of 3D printer users agree that the technology has become dependable.
  • By 2025, the medical industry will expect to value $9.4 billion in 3D printing market value.
  • As per Ernst & Young’s survey, 38% of the market for 3D Printing is controlled by system makers.
  • 99% of the manufacturers think that advanced 3D Printing at scale requires

3D Printing in the Construction Sector

  • A 3D printer is used to cut down the construction waste.
  • A 3D printing home typically costs between Rs. 5 to 5.5 lakhs.
  • In 2022, the building sector was the largest market, with a 73.5% revenue share.
  • In 2022, the Asia Pacific was the most significant 3D construction market, with a revenue share of nearly 40%.
  • By the end of 2022, 129 3D construction structures were on 105 sites.

3D Printing Benefits and Issues

  • In 2021, 49% of the manufacturers stated that they did not use 3D Printing since they didn’t have confidence in its reliability.
  • 55% of the industrialists preferred 3D Printing because of its low cost.
  • 61% of the organizations said that customizing parts was the reason for using 3D Printing.

Major 3D Printing Companies

  • Sindoh Co.Ltd.
  • Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co.Ltd.
  • Sculptor Aps
  • Raise 3D Technologies Inc.
  • Photocentric Ltd.
  • MATERIALISE NV
  • Markforged Holiday Corp.
  • Kinpo Group
  • HP Inc
  • Gizmo 3D Printers Pty Ltd.
  • Formlabs Inc.
  • EOS GmbH
  • Desktop Metal Inc.

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3D Printing Software Statistics

  • According to a survey by SmartTech Analysis 9, the market for medical 3D printing includes services, software hardware, and materials and is currently projected to be $1.25 billion.
  • Scanning software will grow fast and generate increasing revenue, with an estimated CAGR of 21.4% from 2021 to 2028.
  • In 2020, design software will account for more than 36% of the worldwide revenue for the 3D printing market.
  • By 2024, the 3D printing software will grow from $2.1 billion with a CAGR of 22.2%.
  • From 2024 to 2030, the scanning software section will register the highest CAGR of 21.7%.
  • In 2021, the design software section led the market for 20% of the share globally.

3D Printing Devices

  • In December 2020, Desktop Metal’s market capitalization exceeded $7.5 billion, and it received $575 million from a merger with a particular company.
  • Autodesk is the world’s biggest 3D printer manufacturer, with a market capitalization of $68.22 billion.
  • Proto Labs, HP Inc., 3D Systems, Autodesk, and Desktop Metal are the five leading 3D printing companies.
  • In 2022, GE will have the most significant 3D printing patents in the US.
  • There are 2.8 million addictive manufacturing and 3D printing devices globally.

Conclusion

3D printing is becoming one of the most critical technologies shortly. The 3D printing technique has a degree of customizing and efficient companies. Producers and policymakers know the benefit of adopting 3D printers for producing many different products. The 3D printers figure shows the sector is still developing and has an extensive road to run.

The industries will gain confidence in 3D printing by using it, working on different apps, and improving errors. Printing speed will be another problem the 3D printing industry must overcome. Through this article, we have learned about 3D Printing Statistics.

Joseph D'Souza
Joseph D'Souza

Joseph D'Souza started Coolest Gadgets in 2005 to share his love for tech gadgets. It has since become a popular tech blog, famous for detailed gadget's reviews and companies statistics. Joseph is committed to providing clear, well-researched content, making tech easy to understand for everyone. Coolest Gadgets is a trusted source for tech news, loved by both tech fans and beginners.

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