4D Printing in Healthcare Market by Component (Equipment, 3D printer SMM, Hydrogels, Software, Service, Cells), Technology (FDM, SLS, Stereolithography), Application (Research Model, Implant), End user (Hospital, Dental Lab, ASC) - Global Forecast to 2030
Product Overview
4D printing uses smart materials to develop objects that can be self-assembled, flexible or react to changing conditions. While the technology is still in the research and development stage, prototypes have been seen across the automotive, medical and aviation industries.

Market Overview
The global 4D printing in healthcare market is estimated to reach USD 45.8 million by 2030 from USD 9.8 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 31.1% during the forecast period. Growth in this market is driven mainly by technological advancements in 3D printing technology, such as the development of smart, programmable materials. On the other hand, high development & production costs, need for compliance with regulatory & performance standards that will slow product launches, and potential safety hazards are expected to restrain the growth of the 4D printing in medical market to a certain extent
The PolyJet segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on technology, the FDM segment is expected to account for the largest share of the 4D printing in healthcare market in 2021. However, the PolyJet segment is expected to register the highest growth during the forecast period. This technology enables the development of complex shapes with intricate details and delicate features. It offers products with a variety of colors and materials into a single model. The reduced material wastage due to the higher accuracy of deposition and the ability to use multiple materials and colors are the major advantages of this process, thus, driving its demand.
The medical & research models segment accounted for the largest share of the 4D printing in healthcare market in 2021
Market Dynamics
The increasing demand for innovations in organ transplants is a driving factor for the industry. Production of useful implants considering biocompatibility, including biomedical splits and stents, could be a primary factor anticipating the industry growth. 4D printing application in developing and emerging fields are tissue engineering and self-assembling human-scale biomaterials. Moreover, complex treatments such as cancer chemotherapy is also an application for 4D printing could also drive the industry intensely. Furthermore, in the medical field, this technology could reduce the surgical procedures that could save the patients with pain associated with surgical procedures. Healthcare specialists could use self-deforming components for the treatment, including any abnormality. The emerging economies and increasing healthcare expenditure are expected to propel the growth of the industry in the future.
North America accounted for the largest share of the 4D printing in healthcare market during the forecast period
Geographically, the 4D printing in medical market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW). In 2021, North America is estimated to be the largest regional market for 4D printing in healthcare. This can majorly be attributed to the continuous technological advancements, growing demand for organ transplantation, efforts taken in the research & development of the 4D printing technology in the healthcare sector, and the presence of highly developed healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Key players in the global 4D printing in healthcare market
The market is a highly diversified and competitive market, with a large number of players, including mid-tier companies and startup firms. 3D Systems (US), Organovo Holdings Inc. (US), Stratasys Ltd. (US & Israel), Dassault Syst?mes (France), Materialise (Belgium), EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems (Germany), EnvisionTEC (Germany), and Poietis (France) are some of the key players in the market.
4D printing in healthcare market, by Component

  • Equipment
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Bioprinters
  • Programmable Materials
  • Shape-memory Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Living cells
  • Software & Services


4D printing in healthcare market, by Technology

  • FDM
  • PolyJet
  • Stereolithography
  • SLS


4D printing in healthcare market, by Application

  • Medical Models
  • Surgical Guides
  • Patient-specific Implants


4D printing in healthcare market, by End-User

  • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Dental Laboratories
  • Other End-Users