3D Printing in Automotive Market | Acumen Research and Consulting

3D Printing in Automotive Market Highlights

• The global 3D printing in the automotive market is anticipated to reach USD 18.14 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 20.7% from 2024 to 2032
• In 2023, North America's 3D printing in automotive market was valued at approximately USD 1.31 billion
• The Asia-Pacific 3D printing in automotive market is projected to expand at a CAGR exceeding 23% between 2024 and 2032
• Hardware constituted 67% of the market share in 2023, based on the offering segment
• Increased adoption of 3D printing for rapid prototyping and customization of automotive parts is a popular 3D printing in automotive market trend that fuels the industry demand

In the automotive sector, 3D printing uses additive manufacturing technology to build parts and components by layering materials according to digital blueprints. This technology allows for the very precise manufacture of lightweight, complicated, and customizable parts. It is widely used in prototyping, allowing manufacturers to quickly test and iterate concepts prior to full-scale manufacturing. Additionally, 3D printing aids in the creation of tools, jigs, and fixtures, hence increasing manufacturing efficiency. It also contributes significantly to the production of end-use parts, particularly for electric and premium automobiles, where bespoke designs are in great demand. As technology advances, 3D printing is projected to transform car manufacturing by lowering prices and minimizing material waste.

Global 3D Printing in Automotive Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Increasing demand for lightweight and customized automotive parts
• Advancements in 3D printing technology for faster prototyping and production
• Reduction in production costs and material waste through additive manufacturing

Market Restraints

• High initial investment and maintenance costs for 3D printing equipment
• Limited availability of suitable materials for certain automotive applications
• Intellectual property concerns regarding design replication and counterfeiting

Market Opportunities

• Growth in electric vehicle production driving demand for custom parts
• Expansion of 3D printing in the production of spare parts and accessories
• Rising adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies enhancing the integration of 3D printing

3D Printing in Automotive Market Report Coverage

3D Printing in Automotive Market Insights

In recent years, there has been a considerable growth in demand for improved products that are cost effective, affordable, and lightweight. With the growing worry about fuel efficiency, many companies are working on developing innovative and advanced methods for product development. 3D printing is a novel technology utilized in the production of vehicle components. The growing number of automotive cars throughout the world has increased demand for automotive 3D printing market. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's annual automobile output in FY23 was 25.9 million units. India is a strong market in terms of both domestic demand and exports. In April 2024, the total output of passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles was 23,58,041.

Furthermore, lower machinery prices and increased technology usage have contributed to 3D automotive printing market growth. For instance, Stratasys Ltd. announced in March 2024 that it has acquired Arevo, Inc.'s technology portfolio and intellectual property (IP), a Silicon Valley, California-based technology business specializing in direct digital additive manufacturing of composite products. This acquisition comprises ground-breaking patents in carbon fiber printing; Z-strength enhancement, in-situ and AI build monitoring, and hardware design. By incorporating this technology into Stratasys' FDM print systems, the business hopes to broaden its manufacturing applications and provide better-performing parts, more dependable builds, and increased system throughput.

On the other side, a lack of knowledge in other emerging countries, as well as a lower adoption rate in this region, may restrict automotive 3D printing market growth. However, growth in electric vehicle production driving demands for custom apart which becomes significant opportunity for automotive 3D printing market. According to U.S Energy Information Administration, the United States' share of electric vehicle sales increased in the second quarter of 2024. Combined U.S. sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) increased from 120.7% of total new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales in the first quarter to 18.7% in the second quarter. Thus, the increasing production of electric vehicles (EVs) raises the demand for lightweight, customizable, and efficient parts, which drives the use of 3D printing technology in automotive manufacturing.

3D Printing in Automotive Market Segmentation

The worldwide market for 3D printing in automotive is split based on offering, technology, material, component, application, and geography.

3D Automotive Printing Market By Offering

• Hardware
  • Extrusion System
  • Motion System
  • Build Platform Environs
  • Control And Monitoring System
• Software
  • Design Software
  • Inspection Printer Software
  • Printer Software
  • Scanning Software
• Services

According to 3D printing in automotive industry analysis, the hardware offering dominates industry due to the importance of advanced printing machines and systems. Extrusion systems, motion systems, and build platform conditions are critical components for producing high-precision parts. These methods allow for the manufacturing of complicated and lightweight automobile components, increasing efficiency and reducing waste. As technology evolves, hardware remains the industry's backbone, allowing for quick prototyping and large-scale custom production.

3D Automotive Printing Market By Technology

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)/Prototyping Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

According to automotive 3D printing industry analysis, fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology leads the market due to its low cost, ease of usage, and versatility. FDM produces durable, lightweight components by layering thermoplastic materials, making it excellent for prototype and functioning parts. The technology's ability to deal with a variety of materials, including plastics and composites, has accelerated its adoption in automotive applications. As a result, FDM plays an important role in lowering production costs and speeding up the design-to-manufacturing process in the automotive industry.

3D Automotive Printing Market By Material

• Metal
• Polymer
• Ceramic

According to 3D printing in automotive industry analysis, metal is a popular material for 3D automotive printing because of its strength, durability, and ability to handle high-performance circumstances. Metal 3D printing methods such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) enable the production of complex, lightweight parts with great precision, which is critical for automotive applications. These materials enable manufacturers to create sturdy, custom-made components while decreasing material waste and manufacturing time. As automobile design prioritizes performance and weight reduction, metal 3D printing becomes increasingly important for generating high-quality, functional parts in the industry.

3D Automotive Printing Market By Component

• Interior Component
• Exterior Component

According to 3D printing in automotive market forecast, the interior component segment leads market due to the strong need for lightweight, customized, and well-designed components. 3D printing allows for the lightweight construction of complicated, detailed interior components such as dashboards, seat frames, and consoles, hence enhancing vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. The capacity to rapidly prototype and test designs speeds up the development process for interior features.

3D Automotive Printing Market By Application

• Prototyping
• Tooling
• Production
• Others

According to automotive 3D printing market forecast, prototyping is a popular usage of industry because it enables manufacturers to swiftly create, test, and refine components prior to full-scale manufacturing. 3D printing allows for the rapid development of prototypes with complicated geometry, decreasing the time and expense associated with conventional manufacturing methods. This speeds up the product development cycle, allowing for faster iterations and more thorough testing of parts for fit, functionality, and performance. As a result, 3D printing prototype enables automobile firms to innovate more efficiently while also improving the overall quality of their finished goods.

3D Printing in Automotive Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

3D Printing in Automotive Market Regional Analysis

Regional analysis of 3D printing in automotive market, North America dominates the worldwide market due to increasing usage of automotive vehicles and rising investment in countries such as the United States and Mexico, which are driving market expansion. The United States dominates the North American 3D printing in automotive industry due to its well-developed automotive sectors, increasing demand for commercial vehicles, and the presence of market leaders. Furthermore, the availability of a qualified labor and favorable government policies are important drivers of automotive 3D printing market growth.

Asia-Pacific is predicted to experience the quickest 3D automotive printing market growth due to the presence of growing economies in the area. China, Japan, and India are the largest shareholders in this region. China dominates the Asia-Pacific 3D printing in automotive market due to its large manufacturing enterprises. The primary driving force behind the industry in China is rising demand for various sorts of technology from European countries. Factors promoting market expansion include low raw material costs, low labor costs, and the availability of numerous raw materials. Japan 3D printing in the automotive sector is expected to increase steadily over the forecast period. Market saturation is one of the primary elements driving consistent growth. Automobile industries in Japan is extremely saturated which is the major reason for growing market.

Europe is a major 3D automotive printing market for 3D printing in the automotive industry. Despite the fact that Europe's automotive sectors are well developed, it only accounts for a small portion of the 3D printing market. Eastern Western countries hold the majority of the market share due to their usage of superior technologies and access to large amounts of funding. A large number of automotive businesses exist in Europe, but the minor components required for automobiles are imported from Asian countries such as China and India.

3D Printing in Automotive Market Players

Some of the top 3D printing in automotive companies offered in our report include Nexa3D, Voxeljet AG, EOS GmbH, Desktop Metal Inc, The ExOne Company, Stratasys Ltd, 3D Systems Corporation, Materialise NV, Envisiontec GmbH, Autodesk Inc, SLM Solutions, and Ultimaker BV.