3D Printing Takes Off: 37 Million Consumer Parts Made in 2023

October 23, 2024
3D Printing Takes Off: 37 Million Consumer Parts Made in 2023

The year 2023 marked a monumental period for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, particularly within the consumer products sector. With advancements in technology and an increasing number of companies adopting 3D printing, the number of consumer product parts produced using this innovative method skyrocketed. The emergence of AM as a mainstream manufacturing process underscores its transformative potential and the expanding array of applications it supports. This report delves into how 3D printing evolved and proliferated in the consumer products industry over the past year, highlighting the significant advancements and remarkable growth metrics achieved.

Exponential Growth in Consumer Products

In 2023, the consumer products AM market witnessed impressive growth, positioning 3D printing as a mainstream manufacturing process. The sector saw a 23% increase in 3D-printed parts compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 37 million produced parts. This surge was driven by the dual powerhouses of polymers and metals, each showcasing the versatility and efficiency of AM technologies. Service bureaus have been instrumental in this growth. They cater to the mass production needs of major brands, making it possible for companies to scale their operations. The rise in demand prompted these service providers to expand their capabilities, further fueling the adoption of AM in the industry.

Key segments such as eyewear, footwear, and consumer electronics have seen significant adoption of 3D printing. Projects like Chanel’s 3D-printed mascara brushes and Adidas’ custom insoles highlight the diverse applications and benefits of AM, from customization to rapid prototyping and mass production. As companies become more familiar and comfortable with the technology, its integration into regular production processes is expected to deepen. This broad acceptance signifies a pivotal shift in manufacturing paradigms, driven by the newfound capabilities enabled by 3D printing.

Dominance of Polymer AM Technologies

Polymer-based 3D printing continues to dominate the consumer products market. In 2023, 16.8 million parts were produced using various polymer AM technologies, marking a significant increase from 14.2 million in 2022. Technologies like Polymer Powder Bed Fusion (P-PBF) and Polymer Vat Photopolymerization (P-VPP) have witnessed substantial growth, with P-PBF producing 11.1 million parts this year. The diversity in polymer materials used in 3D printing has expanded, offering more options for customization and functionality. Polymer Vat Photopolymerization experienced the highest year-on-year growth at 25.8%, emphasizing the increasing trust and reliance on this technology.

Material Extrusion (P-MEX) and Material Jetting (P-JET) also saw notable increases. With rising demand, companies are investing more in developing these technologies, enhancing their capabilities to meet the specific needs of the consumer products sector. The growth in polymer AM is accompanied by continuous innovation in materials, making it possible to produce parts with improved mechanical properties and aesthetic qualities. As a result, polymer AM is becoming a go-to choice for companies aiming to innovate and differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Rising Significance of Metal AM Technologies

While polymer-based 3D printing remains a staple, metal additive manufacturing is making significant strides. In 2023, metal AM service providers produced 364,577 parts, a remarkable increase from 301,349 parts in 2022. Metal Binder Jetting (M-JET) led the charge, producing 218,013 parts. Other metal AM processes, like Metal Powder Bed Fusion (M-PBF) and Metal Consolidation (M-CON), also showed robust growth. M-PBF saw a 24.2% year-on-year increase, proving its effectiveness in creating complex, high-strength components suitable for various applications.

Despite being in its infancy, Metal Consolidation (M-CON) demonstrated the most substantial surge in output, highlighting its potential for future growth. With continued advancements and investments in metal AM technologies, the industry is set to explore new frontiers in manufacturing. Unlike conventional manufacturing processes, metal AM offers unparalleled design freedom, enabling companies to produce complex geometries that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive with traditional methods. This capability is particularly valuable in industries requiring high precision and strength, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

OEMs Embrace 3D Printing

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly incorporating 3D printing into their production processes. In 2023, the number of OEM-produced polymer parts grew by 19.8%, totaling 19.3 million parts. Meanwhile, the production of metal parts saw an even more impressive growth of 45.2%, with 619,852 parts produced. The rise in OEM adoption underscores the growing confidence in 3D printing as a viable manufacturing method. By integrating AM into their production lines, OEMs can benefit from reduced lead times, greater design flexibility, and cost savings.

Consumer product companies like Adidas and Chanel are at the forefront of this shift, utilizing 3D printing to produce customized, on-demand parts. This trend is set to continue, with more companies likely to adopt 3D printing to enhance their manufacturing capabilities. The ability to quickly adapt designs and produce tailored components allows OEMs to respond more swiftly to market demands and consumer preferences. This agility is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage, enabling companies to innovate faster and deliver products that better meet the needs of their customers.

Material Advancements and Innovations

The year 2023 was groundbreaking for the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, especially in the consumer products sector. Significant technological advancements and the widespread adoption of 3D printing by numerous companies led to a substantial increase in the production of consumer product parts using this revolutionary method. AM’s emergence as a mainstream manufacturing process highlights its transformative potential and ever-expanding range of applications. This report explores how 3D printing has evolved and expanded within the consumer products industry over the past year. The technology not only saw a surge in implementation but also marked significant progress in its capabilities, enabling the production of more complex and higher-quality products than ever before. From household items to personalized gadgets, the integration of 3D printing into mainstream manufacturing processes has facilitated faster production times and reduced costs, appealing to both businesses and consumers. This dynamic shift underscores the remarkable advancements and unprecedented growth metrics achieved in 2023, illustrating 3D printing’s profound impact on the industry and its promising future.

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