After initial commercialization in the 1990s, 3D printing metals has witnessed a flurry of interest in recent years. Key players have been quick to capitalize on this demand, enjoying exponential revenue growth since 2013 as a result. The influx of new powder bed fusion equipment vendors since 2015 has helped to drive down printer prices and met the surging demand for this type of printer. There is significant appetite for metal 3D printers which offer lower cost solutions to help customers fully leverage the plethora of benefits offered by additive manufacturing.
Over the past few years, several companies have launched new printer technologies with the promise of overcoming some of the existing barriers to adoption, such as lower printer prices, faster build speeds, cheaper materials, and more. Increasing throughput and streamlining production efficiencies will drive demand growth for printers and materials substantially. Given these market trends, IDTechEx Research forecasts that the global market for metal 3D printing will reach a value of $19 billion by the year 2029. These forecasts and further market analysis can be found in the latest IDTechEx Research report on the topic, 3D Printing of Metals 2019-2029.
Technology and Applications
The 3D printing metals market comprises multiple different printer technologies. 3D Printing of Metals 2019-2029 takes an in-depth look into established printer types such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and Binder Jetting. Key technological capabilities, applicable markets, SWOT analyses and key manufacturers are discussed for each established printer type. In addition, nascent printer technologies are introduced, and their technological capabilities evaluated.
This report provides a detailed overview of currently supported materials for metal 3D printing, assessing production methods, raw material requirements across different printer types and their potential applications. In addition, novel methods for creating new materials for metals 3D printing are discussed.
Market analysis
In this report IDTechEx Research forecasts the overall metal 3D printing market to 2029, with in depth discussion of currently commercialised and emerging printer technologies. The current state of the printers and materials market is analysed, and long-range forecasts from 2019-2029 for installed base, units sold and revenue per annum segmented by printer type and material are evaluated.
IDTechEx conducted exhaustive primary research with companies positioned throughout the entire 3D printing value chain for key insights into the trends impacting growth to 2029. Over 30 company profiles have been included in the report including EOS, Concept Laser GmbH and Arcam AB, amongst others.
Key questions that are answered in 3D Printing of Metals 2019-2029:
- What are the current and emerging printer technology types?
- How do metrics such as price, build speed, build volume and precision vary by printer type?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of different 3D printing technologies?
- Which printers support different material classes?
- What is the current installed base of 3D printers?
- What is the price range of 3D metal printers by technology type?
- What are the market shares of those active in the market?
- What are the key drivers and restraints of market growth?
- How will sales of different printer types evolve from 2019 to 2029?
