Global ABS and PLA 3D Printer Filament Market By Product Type(ABS Filament, PLA Filament), By Material(Plastics, Metals, Ceramics, Others), By Application( Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Others) By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The global ABS and PLA 3D Printer Filament Market size is expected to be worth around USD 7040.1 Million by 2033, from USD 944.9 Million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 25.0% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market is significantly influenced by a variety of factors stemming from the chemical and advanced material industries. These factors include end-use industry demands, government regulations, and market dynamics such as import-export activities.

In the realm of end-use industries, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) filaments are highly valued for their distinct properties which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. ABS is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for automotive and consumer goods manufacturing, whereas PLA is popular in the healthcare sector due to its biodegradable nature and is often used in medical implant manufacturing.

Government regulations also play a critical role in shaping the market. These regulations can include safety standards, environmental guidelines, and recycling mandates which directly impact the production and disposal of 3D printing materials. For instance, stringent environmental regulations might push the market towards more sustainable options like PLA, which is derived from renewable resources like cornstarch.

The market’s dynamics are further characterized by significant import-export activities, reflecting the global nature of the 3D printing industry. The United States, China, and the European Union are key players in both the production and consumption of these filaments, with each region adapting to the rapid technological advancements and shifts in supply chain strategies.

Additionally, government initiatives aimed at promoting technological innovations in manufacturing are supporting the growth of this market. Investments in R&D activities are fostering the development of new and improved filament types that can offer better performance and lower environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

• The ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market is expected to grow from USD 944.9 million in 2023 to USD 7040.1 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 25.0%.
• North America Leads the market with a 34.5% share, valued at USD 326.0 million, driven by advanced manufacturing infrastructures and high demand in aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
• ABS Filament held a dominant market position in the 3D printer filament industry, capturing more than a 67.8% share.
• plastics in the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market held a dominant position, capturing more than a 35.6% share.
• Aerospace and Defense sector held a dominant market position in the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market, capturing more than a 32.2% share.

By Product Type

In 2023, ABS Filament held a dominant market position in the 3D printer filament industry, capturing more than a 67.8% share. This prominence is largely attributed to ABS filament’s robustness and heat resistance, making it the preferred choice for engineering projects and professional applications that demand durable parts with high structural integrity.

ABS filament’s strength and ability to be treated with various post-processing techniques, like sanding and acetone smoothing, also contribute to its widespread use across industries, from automotive to consumer electronics.

On the other hand, PLA Filament, known for its ease of use and eco-friendly properties, occupies a significant but smaller portion of the market. PLA filament is particularly popular in the educational sector and among hobbyists due to its lower printing temperature, minimal warping, and availability in a wide range of colors.

It’s biodegradable and made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane, appealing to users seeking more sustainable 3D printing options. Though it doesn’t match ABS in strength and temperature resistance, its popularity continues to grow, supported by the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products.

By Material

In 2023, plastics in the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market held a dominant position, capturing more than a 35.6% share. This segment’s strength is largely due to the versatility and ease of use of plastic filaments, making them highly popular among both amateur and professional users. Plastics, including ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid), are favored for their affordability and wide range of applications, from prototyping to educational projects.

Metals as a material for 3D printer filaments also represent a significant segment, utilized primarily in more specialized industrial applications that require durable and heat-resistant parts. Metal filaments are particularly valued in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors for creating complex, high-strength components.

Ceramics are another important material in the 3D printing filament market, though they occupy a smaller niche. Ceramic filaments are used for applications that demand high thermal resistance and aesthetic qualities, such as in the creation of artistic pieces and functional items like pottery and fixtures.

By Application

In 2023, the Aerospace and Defense sector held a dominant market position in the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market, capturing more than a 32.2% share. This segment’s prominence is attributed to the critical requirements for lightweight yet strong materials in aerospace applications. ABS and PLA filaments are particularly valued for producing durable parts that can withstand various stresses while reducing the overall weight of aerospace components, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and performance.

The Automotive industry also significantly utilizes ABS and PLA filaments, especially for rapid prototyping of vehicle parts. These materials allow for a quick, cost-effective way to develop and test components before full-scale production begins, helping to reduce time-to-market and facilitating innovation in vehicle design and functionality.

In Healthcare, PLA filament is especially popular due to its biodegradable properties, making it suitable for creating surgical guides and models that are environmentally friendly. The precision and adaptability of 3D printing with PLA and ABS support customized implants and prosthetics, which are tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing outcomes in medical treatments.

Key Market Segments

By Product Type

• ABS Filament
• PLA Filament

By Material

• Plastics
• Metals
• Ceramics
• Others

By Application

• Aerospace and Defense
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Others

Drivers

A major driving factor for the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market is the increasing demand from the automotive and aerospace industries, which are seeking innovative manufacturing solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The automotive sector, in particular, has embraced 3D printing for producing lighter, stronger, and safer vehicle components. This shift is driven by the need for cost-effective and robust designs, which are essential as the industry moves towards more sophisticated manufacturing techniques.

For instance, innovations like Tesla’s incorporation of 3D printing for critical parts underline the sector’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to streamline production and enhance product capabilities​​.

Similarly, the aerospace and defense industry relies heavily on 3D printing for manufacturing complex components that reduce aircraft weight and fuel consumption, demonstrating the technology’s impact on operational efficiencies and environmental sustainability. This industry’s utilization of 3D printing is projected to keep growing, with its contribution to market revenues reflecting its strategic importance​.

Restraints

One major restraining factor for the ABS and PLA 3D Printer Filament market is the high initial investment required for 3D printing technologies. This financial barrier can limit market growth by restricting entry for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have the capital necessary for such investments.

Additionally, the industry faces challenges with quality control across different batches of filament, which can vary significantly in properties and performance. This inconsistency can deter wider adoption, particularly in sectors with stringent quality requirements​.

Moreover, the complexity of intellectual property issues, such as copyright violations and counterfeiting, poses another significant challenge. The ease of replicating copyrighted products and designs using 3D printing technologies can lead to legal and financial complications for filament manufacturers and users alike. These factors collectively act as significant obstacles, potentially slowing the market’s growth despite the promising advancements and applications of these materials​.

Opportunity

A significant growth opportunity for the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market lies in its increasing use within the aerospace and defense sectors. These industries are utilizing 3D printing for producing complex parts and components, which reduces lead times and costs while allowing for greater design flexibility and integration. The aerospace sector, in particular, has embraced the use of high-performance filaments to produce various critical components, such as engine parts and cabin interiors. The adoption of 3D printing technology in these fields is expected to continue to grow, driven by the ongoing demand for innovative manufacturing solutions that offer both performance enhancements and cost efficiency.

The global 3D printing filament market, including ABS and PLA materials, is projected to see significant growth. This growth is underpinned by the expanding applications of 3D printing across various industries, not just aerospace and defense but also in automotive, electronics, and medical sectors, each contributing to the rising demand for 3D printing filaments​​​.

Trends

A significant trend currently shaping the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market is the increasing adoption of these materials in sustainable and specialized applications. The market is witnessing a notable shift towards eco-friendly practices, with PLA filament, in particular, being favored due to its biodegradable properties derived from renewable resources such as corn starch. This trend is gaining momentum as industries and consumers increasingly prioritize environmental impact in their manufacturing and purchasing decisions.

The growth in the use of 3D printing technology across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods, is also driving innovations in filament properties. For example, enhancements in filament formulations are being developed to produce more durable and heat-resistant products, which expand the application range of both ABS and PLA filaments. These advancements are crucial as they allow for the production of more complex and refined products, catering to the sophisticated needs of modern industries.

Furthermore, the market is experiencing growth due to technological advancements in 3D printer hardware, which are becoming more capable and affordable, thus broadening the user base. This growth is not only fueled by the expanding capabilities of 3D printing technologies but also by the increasing accessibility of these technologies to a wider range of users, both professional and hobbyist.

This trend towards sustainable materials, coupled with ongoing technological innovations, presents a significant growth opportunity for the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market, positioning it for continued expansion in the coming years.

Regional Analysis

In the dynamic ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market, regional variations reflect the diverse industrial applications and maturity of the technology across the globe. North America stands out as the dominant region, holding a 34.5% market share with a valuation of approximately USD 326.0 million. This leadership position is driven by advanced manufacturing infrastructures and a robust demand from industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, where precision manufacturing and rapid prototyping are highly valued.

Europe follows closely, with significant contributions from Germany, the UK, and France. The region benefits from its strong automotive and engineering sectors, which utilize ABS and PLA filaments for designing lightweight and complex automotive components as well as consumer electronics. Environmental regulations in Europe also promote the use of PLA, which is derived from renewable resources, aligning with the region’s sustainability goals.

Asia Pacific is characterized by rapid growth, driven by increasing industrialization and the expansion of manufacturing capabilities in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. The region is seeing a surge in local manufacturers entering the market, coupled with heightened investments in 3D printing technologies which further fuel the demand for ABS and PLA filaments.

In contrast, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets in the sector. These regions are experiencing gradual growth due to the increasing adoption of 3D printing technologies in education, healthcare, and small-scale manufacturing sectors. As these regions continue to develop their technological infrastructure, they present significant growth opportunities for the ABS and PLA 3D printer filament market.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Companies like 3D Systems Corp. and Stratasys Ltd. are pioneers in the 3D printing industry, offering a broad range of 3D printing solutions including ABS and PLA filaments. These firms are instrumental in driving innovation and accessibility in 3D printing technologies. Similarly, HP Inc. and Materialise NV have expanded their capabilities in 3D printing to include a comprehensive suite of services and materials, catering to diverse industrial applications from automotive to healthcare.

On the materials side, BASF SE, Arkema SA, and Evonik Industries AG are major chemical companies that have ventured into the production of high-quality 3D printing filaments. Their expertise in chemical manufacturing allows them to produce advanced filament materials that offer superior performance characteristics such as enhanced durability and flexibility. Additionally, companies like DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and SABIC focus on the development of innovative filament materials that meet specific industry needs, including high-stress mechanical parts for the aerospace and automotive sectors.

Market Key Players

• 3D Systems Corp.
• Afinia 3D,
• Arkema SA
• BASF SE
• CRP Technology S.r.l.
• DR3D Filament
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• EOS GmbH – Electro Optical Systems
• Evonik Industries AG
• Fenner Inc.
• HP Inc.
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Materialise NV
• MatterHackers
• Merck KGaA
• MG Chemicals
• Oxford Performance Materials, Inc.
• SABIC
• Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
• SeeMeCNC
• Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co. Ltd.
• Stratasys Ltd.

Recent Development

In 2023, 3D Systems Corp. contributed to the expansive growth of the 3D printing filament sector, which is expected to see continuous growth due to the demand across various applications including automotive, aerospace, and healthcare.

In 2023, Afinia 3D expanded its product line by launching a new range of premium PLA filaments, which are fully supported by their flagship 3D printers, the H480 and H479. These filaments are designed to enhance printing efficiency and product quality, catering especially to hobbyists and professionals in the 3D printing community.

Report Scope