Military 3D Printing Market Report 2025

The military 3D printing market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $1.89 billion in 2024 to $2.39 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to cost efficiency, customization and rapid prototyping, supply chain resilience, legacy equipment maintenance, operational flexibility, material innovation.

The military 3D printing market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.73 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to regulatory adaptations and standards development, cybersecurity measures, integration of artificial intelligence (ai), growing demand for on-demand manufacturing, global geopolitical dynamics. Major trends in the forecast period include miniaturization and lightweight solutions, multi-material printing, advancements in bioprinting, hybrid manufacturing, focus on scalability and production speed, enhanced material properties.

The substantial increase in government investment in defense is a significant catalyst for the anticipated growth of the military 3D printing market. Government investments encompass financial resources allocated by the public sector for the acquisition of products and the provision of services, spanning defense, social protection, healthcare, and education. The infusion of funds into 3D printing technology for military applications is driven by its potential to reduce lead times and overall costs. As reflected in the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Defense Budget by the U.S. Department of Defense in March 2023, the proposed budget of $842 billion for the Department of Defense (DoD) for FY 2024 marks a notable increase, signaling a commitment to advancing military capabilities. Hence, the escalating government investments in defense are poised to propel the military 3D printing market.

The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to be a key driver for the expansion of the military 3D printing market. AI involves the emulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn similarly to humans. The incorporation of AI into the military 3D printing market aligns with broader trends in Industry 4 and smart manufacturing, providing augmented capabilities, efficiency, and adaptability to meet evolving military requirements. For instance, data from the Office for National Statistics in June 2023 indicates that 16% of UK businesses are utilizing at least one AI technology, reflecting the broader trend of AI adoption. Therefore, the increasing integration of artificial intelligence is a significant factor propelling the growth of the military 3D printing market.

Technological advancements are the key trend gaining popularity in the military 3D printing market. Major companies operating in the military 3D printing market are focusing on developing new Defense & Space business units to leverage additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping, lightweight component production, and on-demand part manufacturing. Defense & Space business units are specialized divisions within companies that focus on developing products, technologies, and services for military and aerospace applications. For instance, in August 2024, Supernova, a India-based company, specializes in the manufacturing of LED lighting solutions launched new Defense & Space business unit, these units are dedicated to meeting the unique demands of defense organizations and space agencies, often involving cutting-edge innovations such as 3D printing, robotics, advanced materials, and secure communication systems.

Innovation in product offerings, such as the development of the BioFabrication Facility (BFF), is a strategy employed by major companies to enhance their position and profitability in the military 3D printing market. The BioFabrication Facility (BFF) is a 3D bioprinter designed for printing human tissue on the International Space Station (ISS), advancing microgravity bioprinting. Redwire Corporation, a US-based aerospace manufacturing company, launched an upgraded 3D bioprinter, the BioFabrication Facility (BFF), in November 2022. This technology has implications for military personnel, specifically the BFF-Meniscus-2 study, exploring the potential of space bioprinting for treating meniscal injuries in US military personnel. The BFF, operating with adult human cells and proteins, is the first American bioprinter in space, creating tissues within the ISS.

In July 2024, Nano Dimension, Inc., a U.S.-based technology company, acquired Desktop Metal Company for $183 million. This acquisition expanded Desktop Metal's portfolio to encompass military 3D printing and various other additive manufacturing applications. Desktop Metal is a U.S.-based firm that produces military-grade 3D printing solutions specifically for defense and aerospace sectors.

Major companies operating in the military 3D printing market include Stratasys Ltd., 3D Systems Corporation, EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems, Arcam AB, Norsk Titanium AS, American Elements Corporation, Cimetrix Solutions Inc., Artec 3D, Additive Manufacturing Ltd., Optomec Inc., Markforged Inc., Stanford Marsh Group, Autodesk Inc., General Electric Company, Proto Labs Inc., Ultimaker BV, Renishaw Plc, Fracktal Works Private Limited, Materialise NV, Engineering & Manufacturing Services Inc., 3T Additive Manufacturing Ltd., The ExOne Company, Dassault Systèmes, Concept Laser GmbH, Sisma S.p.A., SLM Solutions Group AG, HP Inc., Prodways Group.

North America was the largest region in the military 3D printing market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global military 3D printing market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military 3d printing market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the military 3d printing market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Military 3D printing involves the utilization of 3D printers by the military to manufacture replacement parts and components for their equipment, eliminating the need for external vendors. In this context, 3D printing is a method for constructing a three-dimensional object layer by layer, based on a computer-generated design.

The primary types of military 3D printing encompass printers, materials, software, and services. A 3D printer is a type of material design printer utilizing additive manufacturing to create 3D models and products of devices and components. The military employs these printers to produce prototypes and design new equipment. The 3D printing process includes techniques such as binder jetting, direct energy deposition, material extrusion, material jetting, powder bed fusion, vat photopolymerization, and sheet lamination. These techniques are applied for functional part manufacturing, tooling, and prototyping by end users, including the army, navy, and air force.

The military 3D printing market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides military 3D printing market statistics, including the military 3D printing industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military 3D printing market share, detailed military 3D printing market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military 3D printing industry. This military 3D printing market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The military 3D printing market includes revenues earned by entities by providing additive manufacturing preparation services and prototyping services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The military 3D printing market consists of sales of motherboards, motion controllers and print beds, which are used in providing military 3D printing services. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.