Aerospace 3D printing market seen tripling to $6.8 billion by 2030

A new Allied Market Research report projects the global aerospace 3D printing market will grow from $1.38 billion in 2020 to $6.80 billion by 2030, driven by demand for lighter components, faster prototyping and customization. North America held the largest share in 2020, while Asia-Pacific is projected to grow fastest through 2030.

Why it matters: - Aerospace 3D printing is moving from niche manufacturing to a core tool for lighter, more durable aircraft parts. - The market’s projected rise to $6.80 billion by 2030 points to broader adoption across aviation and aerospace supply chains. - Faster prototyping and part consolidation can reduce design complexity and help companies bring mission-critical components to market sooner.

What happened: - Allied Market Research said the global aerospace 3D printing market was valued at $1.38 billion in 2020. - The report projects the market will reach $6.80 billion by 2030. - The forecast implies an 18.4% CAGR from 2021 to 2030. - The report covers printing technology, platform, application, delivery, offering and region. - A 358-page report sample is available via the report request page.

The details: - Demand for lightweight and durable aerospace components is a major growth driver. - Complex design simplification, rapid prototyping and customization are also supporting adoption. - High initial investment and peripheral costs remain a restraint. - Limited regulatory infrastructure continues to weigh on the market. - Technological advancements, material innovation and cloud-based 3D printing services are expected to create new opportunities. - The report says industry challenges are expected to dilute by 2025. - Large-scale additive manufacturing machines that can print mission-critical metal components through part consolidation are expected to open additional growth opportunities. - Boeing and Lockheed Martin have invested in additive manufacturing hardware, software and materials through early-stage ventures.

Between the lines: - The market is shifting from basic additive manufacturing use cases toward more advanced design freedom and highly complex single-piece components. - Cloud production and shared production space are emerging as cost-management strategies for the industry. - The report suggests engineers are moving away from Design from Additive Manufacturing, or DFAM, toward broader use of additive manufacturing capabilities. - The regional outlook shows an uneven growth path, with mature demand in North America and faster expansion expected in Asia-Pacific. - North America accounted for more than one-third of global market share in 2020. - Asia-Pacific is projected to post the fastest CAGR at 20.5% through the forecast period. - Rising aircraft demand and government efforts to build indigenous aerospace capabilities are expected to support growth in Asia-Pacific.

What's next: - Industry stakeholders are expected to keep developing operational strategies to offset high costs. - Material innovation and cloud-based production services are likely to shape the next phase of adoption. - More suppliers are expected to focus on mission-critical metal parts and part consolidation for next-generation aircraft. - The report lists major players including Liebherr, Stratasys, Materialise, EOS, Markforged, 3D Systems, Hoganas, Honeywell, General Electric, Exone, Renishaw, Norsk Titanium, SLM Solution, TrumpF, Envisiontec and Prodways. - More information is available through the purchase inquiry page.

The bottom line: - Aerospace 3D printing is on track for strong double-digit growth as aircraft makers push for lighter, faster-to-produce and more customizable parts.