Aerospace 3D Printing Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 2.88 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 6.74 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 18.57 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Market | Europe |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Aerospace 3D Printing Market Analysis
The 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size is estimated at USD 2.88 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 6.74 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.57% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The aerospace 3D printing market is driven by the need for innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the aerospace industry, from commercial and military aircraft to space exploration vehicles and unmanned aerial systems. It is growing rapidly because of technological advancement and the need for efficient manufacturing solutions. The capability of 3D printing to produce lightweight, complex parts with optimized designs is changing aircraft manufacturing, especially the parts for commercial aircraft, helicopters, and special mission aircraft.
Another driver that enhances the market's growth is the tremendous savings in production costs with the additive manufacturing process. The technology saves production costs and maximizes profitability by avoiding material wastage and minimizing expensive tooling requirements. The technology also integrates several parts into a single component, resulting in assembly simplicity and structural integrity. These economic benefits are significant in an aerospace industry where producing customized and high-performance parts is crucial to gaining a competitive advantage. Several aerospace OEMs are investing in large-scale research projects to enhance the use of 3D-printed parts and components in newer-generation aircraft. Also, the use of 3D-printed parts is increasing in the aftermarket space, as such parts may reduce the pressure on traditional supply chains.
One of the main challenges is the aerospace industry's stringent certification and regulatory requirements. Ensuring that 3D-printed components meet rigorous safety and performance standards requires extensive testing and validation procedures, which are both time-consuming and costly. Similarly, the initial investment in 3D printing technology and the need for a skilled workforce to operate and maintain the equipment are barriers to entry, especially for smaller manufacturers.
Aerospace 3D Printing Market Trends
The Aircraft Segment is Projected to Witness Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The aircraft segment will showcase remarkable growth during the forecast period. This surge owes to the additive manufacturing process's high potential for weight reduction. The capability for complex geometries and optimization of part designs further results in weight saving, improving general aircraft performance and sustainability. In addition, reducing the number of assemblies to single, integrated parts diminishes assembly costs and increases structural integrity. The economic advantage is especially useful in producing special mission aircraft and helicopters, which tend to have many specially designed parts to meet unique operational demands.
3D printing has revolutionized the aircraft manufacturing industry, and there is a massive expansion in the number of use cases where additive manufacturing can replace conventional methods of manufacturing commercial and military aircraft parts at lower costs, faster lead times, and more digitally flexible design and development methods. The B777X aircraft is a prominent example of the application of additive manufacturing, as its GE9X engines are made of 300 3D-printed parts, including fuel nozzles, temperature sensors, heat exchanges, and low-pressure turbine blades.
Aircraft OEMs and 3D printing firms are collaborating to significantly reduce inventory costs and storage requirements instead of maintaining large stocks of spare parts. Manufacturers can produce them as needed, reducing lead times and supply chain complexities. Material innovation is also critical for expanding 3D printing applications in aerospace. High-performance metals and composites developed to meet stringent aerospace standards for strength, durability, and heat resistance are expanding additive manufacturing's scope. Such collaborative efforts as the Airbus and Safran partnership and the development of the LEAP engine from GE Aviation prove the technology has a place.
Other notable contract awards, such as Lockheed Martin's engagement with the Department of Defense, confirm the strategic relevance and even radical potential of 3D printing in transforming aircraft design, production, and maintenance. For instance, in October 2023, The Boeing Company and ASTRO America are preparing to test a 3D-printed main rotor system for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter next spring. Using the world's largest 3D metal printer, the new rotor link assembly cuts traditional lead times from one year to just eight hours, streamlining supply chain efficiency.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Grow with the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to show remarkable growth in the aerospace 3D printing market. This projection is driven by the growing aerospace industry within the region, which is undergirded by significant investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Other countries, including China, Japan, and India, are among those leading this by heavy investment in aerospace innovation and infrastructure. These technologies are essential to producing many new aircraft to accommodate the demand and support the expanding commercial aviation markets.
Under the country's Made in China 2025 master plan, the Chinese government has earmarked the development of aerospace equipment and 3D printing as key growth drivers of Chinese manufacturing industries. A Chinese manufacturer developed the C919 narrow-body aircraft using 3D printed titanium parts, 28 cabin door parts, and two fan inlet structural parts to reduce the airliner's weight and increase its safety. Also, China's aviation industry has started using 3D printing technologies on new-generation warplanes, with 3D printed parts widely used on newly developed aircraft. 3D printing technologies have been implemented in the major aircraft manufacturing factories of the Chinese aviation industry.
3D printed parts provide numerous advantages, such as high structural strength and long service life, as well as being lightweight, low cost, and quicker to manufacture. In February 2024, China launched the SmartSat-2A satellite, featuring critical parts 3D printed by BLT using AlSi10Mg alloy. China's most significant 3D-printed space component is in its structure, using the BLT-S1000 large-format twelve-laser systems that help enhance Earth observation capability with advanced radar technology.
Also, India is gradually growing in its utilization of 3D printing technology, with startups in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Visakhapatnam producing essential parts for the aerospace and defense sector. The clientele includes the Indian Navy, Air Force, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Thus, the growing adoption of 3D printing in aerospace and defense boosts the market growth across the region.
Aerospace 3D Printing Industry Overview
The market for aerospace 3D printing is fragmented, with aircraft OEMs, spacecraft manufacturers, and Tier-1 and Tier-2 manufacturers supporting the aerospace and defense industry. Some prominent players in the market are Stratasys Ltd, 3D Systems Corporation, EOS Gmbh, Norsk Titanium AS, Ultimaker BV, and Envision Tech GmbH.
With the increasing demand for lightweight components and more fuel-efficient airborne platforms, the companies are robustly investing in expanding their existing additive manufacturing capabilities to seize the growing opportunities. Stratasys Ltd also acquired the Aervo Technology portfolio, which includes critical carbon fiber printing patents and AI building monitoring. This strategic move enhances the company's competitive position by improving FDM print system performance, strength, and reliability to expand applications in aerospace manufacturing.
Aerospace 3D Printing Market Leaders
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3D Systems Corporation
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EOS Gmbh
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Ultimaker B.V.
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Norsk Titanium AS
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Stratasys Ltd.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Aerospace 3D Printing Market News
April 2024: Relativity Space signed a USD 8.7 million agreement with the US Air Force Research Lab to advance real-time flaw detection in additive manufacturing. This two-year project enhances quality control in large-scale metal 3-D printing, aligning with the National Defense Authorization Act's mandates to accelerate aerospace component production.
March 2024: GE Aerospace invested over USD 650 million in manufacturing and the supply chain, with over USD 150 million dedicated to additive manufacturing equipment. This includes USD 450 million for new equipment and facility upgrades at 22 sites in 14 states, USD 100 million for the base of US-based suppliers, and another USD 100 million for international sites in North America, Europe, and India.
March 2024: Safran Nacelles acquired 3DMF, enhancing its capabilities in high energy hydroforming (HEHF) for metal parts. This technology boosts Safran's production of nacelle and engine components, such as nozzles and air inlet lips. It facilitates manufacturing monolithic integrated structures from thick plates, advancing aerospace 3D printing.
February 2024: BotFactory secured a USD 1.25 million SBIR Phase II contract with AFWERX to advance ultra-fast additive manufacturing of electronics with correction and validation for the US Air Force. As part of the reformed SBIR/STTR program, the effort looks to improve national defense through leading-edge aerospace 3D printing technologies.
3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.3 Market Restraints
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4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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5.1 Application
- 5.1.1 Aircraft
- 5.1.2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- 5.1.3 Spacecraft
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5.2 Material
- 5.2.1 Alloys
- 5.2.2 Special Metals
- 5.2.3 Other Materials
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5.3 Geography
- 5.3.1 North America
- 5.3.1.1 United States
- 5.3.1.2 Canada
- 5.3.2 Europe
- 5.3.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.3.2.2 France
- 5.3.2.3 Germany
- 5.3.2.4 Italy
- 5.3.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.3.1 China
- 5.3.3.2 India
- 5.3.3.3 Japan
- 5.3.3.4 South Korea
- 5.3.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.3.4 Latin America
- 5.3.4.1 Mexico
- 5.3.4.2 Brazil
- 5.3.4.3 Rest of Latin America
- 5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.3.5.1 South Africa
- 5.3.5.2 Saudi Arabia
- 5.3.5.3 United Arab Emirates
- 5.3.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Vendor Market Share
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6.2 Company Profiles
- 6.2.1 Stratasys Ltd
- 6.2.2 3D Systems Corporation
- 6.2.3 Norsk Titanium AS
- 6.2.4 Ultimaker BV
- 6.2.5 ENVISIONTEC US LLC
- 6.2.6 GE Additive (General Electric Company)
- 6.2.7 EOS GmbH
- 6.2.8 MATERIALSE NV
- 6.2.9 Renishaw PLC
- 6.2.10 TRUMPF SE + Co. KG
- 6.2.11 OC Oerlikon Management AG
- 6.2.12 Hoganas AB
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Aerospace 3D Printing Industry Segmentation
3D printing or additive manufacturing refers to how the material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional solid object from a digital file. The report covers 3D printing in the aviation (civil and military) and defense sectors. Terrestrial and naval vehicles are excluded from the scope of the study.
The aerospace 3D printing market is segmented by application, material, and geography. The report is segmented by application into aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and spacecraft. By material, the market is segmented into alloys, special metals, and other materials. The report also covers the market sizes and forecasts for the aerospace 3D printing market in major countries across different regions. The market size is provided for each segment in terms of value (USD).
| Application | Aircraft | |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | ||
| Spacecraft | ||
| Material | Alloys | |
| Special Metals | ||
| Other Materials | ||
| Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Geography | Europe | United Kingdom |
| France | ||
| Germany | ||
| Italy | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Geography | Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Geography | Latin America | Mexico |
| Brazil | ||
| Rest of Latin America | ||
| Geography | Middle East and Africa | South Africa |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Market Research FAQs
How big is the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market?
The 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size is expected to reach USD 2.88 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 18.57% to reach USD 6.74 billion by 2029.
What is the current 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size?
In 2024, the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size is expected to reach USD 2.88 billion.
Who are the key players in 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market?
3D Systems Corporation, EOS Gmbh, Ultimaker B.V., Norsk Titanium AS and Stratasys Ltd. are the major companies operating in the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market?
Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market?
In 2024, the Europe accounts for the largest market share in 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market.
What years does this 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size was estimated at USD 2.35 billion. The report covers the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the 3D Printing In Aerospace And Defense Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
3D Printing in Aerospace and Defence Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 3D Printing in Aerospace and Defence market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. 3D Printing in Aerospace and Defence analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
