Global 3D Printing Filament Market Size By Type (General Purpose (ABS/ASA/PLA), Engineering Grade (Nylon, TPU, PC)), By Diameter (Standard Diameter (1.75mm), Large Diameter (2.85mm, 3mm)), By Application (Prototyping, Functional Parts), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

3D Printing Filament Market Size And Forecast

3D Printing Filament Market size was valued at USD 914.34 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2,919.47 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.59% from 2024 to 2031.

Increasing demand from aerospace & defense industry and growing demand from the educational sector are the factors driving the market growth. The Global 3D Printing Filament Market report provides a holistic evaluation of the market. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, competitive landscape, and factors that are playing a substantial role in the market.

Global 3D Printing Filament Market Overview

3D printing filament is a material used in additive manufacturing processes to create three-dimensional objects. It is typically supplied in spool form and fed into a 3D printer, where it is melted and extruded through a nozzle to build up layers of the object. The filament can be made from various materials, each offering different properties suited to specific applications. Common types of filaments include PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate), and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). PLA is known for its ease of use and biodegradability, while ABS offers greater strength and durability, making it suitable for functional parts. PETG combines the benefits of strength and flexibility, while TPU is valued for its elasticity and impact resistance. The choice of filament affects the final product’s strength, flexibility, and appearance. Filaments come in various diameters and colors, and the selection depends on the specific requirements of the 3D printing project. The compatibility of the filament with the printer’s extruder and heating elements is crucial for achieving optimal results.

The demand for 3D printing filament is being driven by a confluence of technological advancements, evolving industry needs, and growing consumer interest. As 3D printing technology becomes more accessible and affordable, there is a corresponding rise in its adoption across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods. This growth is spurred by the ability of 3D printing to create highly customized, complex parts and prototypes with relative ease and speed compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Technological advancements in 3D printing materials and processes have significantly contributed to this increased demand. Innovations in filament materials, such as biodegradable plastics, high-strength composites, and specialty filaments, are expanding the applications of 3D printing. These advancements enable more diverse and specialized uses, from functional prototypes to end-use parts, which is appealing to a broader range of industries. In addition, the rise of the maker movement and the growing popularity of DIY projects have bolstered demand among hobbyists and small businesses.

The affordability of desktop 3D printers and the availability of various filament types cater to these consumers, making it easier for them to experiment and create custom objects at home. Furthermore, the emphasis on rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing in industries like aerospace and automotive is accelerating the use of 3D printing. The ability to quickly iterate designs and produce parts on demand reduces lead times and costs, driving manufacturers to adopt 3D printing technologies. The growing trend towards sustainability also plays a role, as more environmentally friendly filament options, such as those made from recycled materials or biodegradable substances, become available. This aligns with the increasing focus on reducing waste and enhancing the environmental responsibility of manufacturing processes. Overall, these factors collectively drive the rising demand for 3D printing filament.

Global 3D Printing Filament Market Segmentation Analysis

The Global 3D Printing Filament Market is Segmented on the basis of Type, Diameter, Application, and Geography.

3D Printing Filament Market, By Type

• General Purpose (ABS/ASA/PLA)
• Engineering Grade (Nylon, TPU, PC)
• High Performance (PPA, PEI, PSU)
• Ultra Polymers (PEEK, PEKK)

To Get a Summarized Market Report By Type-

Based on Type, the market is bifurcated into General Purpose (ABS/ASA/PLA), Engineering Grade (Nylon, TPU, PC), High Performance (PPA, PEI, PSU), and Ultra Polymers (PEEK, PEKK). The Global 3D Printing Filament Market is experiencing a scaled level of attractiveness in the “Type” segment. General Purpose (ABS/ASA/PLA) accounted for the largest market share of 54.46% in 2023, with a market value of USD 497.92 Million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.73% during the forecast period. Engineering Grade (Nylon, TPU, PC) was the second-largest market in 2023, with a value of USD 211.53 Million in 2023; it is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 17.02%.

ABS, ASA, and PLA are three common filament choices for general-purpose 3D printing. PLA and ABS are the two materials most frequently used for desktop FDM 3D printing prototyping. Both filaments are thermoplastics; when heated, they become pliable and moldable, but when cooled, they return to their solid condition. Layer by layer, FDM printers create items by melting and extruding PLA and ABS filament through a nozzle. With a significantly higher melting temperature, ABS plastic is derived from materials derived from oil. Moreover, it is more complex and more robust. Due to these unique qualities, ABS is frequently employed in products such as Lego, golf clubs, musical instruments, automobile bumpers, and motorcycle helmets. Because of its great tenacity and resistance to temperature, ABS filament is a technological material that must be used to print mechanically stressed objects. ABS is commonly used in 3D printing to manufacture parts with precise dimensions. ABS is a valuable filament for 3D printing applications in general. The material is frequently used in functional prototyping, idea modeling, tool manufacturing, and creating specific end-use components.

3D Printing Filament Market, By Diameter

• Standard Diameter (1.75mm)
• Large Diameter (2.85mm, 3mm)

To Get a Summarized Market Report By Diameter-

Based on Diameter, the market is bifurcated into Standard Diameter (1.75mm), and Large Diameter (2.85mm, 3mm). The Global 3D Printing Filament Market is experiencing a scaled level of attractiveness in the “Diameter” segment. Standard Diameter (1.75mm) accounted for the largest market share of 78.37% in 2023, with a market value of USD 716.59 Million and is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 16.22% during the forecast period. Large Diameter (2.85mm, 3mm) was the second-largest market in 2023, with a value of USD 197.75 Million in 2023; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.01%.

The 1.75mm diameter is widely used in many 3D printers because of its acceptable resolution and versatility. Common types of filament include PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Each type has different properties, such as strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. Almost all 1.75 mm-specification 3D printers on the market are set up to run with PLA 3D printing filaments. 1.75MM PLA FILAMENTThe PLA filaments are helpful in a wide range of printing applications and have low odor and warp advantage. 1.75mm Formfutura EasyFil ABS 3D Printing Filament is an easy-to-use, high-end Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene 3D printer filament. EasyFil ABS 3D printing filament has excellent process stability and physical characteristics, making it far more impact-resistant and printable than ordinary ABS filaments, even though it prints at slightly higher temperatures than standard ABS filaments. 1.75mm PLA (polylactic acid) filament is a biodegradable polymer that, when heated, doesn’t release any toxic gases. Unlike ABS, it gets printed without a heated build platform and has a lower melting point. It works well for high-speed printing and is employed in creating toys or consumer goods. 1.75mm thermoplastic elastomer/urethane (TPE/TPU) filament is used in 3D printers to create flexible items since it is more elastic than ABS, PLA, PETG, and nylon filaments. Stretching TPE objects to twice their initial length usually results in no lasting deformation. TPE, also called thermoplastic rubber, should be printed slowly to avoid the material adhering to the extruder. Home appliances, auto parts, children’s toys, medical supplies, weather sealing, electrical insulation, and shoe bottoms are all made with TPE filament. A novel semi-crystalline thermoplastic utilized in fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a 1.75mm Polypropylene (PP) filament. As a homopolymer with excellent qualities, PP filament is a practical plastic.

3D Printing Filament Market, By Application

• Prototyping
• Functional Parts
• Artistic and Hobbyist
• Educational

Based on Application, the market is bifurcated into Prototyping, Functional Parts, Artistic and Hobbyist, and Educational. The Global 3D Printing Filament Market is experiencing a scaled level of attractiveness in the “Application” segment. Prototyping accounted for the largest market share of 48.13% in 2023, with a market value of USD 440.12 Million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.74% during the forecast period. Functional Parts was the second-largest market in 2023, with a value of USD 259.53 Million in 2023; it is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 18.65%…

Prototyping is a crucial aspect of the product life cycle. Engineers can arrive at a final part design with the intended features and performance by iteratively testing and refining the design. Rapid prototyping originated with the release of the first 3D printers. Before 3D printing, product development teams needed to develop a few times before part designs had to be finalized due to long lead times and high costs of low-volume parts. Engineers and R&D teams can validate their designs more quickly, easily, and affordably than ever before due to 3D printers. Nowadays, industrial 3D printers can create anything at the point of demand, including specialized end parts and tools. Using 3D printing for prototyping has many benefits over conventional techniques. One of the most significant advantages is the capacity to quickly iterate ideas at a fraction of the time and cost compared to traditional production procedures. Furthermore, 3D printing creates new opportunities for innovation in various industries by making it possible to produce customized components and complex geometries with unmatched precision. One of the emerging uses of 3D printing is the rapid prototyping of structural electronics. By integrating electronic components directly into 3D-printed structures, manufacturers can create seamless, multifunctional devices with enhanced performance and efficiency. Conductive filaments, such as graphene-infused PLA or ABS, enable the fabrication of functional prototypes for sensors, circuits, and smart devices. MaxFilament offers a wide range of high-quality 3D printing filaments that are specifically designed for rapid prototyping. Its filaments are made from the best materials and are compatible with a wide range of 3D printers.

3D Printing Filament Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

On the basis of Regional Analysis, the Global 3D Printing Filament Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The Global 3D Printing Filament Market is experiencing a scaled level of attractiveness in the North America. North America accounted for the largest market share of 34.95% in 2023, with a market value of USD 319.55 Million and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.85% during the forecast period. Europe was the second-largest market in 2023, with a value of USD 254.31 Million in 2023; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.32%. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 17.08%.

The 3D Printing Filament Market in North America is increasing, driven by technological advancements and rising interest from various industries. Trends include PLA and PETG filaments, which remain strong, easy to use, and resilient. Interest in high-performance materials, such as carbon fiber and metal composites, is growing in the aerospace and automotive industries. This also goes hand in glove with sustainability, as there is a growing requirement for recycled and eco-friendly filaments. Other players, such as Stratasys and MakerBot, are making entries to bring new products with differentiated materials and customized options. Printing technology improvement enhances filament capabilities that can create more complicated and detailed projects. The market is dynamic, driven by material innovation, sustainability efforts, and changing consumer preferences. Additionally, growing 3D printing in the United States is due to the increasing demand for higher-grade materials, such as carbon fiber and metal composites, which are also developing in the aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. Thus, manufacturers are expanding their manufacturing capacities to fulfill this demand. For instance, in July 2024, Prusa Research, a leading global developer and manufacturer of 3D printers based in Europe, started producing its popular 3D printers and filaments in the USA through its American subsidiary, Printed Solid.

Key Players

The “Global 3D Printing Filament Market” study report will provide a valuable insight with an emphasis on the Global market. The major players in the market include Stratasys, Ltd., Ultimaker (SHV), 3D Systems, Inc., Polymaker, Evonik Industries AG, BASF SE, Arkema S.A., Markforged Holding Corporation, Formlabs Inc., Kimya, ColorFabb BV, Raise 3D Technologies Inc., COEX 3D, 3DXTECH and others. This section provides a company overview, ranking analysis, company regional and industry footprint, and ACE Matrix.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with Coating Type benchmarking and SWOT analysis.

Ace Matrix Analysis

The Ace Matrix provided in the report would help to understand how the major key players involved in this industry are performing as we provide a ranking for these companies based on various factors such as service features & innovations, scalability, innovation of services, industry coverage, industry reach, and growth roadmap. Based on these factors, we rank the companies into four categories as Active, Cutting Edge, Emerging, and Innovators.