The industrial 3D printing industry faced a tumultuous year in 2024, marked by significant challenges and a notable decline in sales. However, amidst the difficulties, there is a glimmer of hope for a rebound in 2025. This article delves into the factors that contributed to the industry’s struggles in 2024 and explores the potential for recovery in the coming year. Only by scrutinizing both setbacks and silver linings can a comprehensive outlook for the future of additive manufacturing be formed.
Market Trends in 2024
In 2024, the 3D printing industry experienced significant turbulence, which came as no surprise in a constantly evolving technological landscape. The year was marked by failed mergers, layoffs, leadership changes, and overall tumultuous conditions, adding layers of complexity to already challenging market dynamics. The recently published CONTEXT report unveiled a distinct slowdown in industrial 3D printer shipments while revealing that desktop (personal) 3D printers gained traction. CONTEXT categorizes 3D printers based on price ranges, with personal (desktop) printers priced under $2,500, professional units ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, midrange options between $20,000 and $100,000, and industrial printers valued at over $100,000.
The most significant decline was observed in the industrial segment, with a noticeable reduction in shipments across both polymer and metal 3D printers. Industrial polymer printer shipments dropped by a staggering 25% compared to Q3 2023, while metal industrial printer shipments declined by 24%. Full-year figures indicate that industrial printer shipments in 2024 are expected to be 12% lower than in 2023, reverting to levels experienced during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020. The convergence of such negative factors paints a grim picture of the market, but digging deeper into the specific data reveals additional insights into regional disparities and other segments’ performances.
Specific Data Points and Regional Disparities
The industrial polymer segment saw continued declines across various technologies, including vat polymerization, material extrusion, and material jetting systems. While the metal segment appeared to fare relatively better initially, Q3 2024 witnessed significant drops in most categories, except for binder jetting systems, which remained somewhat stable. Such data underscores the widespread struggles faced by the industry, regardless of the specific technology. The downturn in industrial 3D printer sales was observed on a global scale, with specific declines recorded in China by 37%, North America by 25%, and Western Europe by 13%.
In the metal PBF (Powder Bed Fusion) segment, regional differences that were initially apparent diminished over the year, converging by Q2 2024 despite earlier disparities between China and Western markets. However, the midrange 3D printer shipments also faced notable challenges, showing an 8% year-over-year decline by Q3 2024. The professional segment experienced a minor decrease overall but saw a substantial 28% drop in material extrusion machine sales, attributed primarily to stiff competition from lower-cost, entry-level extrusion solutions. These data points collectively highlight the widespread challenges faced by various segments and regions within the 3D printing industry.
Other Market Segments and Positive Developments
Despite the overall negative trend, some segments and vendors demonstrated resilience and adaptability, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. For example, Chinese vendors such as UnionTech, ZRapid Tech, and Flashforge experienced an aggregate shipment increase of 46%, which starkly contrasted with the 24% sales drop observed among other vendors. This regional and vendor-specific performance showcases pockets of success within an otherwise struggling market. Furthermore, certain industrial 3D printer vendors like Eplus3D and Nikon Solutions found success with their advanced metal powder fusion machines. Eplus3D, in particular, led in unit shipments in Q3 2024, signaling that innovation and specialized technologies can still thrive under challenging conditions.
Another positive development came from the professional price class, which witnessed growth in vat photopolymerization solutions. This growth was driven by new releases from companies such as Formlabs, whose innovative products helped sustain segment momentum. These successes, although limited in scope, indicate that targeted advancements and strategic positioning can yield positive results even in a down market. CONTEXT projects a brighter 2025, with anticipated full-year growth of 14% in industrial 3D printer shipments and expected increases in midrange and professional printer shipments by 12% and 6%, respectively.
Hope for 2025 and Future Prospects
The industrial 3D printing sector experienced a turbulent year in 2024, marked by considerable obstacles and a notable decline in sales. However, amidst these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for a resurgence in 2025. This article delves into the factors that led to the industry’s struggles in 2024 and examines the possibilities for recovery in the upcoming year. In 2024, various factors, including supply chain disruptions, increased competition, and economic uncertainties, played a role in the downturn of the 3D printing market. Companies faced difficulties in sourcing materials and meeting production demands, leading to reduced output and lower sales.
Despite the setbacks, advancements in technology and increasing demand for innovative solutions present a promising outlook for 2025. By analyzing both the challenges and the potential opportunities, businesses can develop strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing. Only through careful consideration and adaptation can the industry hope to achieve a comprehensive recovery and future growth.
