Protolabs 3D Printing Report Indicates Industry Growth

Protolabs’ newly published 3D Printing Trend Report provides a snapshot of the additive manufacturing industry and highlights emerging trends as applications for 3D printing’s continued growth. Through key market data and a survey of more than 700 members of the global engineering community, Protolabs’ annual report depicts a healthy level of confidence in the 3D printing market driving more potential for production-level manufacturing as the technology’s uses expand beyond prototyping.

Key findings include:

• 3D printing market growing 10.5% faster than predicted
• 2024 market size estimated at $28.1 billion
• Market to reach $57.1 billion by the end of 2028
• 70% of businesses printed more parts in 2023 than in 2022
• 77% reported the medical sector has most potential for impact

Potential for Production

The data shows that 3D printing is moving beyond prototyping towards production applications. Protolabs’ annual report reveals a steady growth in production-run volumes: Respondents who said they printed more than 10 parts rose from 36% in 2020, to 49% in 2021 and to 76% in 2023.

The mindset around additive and production is slowly changing as well: “Production volume and scale” was named by 45% of survey respondents as a factor for choosing other manufacturing methods over 3D printing—down from 47% in the previous year.

Materials on the Rise

The report found the expansion of available materials and related technologies will play a role in shaping future use cases. For example, nearly a third of respondents reported multimaterial printing will have a big impact on 3D printing growth, second only to hybrid manufacturing, which combines additive technology with traditional services.

Industry experts agree that specialized materials designed for 3D printing applications are coming to market.

Where AI is Taking Technology

As AI permeates almost every sector, 3D printing is no exception. Protolabs’ report reveals the promise of an AI-disrupted industry has yet to be fully realized; however, smart printers are improving user experience. About a third of respondents identified automated print tuning as the top impact from AI, followed by non-planar FDM printing through improved slicer software (25%). Design for additive manufacturing will also benefit from AI innovation.

To find out more about the status of additive manufacturing—broken down by industry and region—and where 3D printing is heading next, download the full report.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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