Market Overview

Global 3D Printing High Performance Plastic Market reached US$ 122.0 Million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 664.5 Million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 23.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

High-performance polymers that can 3D printed provide unmatched customizability and design freedom. Businesses shorten time-to-market and improve product distinctiveness by quickly iterating designs, creating prototypes and customizing parts to particular client specifications. The capacity of 3D printing to eliminate tooling and reduce lead times over traditional manufacturing processes is financially advantageous to businesses. When high-performance plastic components may be produced in small quantities, on-demand or with intricate geometries without increasing tooling costs, efficiency and competitiveness are boosted.

High-performance polymers made by 3D printing are being used by the healthcare industry for prostheses, implants, medical equipment and customized healthcare solutions. The materials' biocompatibility, stabilizability and customizability make them perfect for medical applications, which is driving growth in the market. When compared to conventional production methods, 3D printing high-performance plastics can help accomplish sustainability goals by lowering material waste, energy usage and carbon emissions. The environmental appeal of additive manufacturing is further enhanced by its capacity for material recycling and reuse.

North America is a dominating region in the market due to the growing government approval for the 3D printing of high-performance plastic helps to boost regional market growth over the forecast period. For instance, on April 16, 2024, 3D Systems announced FDA clearance for 3D-printed PEEK cranial implants. When compared to comparable implants made by conventional machining, this methodcreates patient-specific cranial implants using up to 85% less material, which can result in cost savings for a costly raw material like implantable PEEK. Additionally, the printer's cleanroom-based architecture and streamlined post-processing procedures enable it to produce patient-specific medical equipment at the hospital site more quickly while maintaining cost containment.

Market Dynamics

Advancements in 3D Printing Technologies

Technological developments in 3D printing have resulted in increased printing efficiency and higher printing rates. Because of this, producers now create high-performance plastic components faster, cutting lead times and raising output levels all around. With the increased resolution and finer detail capabilities of modern 3D printers, it is possible to produce complicated and detailed high-performance plastic components with excellent surface quality and precision. Because of this, applications requiring exact geometries and close tolerances benefit from 3D printing.

Diverse high-performance polymers or combinations of materials can be employed in a single print job due to some advanced 3D printing technologies that enable multi-material printing. The range of functions and applications achieved by 3D printing high-performance plastics is increased by this adaptability. Larger and more intricate pieces are produced using high-performance polymers because of developments in large-format 3D printing. The is especially helpful for sectors that need large-scale components, including construction, automotive and aerospace.

Growing Industry Demand for Lightweight and High-Performance Parts

The aerospace industry continually searches for lightweight materials to increase aircraft performance while reducing fuel consumption. High-performance polymers, such as ULTEM and polyetheretherketone are the preferred choice for heat-resistant and long-lasting components, such as ducting systems and brackets. Lightweighting is crucial if the automotive industry is to satisfy pollution reduction objectives. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene derivatives are examples of high-performance plastics used in the 3D printing of lightweight components, such as engine parts and structural elements.

High-performance plastics are needed by the healthcare industry for surgical equipment and medical devices. Medical-grade polyamides, PEEK, titanium alloys and other biocompatible materials are 3D printed to manufacture surgical guides, implants, prostheses and dental components that are customized for each patient and have the best mechanical qualities and compatibility. Manufacturers of consumer electronics employ high-performance polymers in 3D printing to produce strong and lightweight components for wearables and drones. Materials including ABS and nylon are recommended because of their better electrical insulating properties, impact resistance and thermal stability.

High Cost of High-Performance Materials

The costly nature of high-performance materials makes 3D printing technology unaffordable for startups or smaller companies. For companies with limited financing, the initial outlay necessary to acquire these supplies, specialized machinery and post-processing instruments may be unaffordable. Cost-sensitivity is common in industries including automotive, aerospace and healthcare, which are big consumers of high-performance resins in 3D printing. The whole cost of manufacturing parts and components can be impacted by the high cost of materials, which could affect these industries' profit margins and competitiveness.

The capacity to 3D print high-performance polymers in huge volumes or for large-scale applications is constrained by expenses. If the economics of 3D printing using high-performance polymers do not justify the expenditure, manufacturers may choose to use conventional production techniques or less expensive materials. The price of 3D printing high-performance polymers might affect customer choices in price-sensitive consumer categories like strong products or consumer electronics. Achieving market acceptability requires striking a balance between affordability and performance.

Segment Analysis

The global 3D printing high performance plastic market is segmented based on type, form, technology, application, end-user and region.

Growing Industrial Adoption of Polyamide (PA) 3D Printing High Performance Plastic

Based on the type, the 3D printing high performance plastic market is segmented into Polyamide (PA), Polyetheramide (PEI), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), Reinforced HPPs and others.

Due to its flexibility and adaptability, polyamide is used in a variety of 3D printing applications. The process may offer components with different strengths, toughness and flexibilities according to the particular needs of the final application's components. Due to these characteristics, it is used to create functional prototypes, tooling parts and final products which have to be structurally sound and long-lasting. Because polyamide is resistant to a wide range of substances, including oils, solvents and chemicals, it is used in situations where exposure to abrasive conditions is a problem. The components made with polyamide in 3D printing have greater lifetime and durability because of this chemical resistance.

Growing product launches of Polyamide powder in the market help to boost segment growth over the forecast period. For instance, on October 24, 2023, Evonik launched the world’s first PA12 powder for 3D printing based on bio-circular raw material. It is 100% of the substitution of fossil feedstock with bio-circular raw material from waste cooking oil. It offers 74% less CO2 emissions compared to its castor oil-based polyamides.

Geographical Penetration

North America is Dominating the 3D Printing High-Performance Plastic Market

North America has an extremely advanced technological infrastructure. The comprises cutting-edge research centers and state-of-the-art 3D printing facilities. The area is a center for 3D printing technology, polymer chemistry and materials science research and innovation. To create creative, high-performance plastic materials specifically suited for 3D printing applications, leading educational institutions, research facilities and business partners work together to boost market share and competitiveness.

3D printing is one of the additive manufacturing technologies in North America. 3D printing has been extensively utilized by industries like consumer products, automotive and healthcare to facilitate the quick fabrication of high-performance plastic components, as well as customized production and prototyping. North America is home to various significant companies in the globally high-performance plastic 3D printing industry. The businesses significantly contribute to the power of the region with their vast resources, experience and market reach. Additionally, North American companies often lead in innovation and product development, driving market trends and standards.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Arkema, DSM, Stratasys, Ltd, 3D Systems, Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Victrex plc., Solvay, Oxford Performance Materials, SABIC and ENVISIONTEC INC.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Disruptions to global supply networks were among the pandemic's initial effects. Travel restrictions and reduced production in key industrial locations have an impact on the availability of raw materials required for high-performance polymer 3D printing. The gave rise to supply shortages and price swings, which impacted market stability. The outbreak altered the dynamics of customer demand for high-performance, 3D-printable polymers. Demand declined in other industries, particularly in the early phases of the pandemic, although increased demand was observed in the aerospace and healthcare sectors because of applications such as medical equipment and prototypes.

The demand for 3D-printed, high-performance polymers in the healthcare sector surged dramatically during the epidemic. The was motivated by a demand for components for diagnostic instruments, personal protective equipment and medical equipment. High-performance polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol, were extensively used in these applications. The outbreak sparked technological advancements in the business and increased the application of 3D printing in several fields. Businesses and academic institutes focused on developing new materials, improving printing methods and addressing supply chain flaws. The improved the qualities and applications of high-performance polymers and led to advances in 3D printing.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

Due to commercial delays, border restrictions and logistical difficulties, the war has affected supply chains. Major suppliers of raw materials for high-performance plastics like polyamide and polyethylene consist of Russia and Ukraine. The globally market is experiencing shortages and price volatility as a result of this change. The price of high-performance polymers for 3D printing has fluctuatedbecause of the unpredictable and volatile nature of the conflict. The cost of producing components and materials for 3D printing has increased due to the rising price of raw materials such as polyethylene.

The geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia have rendered supply chain stability a problem. Businesses could reconsider their procurement strategies and diversify their suppliers to lower geopolitical risk, which might alter market dynamics. Supply chain interruptions and increased raw material costs have affected production capacity and output in the market for 3D-printed high-performance plastics. The has therefore affected end-user cost, lead times and product availability, which have short-term negative effects on demand.

Key Developments

  • On November 21, 2023, Stratasys launched 3D Printing Materials including Somos WeatherX 100, as well as the development of its Kimya PC-FR and FDM HIPS-validated materials for the F900 for Manufacturing Grade Prototyping in the market. More production applications and an increased expansion of material alternatives accessible in the market are made possible by the advent of these new materials.
  • On May 04, 2021, Evonik launched implant-grade PEEK filament for medical applications in 3D printing. The PEEK filament, which is sold under the brand name VESTAKEEP i4 3DF, is an implant-grade material that is derived from Evonik's very viscous, high-performance VESTAKEEP i4 G polymer.
  • On November 16, 2022, Hexagon and Stratasys launched 3D-printed PEKK’s light-weighting potential for aerospace engineers with simulation. Customers of Stratasysget unique insights from these thoroughly verified simulations, enabling them to launch more sustainable aircraft and spacecraft and lighter components more quickly.

Market Segmentation

  • By Type
    • Polyamide (PA)
    • Polyetheramide (PEI)
    • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
    • Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK)
    • Reinforced HPPs
    • Others
  • By Form
    • Filament and Pellet
    • Powder
  • By Technology
    • Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
    • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
  • By Application
    • Prototyping
    • Tooling and Functional Part Manufacturing
  • By End-User
    • Medical and Healthcare
    • Aerospace and Defense
    • Transportation
    • Oil and Gas
    • Consumer Goods
    • Others

Why Purchase the Report?

  • To visualize the global 3D printing high performance plastic market segmentation based on type, form, technology, application, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
  • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
  • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of 3D printing high performance plastic market-level with all segments.
  • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
  • Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global 3D printing high performance plastic market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 75 figures and 204 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

  • Manufacturers/ Buyers
  • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
  • Research Professionals
  • Emerging Companies