3D-Printed Metal Parts Market Size, Share & Growth

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Report Summary

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Market Insights

“The 3D-printed metal parts market size was US$ 10.2 billion in 2024 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 19.3 % in the long run to reach US$ 36.7 billion in 2031”.

Market Dynamics

Introduction

Metal 3D printing, which involves the sintering or melting of metal powders, enables the creation of highly complex and customized parts across various industries. Commonly used metals include steel, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and aluminum alloys, as well as precious metals and refractory materials. Key 3D printing methods include powder bed fusion, blown powder, binder jetting, and material jetting, each offering specific advantages based on application needs.

This technology is particularly suited for producing lightweight, high-strength, and cost-effective components, making it ideal for rapid prototyping, small-batch production, and on-demand manufacturing. Metal 3D printing supports mass customization, such as patient-specific medical implants, and enables digital inventory in industries like aerospace, medical, automotive, defense, energy, and tooling.

However, challenges such as high porosity, low part density, residual stresses, and poor surface finish can limit part performance and require post-processing. Despite this, the advantages of design flexibility, weight reduction, and production efficiency continue to drive adoption of metal 3D printing globally.

Market Drivers

The 3D-printed metal parts market is driven by the rising demand for lightweight components in the aerospace and automotive industries, advancements in metal additive manufacturing technologies, and the growing need for customization and complex part designs. It also benefits from reduced material waste, increased adoption in aerospace, defense, medical, and dental applications, and significant investments in R&D. The market is further propelled by the demand for shorter lead times, on-demand production, a wider range of printable metal materials, and the gradual decline in the cost of 3D metal printers and raw materials.

Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions:

A considerable number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., have been performed over the past few years:

In December 2022, Amaero International Limited signed a joint venture agreement with Rabdan Industries for additive manufacturing and powder production in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The joint venture company, FALCON Advanced Metals PLC, will be a 50/50 partnership between the two companies and will act as a holding company.
In 2021, Desktop Metal acquired ExOne for an enterprise value of US$ 561.3 million. ExOne is regarded as a leading additive manufacturing company, having pioneered the commercialization of the binder jetting technique for over 15 years.
In 2021, Proto Labs, Inc. acquired 3D Hubs, Inc. for a transaction value of US$ 280 million. The acquisition helped Protolabs to provide industry-leading digital manufacturing solutions from ideas to prototype to full end-use part production.
In 2021, Stryker acquired Wright Medical Group N.V. for an approximate value of US$ 5.4 billion. Wright Medical Group N.V. is one of the leading players in 3D-printed ankle replacements. 3D-printed, porous metal components are manufactured using ADAPTIS Technology by Wright Medical Group N.V.

Segments' Analysis

Segmentations	List of Sub-Segments	Segments with High-Growth Opportunity
Metal-Type Analysis	Steel, Nickel Alloys, Titanium Alloys, Aluminum Alloys, Cobalt Alloys, and Other Metals	Titanium alloy held the largest market share in 2024, and its dominance is projected to continue in the forecasted period.
Manufacturing Process-Type Analysis	Powder Bed Fusion, Blown Powder, and Other Manufacturing Processes.	Powder bed fusion is likely to maintain its unquestionable lead over the next six years.
End-Use Industry-Type Analysis	Aerospace & Defense, Medical, Automotive, Energy, and Other End-Use Industries	During the forecast period, aerospace & defense is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing end-use industry type in the market.
Region Analysis	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World	North America is expected to remain the largest market for 3D-printed metal parts during the forecast period.

By Metal Type

“Titanium alloy is likely to remain the largest metal category of the market during the forecast period.”

The market is segmented into steel, nickel alloys, titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt alloys, and other metals. Titanium alloys are mainly used owing to their lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high mechanical strength, and lower by-weight-to-fly ratio, and are preferred for the aerospace industry. Key applications of titanium alloy 3D-printed metal parts for aerospace include airframes, wing structures, compressor blades, rotors, brackets, and other turbine engine components.

Aluminum alloys, under the spotlight, are expected to record the second-highest growth during 2024-2031. Key aircraft OEMs, Boeing, and Airbus are using aluminum alloys for developing 3D-printed parts in their communication satellites, aircraft, and helicopters.

Cobalt is one of the preferred metals for 3D-printed dental parts (bridges, dentures, and crowns) due to its good corrosion resistance, biocompatible, non-magnetic properties, and excellent mechanical properties.

By Manufacturing Process Type

“Powder bed fusion dominated the market with the largest share and is likely to remain dominant in the coming years.”

The market is segmented into powder bed fusion, blown powder, and other manufacturing processes. Key advantages of the powder bed fusion process are reduced material wastage, improved production development time, efficient recycling of unmelted powder, and good resolution compared to other processes. The process type is used to produce lightweight components for aviation and racing cars, as well as medical implants.

Blown powder is likely to gain traction in the market during the forecasted period. It supports a wide range of metals for manufacturing parts, such as titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, Inconel 718, 625, and niobium.

Binder jetting is preferred for applications that require good aesthetics and form, such as architectural models, packaging, toys, and figurines.

By End Use Industry Type

“The aerospace & defense is likely to remain the largest and fastest-growing end-use industry of the market in the coming years.”

The market is segmented into aerospace & defense, medical, automotive, energy, and other end-use industries. For the aerospace & defense industry, 3D printing technology produces lightweight parts with fewer internal defects and reduces fuel consumption and material costs. For instance, GE Aviation produces fuel nozzle tips for the LEAP engine and achieved a weight reduction of 25%.

Medical is likely to remain the second-largest market till 2031. Medical implants from biocompatible materials (such as titanium and cobalt) are one of the dominant applications of metal 3D printing.

Regional Analysis

“North America is likely to maintain its leadership in the market, while Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region by 2031."

The USA is the dominant market for aerospace 3D printing, driven by the higher adoption rate of 3D printing technology. Presence of key players: GKN Powder Metallurgy, GE Aerospace, Carpenter Technology Corporation, Oerlikon, and ATI.

Europe is likely to maintain its second-leading position till 2031. Medical (making dental parts is extremely popular) is one of the major industries to adopt 3D printing technology in the region. Presence of key players: Liebherr-International AG, TRUMPF, MTU Aero Engines AG, and Sandvik AB.

Asia-Pacific is likely to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. China is the dominant 3D printing market in the region, driven by the “Additive Manufacturing Industry Development Action Plan” by the Chinese government.

Key Players

The market is highly fragmented, with the presence of fewer than 100 global and regional players. Some of the major players also manufacture 3D printing metal powder. Leading players hold excellent market positions with a vast product portfolio, a wide distribution network, and years of track record. One of the major OEMs also manufactures 3D-printed metal parts. In 2022, Boeing officially inaugurated Boeing Additive Manufacturing (BAM), its new 3D printing facility in Auburn, Washington.

The following are the key players in the 3D-printed metal parts market.

Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)

GKN Powder Metallurgy (A Melrose Plc Company)
GE Aerospace
Stryker
MTU Aero Engines AG
Sandvik AB
Oerlikon

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

Are you the leading player in this market? We would love to include your name. Please write to us at [email protected]

Research Methodology

This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s 3D-printed metal parts market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.

The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market.
The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants and investors in identifying the low-hanging fruit available in the market and formulating growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
We conducted more than 10 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
Market trend and forecast analysis.
Market segment trend and forecast.
Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
Emerging trends.
Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
Key success factors.

The 3D-printed metal parts market is segmented into the following categories.

3D-Printed Metal Parts Market, by Metal Type

Steel (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Nickel Alloys (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Titanium Alloys (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Titanium Alloys (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Cobalt Alloys (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Other Metals (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

3D-Printed Metal Parts Market, by Manufacturing Process Type

Power Bed Fusion (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Blown Powder (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Other Manufacturing Processes (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

3D-Printed Metal Parts Market, by End-User Type

Aerospace & Defense (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Medical (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Automotive (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Energy (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
Other End-Use Industries (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

3D-Printed Metal Parts Market, by Region

North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil and Others)

Customization Options

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Company Profiling

Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

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What are 3D-printed metal parts?

3D-printed metal parts are components made by layering and fusing metal powders using additive manufacturing technologies. They allow the creation of strong, lightweight, and complex shapes used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical for customized and high-performance applications.

What is the forecasted value of the 3D Printed Metal Parts market?

The 3D-printed metal parts market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.3% with a value of US$ 36.7 billion by 2031.

What are the key market trends in the market?

The 3D-printed metal parts market is driven by the rising demand for lightweight components in aerospace and automotive industries, advancements in metal additive manufacturing technologies, and the growing need for customization and complex part designs. It also benefits from reduced material waste, increased adoption in aerospace, defense, medical, and dental applications, and significant R&D investments.

Who are the top players in the market?

The top players in the 3D-printed metal parts market include GKN Powder Metallurgy (A Melrose Plc Company), GE Aerospace, Stryker, MTU Aero Engines AG, Sandvik AB, and Oerlikon.

Which region has the largest market share?

North America is expected to remain the largest 3D printed metal parts market over the next six years. The USA is the growth driver of the region. Presence of a large number of industry stakeholders: hardware, material, and software manufacturers.

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3D-Printed Metal Parts Market Analysis Report (2024-2031)