Protolabs 3D Printing Report Reveals Accelerated Industry Growth through Emerging Applications
Protolabs has released its annual 3D Printing Trend Report, based on a survey of over 700 engineering professionals and key market data.
The report highlights significant growth in the additive manufacturing industry.
Key findings include a 10.5% faster-than-predicted market growth, with the market size reaching $28.1 billion in 2024 and $57.1 billion by 2028.
Seventy percent of businesses printed more parts in 2023 than in 2022, and 77% see the medical sector as having the most potential impact.
Production-run volumes are steadily increasing, and new materials are driving innovation.
AI technologies are also enhancing 3D printing capabilities.
- 3D printing market growing 10.5% faster than predicted.
- Market size expected to reach $28.1 billion in 2024 and $57.1 billion by 2028.
- 70% of businesses printed more parts in 2023 than in 2022.
- 77% of survey respondents see the medical sector as having the most potential impact.
- Increase in production-run volumes: 76% of respondents printed more than 10 parts in 2023.
- Expansion of materials and related technologies is driving innovation.
- AI technologies like automated print tuning and improved slicer software are enhancing 3D printing.
- 45% of survey respondents still choose other manufacturing methods over 3D printing due to production volume and scale.
A survey of more than 700 members of the global engineering community and key market data identify the current and future state of additive manufacturing
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 -
70% of businesses printed more parts in 2023 than in 2022 -
77% reported the medical sector has most potential for impact
3D Printing’s Potential for Production
The data shows that 3D printing is steadily 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
The mindset around additive and production is slowly changing as well: “Production volume and scale” was named by
Innovative Materials on the Rise
Moving forward, the report found the expansion of available materials and related technologies will play a vital role in shaping future use cases. For example, nearly a third of respondents reported multi-material printing will have the biggest impact on 3D printing growth, second only to hybrid manufacturing, which combines additive technology with traditional services.
Industry experts agree that highly specialized materials designed for 3D printing applications are coming to market, providing even more scope for innovation. Adam Hecht from 3DP design studio DIVE said:
“Companies are designing blends actually tailored for 3D printing. They’re creating a lot of materials that are geared for very specific applications within 3D printing, whether that’s conventional thermoplastics that have been re-engineered for 3D printing, or resins that aren’t just for prototyping, but for very specialized, high-temperature, high-elasticity types of applications.”
Where AI is Taking the Technology
As the excitement of AI permeates almost every sector, 3D printing is no exception. Protolabs’ report reveals the big promise of an AI-disrupted industry has yet to be fully realized; however, smart printers are getting smarter and improving the user experience. Nearly a third of respondents identified automated print tuning as the top impact from AI, followed by non-planar FDM printing through improved slicer software (
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.
Protolabs works with customers globally as an additive manufacturing partner, utilizing plastic and metal 3D printing technologies to serve customer needs for prototype and production parts. In 2023, Protolabs’ 3D printing service generated more than
About Protolabs
Protolabs is the fastest and most comprehensive digital manufacturing service in the world. Our digital factories produce low-volume parts in days while Protolabs Network unlocks advanced capabilities and volume pricing through its highly vetted manufacturing partners. The result? One manufacturing source—from prototyping to production—for product developers, engineers, and supply chain teams across the globe. See what's next at protolabs.com.
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Investor Relations Contacts:
Protolabs
Ryan Johnsrud, 612-225-4873
Manager, Investor Relations and FP&A
ryan.johnsrud@protolabs.com
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949-574-3860
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Media Contact:
Protolabs
Brent Renneke, 763-479-7704
Marketing Communications Manager
brent.renneke@protolabs.com
Source: Protolabs
FAQ
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