The hype around 3D printing continues to grow, and designers and engineers can clearly see how this technology enables new ways to build better products. But beyond the excitement, what do the numbers actually say? How is the 3D printing market behaving, and why does understanding it matter?
Why It’s Important to Understand the 3D Printing Market
Having a broad view of any industry helps you understand your position and opportunities. It’s not just about financial metrics—market insights reveal where people are creating value and where innovation is heading. Once considered expensive and niche, 3D printing has become more accessible thanks to the continuous effort of those who believed in the technology.
If you’re working on a short-term project, understanding the current market helps you choose the most cost-effective technique without compromising quality. For long-term projects, knowing future trends can help you adopt a method that is expected to become more affordable later. A little research goes a long way in helping you make informed decisions.
The Value of the 3D Printing Market Today
IDC estimated the value of the 3D printing market at $13.8 billion in 2019, projecting growth to $22.7 billion by 2022 with a 19.1% CAGR. Another analysis by Wohlers, reported by Forbes, placed the market at $15.8 billion in 2020, expecting it to reach $23.9 billion in 2022 and $35.6 billion by 2024.
What do these numbers show?
Value is being created, and investment is increasing worldwide. If you’re a hobbyist or designer using SolidFace to sell 3D models, this data can help you understand which regions offer the greatest potential.
According to IDC, the largest market shares in 2019 were:
• United States – $5.0 billion
• Western Europe – $3.6 billion
• China – nearly $2.0 billion
In terms of CAGR, Latin America leads with 25.3%, followed by China at 21.6%. The best region depends on your goals—growth potential, competitiveness, or market maturity. With hundreds of pages of market research available, defining what you’re looking for is essential before diving into the numbers.
Technologies and Formats Expected to Grow
Markets and Markets reports that metal 3D printing using DMLS will have the largest share within this segment by 2024. Although costs have historically been a drawback, expanding market share attracts more players, fostering improvements and potentially reducing prices over time.
CNC machines still represent a large global market—currently around $63.16 billion—but their growth rate is significantly lower. With CNC projected at a 7% CAGR and 3D printing at nearly triple that rate, trends suggest that 3D printing could surpass the CNC market within 15 years.
Conclusion
We all felt that additive manufacturing was growing—but market data confirms it. Many more specific metrics exist, and future articles may explore them, but what matters most is having clarity about what you want to understand. Asking the right questions helps you avoid getting lost in the vast amount of available data.
As the 3D printing market continues to expand, knowing how to interpret these numbers will help you improve your project outcomes. And rest assured, the SolidFace team will continue updating our software to support your 3D printing initiatives whenever you need it.
