3D printing is a manufacturing process where an object is synthesized in three dimensions by layering of material in succession directly from a predefined computer file containing the digital 3D model. The process is also known as Additive Manufacturing. 3D printing materials are those materials which can be easily manipulated by the 3D printing machines to produce the desired object. Initially in the 1980s, 3D printing technology was in its nascent stage and the 3D printing materials used were wax and simple thermoplastics since its purpose was limited to prototyping and sampling. Conversely, in the present scenario, 3D printing has evolved beyond prototyping and is utilized directly for functional purposes leading to the usage of more sophisticated and complex materials which requires it to be reliable and durable.
Global 3D Printing Materials Market Dynamics
Increased spending by the manufacturing sector around the globe for research and development purposes positively affects the sales of 3D printers thus improving the market for 3D printing materials. Rapid prototyping is steadily being widely accepted technology for product designing, product sampling, prototyping and concept modelling to the final stages of manufacturing thereby improving the growth of the 3D printing materials market. The process of additive manufacturing is steadily gaining traction in the field of medicine where prosthesis and dental attachments are produced by 3D printers which in turn boosts the growth of special purpose 3D printing materials in the market. Adoption of 3D printers for educational and architectural purpose has boosted the sales of 3D printing materials. Intense competition among the 3D printer manufacturers has led to miniaturization, reduction in the prices of 3D printers, improvements in its performance has contributed to the growth of 3D printing materials market.
Global 3D Printing Materials Market: Regional Outlook
The Global 3D Printing Materials market can be segmented into seven geographical locations such as North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and MEA. North America is expected to witness the highest growth of 3D printing materials market due to increased acceptance of 3D printing technology in the Industrial sector.