U.S. Additive Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Component (Hardware, Software), Printer Type (Desktop, Industrial), Technology, Software, Application, Vertical, Material, and Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030

The U.S. additive manufacturing market size is estimated to reach USD 16.48 billion by 2030. The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 21.3% from 2023 to 2030. Additive manufacturing (AM), also called 3D printing (3DP), involves adding layers of materials in various 2D shapes using an additive process. The market growth can be attributed to the continuous advancements in 3D printing technology, rapid prototyping and iteration in product development, the ability to customize & personalize products, and sustainability, among others. Furthermore, intensive R&D in AM and increased demand for prototype applications across industry verticals, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense, are likely to drive industry expansion.

For instance, in June 2022, General Motors, a U.S.-based automaker, announced an investment of nearly USD 81 million in the Global Technical Center to advance the construction and improvement of its Cadillac CELESTIQ electric vehicle (EV) by building additive manufacturing components through the Ultium platform. Moreover, additive manufacturing is increasingly capturing the interest of hobbyists and innovators. While individuals are utilizing additive manufacturing technologies and printers for personal and household applications, universities and educational institutions are leveraging these technologies for technical training purposes. For example, researchers at Wake Forest University have pioneered the development of a 3D bioprinter capable of producing organs, tissues, and bones with potential applications in human transplantation.

This signifies a notable shift in the market, transitioning from solely relying on labor-intensive industrial manufacturing to a realm with significant economic potential. The widespread adoption of this technology, driven by its many advantages, plays a pivotal role in its widespread integration across various industrial sectors. Apart from the industrial sector, the automobile, healthcare, and aerospace & defense industries are early additive manufacturing users. These verticals' occupants emphasize accuracy, improved product design, reliability, reduced time-to-market, and cost-effective manufacturing procedures. The utilization of three-dimensional printers by the automobile, medical, military, and aerospace sectors is likely to gain traction throughout the forecast period, given that additive manufacturing can offer all these benefits. Ford has officially published a set of CAD files that will allow consumers to 3D print their Maverick pickup truck accessories.

Traditional prototyping entails time-consuming techniques such as machining, tooling, and molding. It also requires personnel, labor, and the purchase of necessary equipment, all of which add to the costs of labor wages and equipment purchases. Furthermore, the entire procedure is time-consuming and slow. Typically, the likelihood of a prototype becoming the final one is low, prompting the redesign of several prototypes. These processes can be omitted because 3D printing allows quick and accurate prototyping in only a few hours. Continuous evolution characterizes additive manufacturing and its associated technologies. This evolution is driven by extensive research and development efforts conducted by both the private and public sectors, with significant investments being channeled into these advancements. Developed economies are witnessing government funding and strategic initiatives encouraging manufacturers to seek technological improvements.

The U.S. is poised to assert its dominance in the global additive manufacturing market, primarily due to its widespread utilization of 3D printers for applications in 3D design, modeling, and manufacturing across various industries. In addition, government initiatives to raise awareness and promote the advantages of 3D printer adoption are expected to further stimulate market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a varied influence on the additive manufacturing market. The disruptions in the supply chain for 3D printing materials and equipment due to lockdowns and restrictions, reduced demand for certain 3D-printed products, and economic challenges leading to budget constraints for R&D and innovation in the industry have negatively impacted the additive manufacturing market.

In addition, the pandemic forced some additive manufacturing companies to shut down or reduce operations temporarily, affecting production and revenue streams. On the other hand, additive manufacturing emerged as a solution for producing critical medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilator components, and nasopharyngeal swabs, locally and on demand. Furthermore, Regulatory bodies adapted quickly to accommodate the production of 3D-printed medical devices during the emergency. This flexibility highlighted the importance of regulatory agility in the context of advanced manufacturing technologies. The pandemic increased awareness about additive manufacturing's capabilities across various sectors. It prompted businesses to explore how 3D printing could enhance their operations, from prototyping to production.

U.S. Additive Manufacturing Market Report Highlights

• The hardware segment dominated the market in 2022. Continuous progress in 3D printing technology, including enhancements in printing speed, accuracy, and the introduction of new materials, is rendering 3D printing increasingly versatile and appealing across various industries
• The stereolithography segment, followed by the fuse deposition modeling (FDM) segment, led the market. These techniques are widely used in engineering & product design, manufacturing, dentistry, jewelry, model creation, and education, among other applications
• The design software segment led the market and accounted for a 34.4% share of the total revenue in 2022. Design software is used for constructing the designs of the object to be printed by generating models appropriate for additive manufacturing based on the provided inputs
• The desktop 3D printer segment accounted for a revenue share of more than 29% in 2022. AM is gaining popularity in desktop applications, especially by hobbyists for household and personal usage applications, and in the education sector for training purposes
• For example, the MakerBot 3D printing technology allows educators to present students with exact physical prototypes, allowing them to have practical, hands-on experience with scientific subjects
• The prototyping segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to expand its market share to more than 52% by 2030. Its capacity to enhance precision and facilitate the development of more reliable products drives this dominance
• The metal segment dominated the market in the U.S. and is expected to retain its dominance over the forecast period owing to the growing industrial demand for metal additive manufacturing, particularly within the automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors
• The fashion & jewelry segment held a significant share in 2022. It is expected to expand its market share to more than 21% by 2030. Manufacturers of fashion and jewelry products are using 3D printing in production as it gives them the freedom to design and create complex designs, which would be hard to achieve using manual or conventional methods
• The healthcare segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to expand its market share to more than 24% by 2030. 3D printing technology enhances patient care, reduces costs, and advances research and development in the healthcare sector, fostering innovation, customization, and accessibility in medical treatments and devices