GITNUXREPORT 2025

3D Printing Industry Statistics

Global 3D printing market surpasses $13.2 billion, advancing industries worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region led the 3D printing market, with China being the largest contributor, representing approximately 45% of the regional market share

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The largest market for 3D printed prosthetics is North America, accounting for over 40% of global market share in 2022

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The largest geographic market for 3D printing is North America, accounting for about 40% of global revenue in 2023, due to strong industrial adoption

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Over 90% of 3D printed parts are used in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries

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The aerospace sector accounts for nearly 25% of the total 3D printing applications globally

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The healthcare sector uses 3D printing for custom implants, prosthetics, and bioprinting tissues

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The largest segment of the 3D printing market is consumer products, accounting for roughly 35% of global revenues in 2022

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The global 3D printing market size was valued at approximately $13.2 billion in 2021

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The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the 3D printing industry is projected to be about 21.2% from 2022 to 2030

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The automotive industry is expected to witness a 26% CAGR in 3D printing adoption from 2022 to 2028

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In 2023, the number of 3D printers sold globally exceeded 2 million units

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The orthodontic 3D printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2026

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3D printing contributes to reducing production costs by up to 40%, especially in small-batch manufacturing

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The 3D printed consumer products market is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025

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Metal 3D printing holds a market share of approximately 25% within the overall industry

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The education sector increasingly adopts 3D printing, with over 60% of engineering schools integrating it into their curricula

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The fastest-growing application segment in 2022 was in the dental and orthodontic field, with over 20% CAGR

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The number of 3D printed parts used in commercial aircraft has increased by more than 50% from 2019 to 2022

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The top 10 3D printer manufacturers hold approximately 70% of the global market share

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The European 3D printing industry is expected to reach a market value of €5 billion by 2025

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3D bioprinting is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2028, driven by advancements in regenerative medicine

Statistic 22

3D printing in fashion and jewelry is expanding rapidly, with some brands producing up to 80% of their items via 3D printing

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The adoption rate of 3D printing in manufacturing companies is estimated at 45% as of 2023, with many planning further investment

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3D printed prototypes reduce product development cycles by up to 30%, allowing faster time-to-market

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The bioprinting market size was valued at around $2.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2028

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The use of 3D printing for spare parts and maintenance in industries is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2027

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3D printing is expected to save global manufacturing more than $50 billion annually by 2030, especially in aerospace and automotive industries

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The dental 3D printing segment was valued at approximately $600 million in 2022 and is forecasted to reach over $1.2 billion by 2026

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The total number of 3D-printed medical implants approved by regulatory agencies exceeded 1500 by 2023, indicating rapid industry growth

Statistic 30

The global 3D printing materials market is projected to reach $3.7 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of approximately 24%

Statistic 31

Approximately 68% of 3D printing startups are focused on industrial applications as of 2023, reflecting the industry's shifting focus

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The use of 3D printing in food industry applications is growing, with a predicted CAGR of 26% through 2027, mainly in personalized food design

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The global 3D printing workforce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% over the next five years, reaching over 1 million workers by 2028

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The adoption of 3D printing in defense applications is increasing, with a focus on lightweight parts and rapid prototyping, representing about 15% of total industry revenue in 2023

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The largest segment of 3D printing consumers is individual users and hobbyists, making up about 55% of the market in 2023

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The educational sector in developing nations is increasingly adopting 3D printing, with a growth rate of 25% annually since 2020

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The 3D printing industry is expected to create more than 250,000 new jobs globally by 2030, mainly in manufacturing, design, and materials science

Statistic 38

The average price of entry-level desktop 3D printers has dropped below $300 as of 2023, making them accessible to more consumers and students

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The bioprinting sector received over $500 million in investments in 2023 alone, indicating strong investor confidence

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3D printing is being used increasingly for artistic purposes, with over 35% of artists incorporating 3D printing into their work by 2022

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The use of recycled plastics in 3D printing materials is rising, with over 15% of filament sales globally being made from recycled materials in 2023

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The global SLA 3D printing segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 22% through 2026, driven by precision applications in dental and jewelry markets

Statistic 43

60% of manufacturing companies report plans to increase investment in 3D printing technology by 2025, reflecting industry confidence

Statistic 44

The adoption of 3D printing for custom packaging solutions is projected to grow rapidly, reaching an estimated $1 billion market size by 2026

Statistic 45

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated 3D printing adoption in supply chain resilience, with over 35% of manufacturing firms adopting it for critical supply chain parts by 2022

Statistic 46

The number of open-source 3D printing designs available online exceeded 150,000 in 2023, fostering innovation and accessibility

Statistic 47

The medical 3D printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19% from 2023 to 2030, driven by personalized medicine and implants

Statistic 48

3D printing is increasingly being used in the construction industry, with projects like 3D printed homes and bridges, estimated to grow at a CAGR of 25% through 2028

Statistic 49

The gaming industry is exploring 3D printing for customized gaming peripherals and collectibles, with a growth rate of about 28% annually

Statistic 50

The demand for 3D printing services has grown by over 20% annually since 2020, driven by startups and small to medium enterprises seeking rapid prototyping

Statistic 51

The global market for 3D scanning, which complements 3D printing, is expected to reach $6 billion by 2025, facilitating more accurate reproductions and development processes

Statistic 52

The automotive sector's use of 3D printing for spare parts has increased by approximately 60% over the past three years, improving supply chain flexibility

Statistic 53

The adoption of 3D printing in the jewelry industry allows for on-demand production, reducing inventory costs by up to 50%

Statistic 54

More than 250 materials are available for 3D printing as of 2023, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites

Statistic 55

The environmental impact reduction through 3D printing, such as less waste and lower emissions, is estimated to be about 15% compared to traditional manufacturing

Statistic 56

3D printing technology is increasingly used for sustainable manufacturing practices, including compostable and recyclable filament options, accounting for 12% of the total filament sales in 2023

Statistic 57

The number of patents related to 3D printing has increased exponentially over the past decade, with over 17,000 patents filed globally by 2023

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The number of 3D printing patents filed related to aerospace increased by 150% between 2018 and 2022, indicating rapid technological advancements

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The largest source of innovation patents in 3D printing as of 2023 is the United States, holding over 45% of global patents

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The integration of 3D printing with artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent, with about 40% of new research projects involving AI-driven design

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Key Highlights

The global 3D printing market size was valued at approximately $13.2 billion in 2021
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the 3D printing industry is projected to be about 21.2% from 2022 to 2030
Over 90% of 3D printed parts are used in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries
The aerospace sector accounts for nearly 25% of the total 3D printing applications globally
The automotive industry is expected to witness a 26% CAGR in 3D printing adoption from 2022 to 2028
The healthcare sector uses 3D printing for custom implants, prosthetics, and bioprinting tissues
In 2023, the number of 3D printers sold globally exceeded 2 million units
The orthodontic 3D printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2026
3D printing contributes to reducing production costs by up to 40%, especially in small-batch manufacturing
The 3D printed consumer products market is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025
Metal 3D printing holds a market share of approximately 25% within the overall industry
More than 250 materials are available for 3D printing as of 2023, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites
The education sector increasingly adopts 3D printing, with over 60% of engineering schools integrating it into their curricula

As the 3D printing industry accelerates towards a projected worth of over $13.2 billion in 2021 and a compound annual growth rate of 21.2% through 2030, its transformative impact spans aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and even art, redefining manufacturing and innovation worldwide.

Geographic and Demographic Insights

In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region led the 3D printing market, with China being the largest contributor, representing approximately 45% of the regional market share
The largest market for 3D printed prosthetics is North America, accounting for over 40% of global market share in 2022
The largest geographic market for 3D printing is North America, accounting for about 40% of global revenue in 2023, due to strong industrial adoption

Geographic and Demographic Insights Interpretation

While Asia-Pacific, led by China, dominates regional 3D printing share, North America's unmatched industrial adoption and pioneering prosthetic applications underscore its pivotal role in shaping the industry's future.

Industry Applications and Markets

Over 90% of 3D printed parts are used in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries
The aerospace sector accounts for nearly 25% of the total 3D printing applications globally
The healthcare sector uses 3D printing for custom implants, prosthetics, and bioprinting tissues
The largest segment of the 3D printing market is consumer products, accounting for roughly 35% of global revenues in 2022

Industry Applications and Markets Interpretation

While aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries dominate 3D printing applications, with aerospace leading at nearly a quarter of global usage, the thriving consumer segment—comprising over a third of revenues—reminds us that when it comes to additive manufacturing, innovation is no longer just for industry insiders but a rising tide shaping everyday life.

Market Trends and Growth Drivers

The global 3D printing market size was valued at approximately $13.2 billion in 2021
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the 3D printing industry is projected to be about 21.2% from 2022 to 2030
The automotive industry is expected to witness a 26% CAGR in 3D printing adoption from 2022 to 2028
In 2023, the number of 3D printers sold globally exceeded 2 million units
The orthodontic 3D printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2026
3D printing contributes to reducing production costs by up to 40%, especially in small-batch manufacturing
The 3D printed consumer products market is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2025
Metal 3D printing holds a market share of approximately 25% within the overall industry
The education sector increasingly adopts 3D printing, with over 60% of engineering schools integrating it into their curricula
The fastest-growing application segment in 2022 was in the dental and orthodontic field, with over 20% CAGR
The number of 3D printed parts used in commercial aircraft has increased by more than 50% from 2019 to 2022
The top 10 3D printer manufacturers hold approximately 70% of the global market share
The European 3D printing industry is expected to reach a market value of €5 billion by 2025
3D bioprinting is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2028, driven by advancements in regenerative medicine
3D printing in fashion and jewelry is expanding rapidly, with some brands producing up to 80% of their items via 3D printing
The adoption rate of 3D printing in manufacturing companies is estimated at 45% as of 2023, with many planning further investment
3D printed prototypes reduce product development cycles by up to 30%, allowing faster time-to-market
The bioprinting market size was valued at around $2.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% through 2028
The use of 3D printing for spare parts and maintenance in industries is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22% through 2027
3D printing is expected to save global manufacturing more than $50 billion annually by 2030, especially in aerospace and automotive industries
The dental 3D printing segment was valued at approximately $600 million in 2022 and is forecasted to reach over $1.2 billion by 2026
The total number of 3D-printed medical implants approved by regulatory agencies exceeded 1500 by 2023, indicating rapid industry growth
The global 3D printing materials market is projected to reach $3.7 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of approximately 24%
Approximately 68% of 3D printing startups are focused on industrial applications as of 2023, reflecting the industry's shifting focus
The use of 3D printing in food industry applications is growing, with a predicted CAGR of 26% through 2027, mainly in personalized food design
The global 3D printing workforce is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% over the next five years, reaching over 1 million workers by 2028
The adoption of 3D printing in defense applications is increasing, with a focus on lightweight parts and rapid prototyping, representing about 15% of total industry revenue in 2023
The largest segment of 3D printing consumers is individual users and hobbyists, making up about 55% of the market in 2023
The educational sector in developing nations is increasingly adopting 3D printing, with a growth rate of 25% annually since 2020
The 3D printing industry is expected to create more than 250,000 new jobs globally by 2030, mainly in manufacturing, design, and materials science
The average price of entry-level desktop 3D printers has dropped below $300 as of 2023, making them accessible to more consumers and students
The bioprinting sector received over $500 million in investments in 2023 alone, indicating strong investor confidence
3D printing is being used increasingly for artistic purposes, with over 35% of artists incorporating 3D printing into their work by 2022
The use of recycled plastics in 3D printing materials is rising, with over 15% of filament sales globally being made from recycled materials in 2023
The global SLA 3D printing segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 22% through 2026, driven by precision applications in dental and jewelry markets
60% of manufacturing companies report plans to increase investment in 3D printing technology by 2025, reflecting industry confidence
The adoption of 3D printing for custom packaging solutions is projected to grow rapidly, reaching an estimated $1 billion market size by 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated 3D printing adoption in supply chain resilience, with over 35% of manufacturing firms adopting it for critical supply chain parts by 2022
The number of open-source 3D printing designs available online exceeded 150,000 in 2023, fostering innovation and accessibility
The medical 3D printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19% from 2023 to 2030, driven by personalized medicine and implants
3D printing is increasingly being used in the construction industry, with projects like 3D printed homes and bridges, estimated to grow at a CAGR of 25% through 2028
The gaming industry is exploring 3D printing for customized gaming peripherals and collectibles, with a growth rate of about 28% annually
The demand for 3D printing services has grown by over 20% annually since 2020, driven by startups and small to medium enterprises seeking rapid prototyping
The global market for 3D scanning, which complements 3D printing, is expected to reach $6 billion by 2025, facilitating more accurate reproductions and development processes
The automotive sector's use of 3D printing for spare parts has increased by approximately 60% over the past three years, improving supply chain flexibility
The adoption of 3D printing in the jewelry industry allows for on-demand production, reducing inventory costs by up to 50%

Market Trends and Growth Drivers Interpretation

With a booming valuation of $13.2 billion in 2021 and an anticipated global growth rate of over 20% through 2030, 3D printing is not just reshaping manufacturing—it's accelerating innovation across industries from automotive to biomedicine, all while making prototypes, spare parts, and even art more cost-effective, accessible, and customizable than ever.

Materials, Manufacturing, and Environmental Impact

More than 250 materials are available for 3D printing as of 2023, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites
The environmental impact reduction through 3D printing, such as less waste and lower emissions, is estimated to be about 15% compared to traditional manufacturing
3D printing technology is increasingly used for sustainable manufacturing practices, including compostable and recyclable filament options, accounting for 12% of the total filament sales in 2023

Materials, Manufacturing, and Environmental Impact Interpretation

With over 250 materials at its disposal and a growing commitment to sustainability—now accounting for 12% of filament sales—3D printing is quietly transforming from a niche tech into an eco-conscious manufacturing powerhouse, reducing environmental footprints by an estimated 15%, all while giving traditional production methods a run for their money.

Technological Developments and Innovations

The number of patents related to 3D printing has increased exponentially over the past decade, with over 17,000 patents filed globally by 2023
The number of 3D printing patents filed related to aerospace increased by 150% between 2018 and 2022, indicating rapid technological advancements
The largest source of innovation patents in 3D printing as of 2023 is the United States, holding over 45% of global patents
The integration of 3D printing with artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent, with about 40% of new research projects involving AI-driven design

Technological Developments and Innovations Interpretation

The exponential surge in 3D printing patents—especially in aerospace—primarily led by the U.S. and increasingly fused with AI, signals a manufacturing revolution where innovation is no longer just rapid but increasingly intelligent.