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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
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Metal-Type Analysis
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Steel, Nickel Alloys, Titanium Alloys, Aluminum Alloys, Cobalt Alloys, and Other Metals
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Titanium alloy held the largest market share in 2024, and its dominance is projected to continue in the forecasted period.
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Manufacturing Process-Type Analysis
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Powder Bed Fusion, Blown Powder, and Other Manufacturing Processes.
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Powder bed fusion is likely to maintain its unquestionable lead over the next six years.
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End-Use Industry-Type Analysis
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Aerospace & Defense, Medical, Automotive, Energy, and Other End-Use Industries
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During the forecast period, aerospace & defense is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing end-use industry type in the market.
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Region Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is expected to remain the largest market for 3D-printed metal parts during the forecast period.
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By Metal Type
“Titanium alloy is likely to remain the largest metal category of the market during the forecast period.”
The market is segmented into steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and other metals. Titanium alloys are mainly used owing to their lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and lower by-weight-to-fly ratio, and are preferred for the aerospace industry. Key applications of titanium alloy 3D-printed metal parts for aerospace include airframes, wing structures, compressor blades, rotors, brackets, and other turbine engine components.
Aluminum alloys, under the spotlight, are expected to record the second-highest growth during 2024-2031. Key aircraft OEMs, Boeing, and Airbus are using aluminum alloys for developing 3D-printed parts in their communication satellites, aircraft, and helicopters.
Cobalt is one of the preferred metals for 3D-printed dental parts (bridges, dentures, and crowns) due to its good corrosion resistance, biocompatible, non-magnetic properties, and excellent mechanical properties.
By Manufacturing Process Type
“Powder bed fusion dominated the market with the largest share and is likely to remain dominant in the coming years.”
The market is segmented into powder bed fusion, blown powder, and other manufacturing processes. Key advantages of the powder bed fusion process are reduced material wastage, improved production development time, efficient recycling of unmelted powder, and good resolution compared to other processes. The process type is used to produce lightweight components for aviation and racing cars, as well as medical implants.
Blown powder is likely to gain traction in the market during the forecasted period. It supports a wide range of metals for manufacturing parts, such as titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, Inconel 718, 625, and niobium.
Binder jetting is preferred for applications that require good aesthetics and form, such as architectural models, packaging, toys, and figurines.
By End Use Industry Type
“The aerospace & defense is likely to remain the largest and fastest-growing end-use industry of the market in the coming years.”
The market is segmented into aerospace & defense, medical, automotive, energy, and other end-use industries. For the aerospace & defense industry, 3D printing technology produces lightweight parts with fewer internal defects and reduces fuel consumption and material costs. For instance, GE Aviation produces fuel nozzle tips for the LEAP engine and achieved a weight reduction of 25%.
Medical is likely to remain the second-largest market till 2031. Medical implants from biocompatible materials (such as titanium and cobalt) are one of the dominant applications of metal 3D printing.
Regional Analysis
“North America is likely to maintain its leadership in the market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region by 2031."
The USA is the dominant market for aerospace 3D printing, driven by the higher adoption rate of 3D printing technology. Presence of key players: GKN Powder Metallurgy, GE Aerospace, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Oerlikon, and ATI.
Europe is likely to maintain its second-leading position till 2031. Medical (making dental parts is extremely popular) is one of the major industries to adopt 3D printing technology in the region. Presence of key players: Liebherr-International AG, TRUMPF, MTU Aero Engines AG, and Sandvik AB.
Asia-Pacific is likely to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. China is the dominant 3D printing market in the region, driven by the “Additive Manufacturing Industry Development Action Plan” by the Chinese government.
