Additive Manufacturing Industry Grew 18% In 2021

The fourth quarter of 2021 capped a strong year for additive manufacturing markets, according to SmarTech Analysis. The growth rate for all additive hardware, materials, software and outsourced services is estimated to be 18% (to $10.6B) for 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

Specific to metals, the market grew 16%, to $3.9B. Specific to polymers, the market grew 13%, to $5.8B. Software is believed to have grown significantly from 2020 to account for the remainder and worth nearly $900M in 2021.

Beyond the annual data, the report also provides numbers for Q4 2021. The fourth quarter saw the recovery trend continue with single-digit year-over-year growth, and healthy continued sequential growth compared to Q3 2021.

"Clarity and context are extremely important when considering 3D printing market data," says Scott Dunham, SmarTech Analysis EVP Research. "Our top-line numbers comprise additive hardware, materials, software and outsourced services only. These totals do not include ancillary equipment, which is utilized in AM production, or service contract revenue from machines sold.

"Even without these peripheral markets, the 3D printing industry's core market data supports a very consistent historical upward trend," Dunham continues. "A slight COVID-related downtick in 2020 has given way to increased adoption due to technological improvements and increasing economies of scale. Perceived value of AM technologies has ramped up with consideration towards risks to globalization posed by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. This is all reflected in our data and forecasts."

About the Report

SmarTech's "Core Metals" and "Core Polymers" market data products include 4 years of historical quarterly data and provide 10-year forward forecasts. Quarterly reports on the metal and polymer AM markets are available as a one-time or subscription purchase via SmarTech's website and are customizable as needed.

For more information on stand-alone reports or ongoing subscription services for the additive market, click here.

From the Report

A primary underlying growth driver for the 2022 AM outlook is the advancement of standardization in additive manufacturing at the industry level. Throughout 2021, progress was made in dozens of standards development projects, and in the fourth quarter alone several key publications, such as the ASTM International F3529 standard for material extrusion, were announced.

A number of key product refreshes in the metal powder bed fusion segment throughout 2021, and especially in the fourth quarter coinciding with the Formnext tradeshow, will also prove to capitalize on the forward momentum and interest in additive technologies in post-COVID corporate manufacturing strategy.

New product lines and system updates from 3D Systems, Additive Industries, Renishaw and others will all likely come to market in early 2022 to provide prospective users with more opportunities to leverage AM.

Two end user markets stood out in AM adoption during 2021, especially during a year of numerous ongoing challenges with supply chain delays and disruptions. These were the dental market and markets for consumer goods.

In dentistry, key players saw growth as the dental industry has become AM's most "mature" market.

In consumer goods, dozens of projects and applications were highlighted throughout the year for metals and polymers, which serve as a beacon for other companies in the sporting goods, cycling, appliances and electronics sectors.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.