PLA Filament 3D Printing Material Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The PLA filament 3D printing material market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 16.13% to reach a market valuation of US$973.383 million by 2029, from US$341.824 million in 2022.

PLA filament is a popular material used in 3D printing, known for its versatility and eco-friendly properties. PLA, or polylactic acid, is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. This makes it a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. PLA filament is widely favored by 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike due to its ease of use, low printing temperatures, and minimal warping. It is compatible with a wide range of 3D printers and is available in various colors and diameters.

PLA filament produces high-quality prints with excellent surface finish and detail, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including prototypes, hobby projects, educational purposes, and functional parts. Its biodegradable nature also makes it environmentally friendly, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing practices. Overall, PLA filament is a versatile and environmentally conscious choice for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-quality prints with minimal environmental impact.

MARKET DRIVERS:

Rise in the demand for customized products fuel the market growth

The increasing trend towards customization in various industries, such as consumer goods, healthcare, and automotive, is driving the market for PLA filament 3D printing material. PLA filament offers a versatile and accessible solution for producing customized products, prototypes, and parts with intricate designs and specifications. As businesses and consumers seek personalized products tailored to their specific needs and preferences, the demand for 3D printing materials like PLA filament grows.

Its compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers allows for the creation of unique and customized items, from personalized jewelry and accessories to bespoke medical implants and prosthetics. Additionally, PLA's biodegradable nature aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability, further fueling its adoption in the customization trend. Overall, PLA filament enables manufacturers and individuals to capitalize on the rising demand for customized products while providing a sustainable and versatile material for 3D printing applications.

Rise in the demand from the medical and dental segment

The increased demand from the medical and dental segment is a significant driver for the PLA filament 3D printing material market. PLA filament offers numerous advantages for medical and dental applications, including biocompatibility, ease of sterilization, and the ability to produce highly detailed and customized components. In the medical field, PLA filament is used to create prosthetics, implants, surgical tools, and anatomical models with precision and accuracy, meeting the specific needs of patients and healthcare professionals.

Similarly, in dentistry, PLA filament is utilized for manufacturing dental implants, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for producing custom-fitted dental restorations. The rising demand for personalized and patient-specific medical and dental solutions drives the adoption of PLA filament, as it enables healthcare providers to offer tailored treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, PLA's biodegradability aligns with sustainability initiatives in the healthcare industry, further contributing to its growing usage in medical and dental applications. Overall, the increased demand from the medical and dental segment underscores PLA filament's importance as a versatile and reliable material for 3D printing in healthcare.

The European region is poised to lead the market, with Germany boasting the largest economy by GDP.

Notably, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are emerging as some of the fastest-growing economies globally. As of June 2021, Europe's healthcare expenditure per capita stands at approximately EUR 265 (~USD 278.47), with healthcare accounting for an average of around 11% of GDP. MedTech Europe reports the presence of over 33,000 medical technology companies across the continent, primarily concentrated in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprising the majority.

In Germany, the aerospace industry encompasses more than 2,300 firms scattered throughout the country, particularly concentrated in northern regions. The United Kingdom's electronics sector contributes GBP 16 billion (~USD 19.53 billion) annually to the economy and holds a significant share of the European electronics design industry. France is experiencing a surge in aircraft manufacturing and assembly activities, driven by major players like Airbus and Safran.

Key Players:

• Treed Filaments provides high-quality 3D filaments with extinct characteristics. The company’s extensive PLA 3D filaments exhibit mechanical properties that make them ideal for rapid prototyping applications.
• Fillamentum is among the leading high-tech 3D printing filament providers, and the company sells its products across 62 countries. The company’s development & innovation in 3D filaments are powered by experts holding more than 15 years of experience in the filament for 3D printing field. 
• Ever since its establishment in 2012, ColorFabb has emphasized becoming the leading provider of high-quality filament and pushing the boundaries for filament & 3D printing technology through constant R&D investments.

Key Developments:

• In September 2023, Polymaker unveiled its latest innovation in 3D printing filaments: PolySonic™ PLA & PLA Pro. These filaments boast high-speed printing capabilities, with PolySonic™ PLA filaments offering a broader extrusion window compared to standard PLA filaments. This wider window results in a 30% increase in flow rate at identical printing temperatures compared to regular PLA filaments. Such enhanced extrusion efficiency enables users to employ higher printing speeds without encountering issues of under-extrusion affecting the quality of the printed object.
• In March 2022, Evonik Industries AG broadened its range of VISTAKEEP Fusion 3D printing filaments by introducing VESTAKEEP iC4800 3DF, a novel PEEK filament with osteoconductive properties that improve the fusion between implants and bone. This filament is well-suited for application in 3D printers utilizing fused filament fabrication technology.
• In July 2021, Filamentive, a British brand known for its 3D printing filaments, introduced Filamentive PRO, a new range of advanced 3D printing materials tailored for engineering purposes. Thanks to advancements in hardware technology, desktop FFF / FDM 3D printers can now handle high-temperature materials, enabling engineers to utilize high-performance polymers like PEEK, PEKK, PPSU, and ULTEM to produce customized, high-quality parts for essential applications.

Segmentation:

By End-User:

• Healthcare
• Automotive
• Aerospace and Defence
• Construction
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others