3D Printing Composites 2021-2031: Technology and Market Analysis

3D printing of composite materials is reaching a commercial tipping point. 3D printing of polymer materials can have mechanical limitations that benefit from fiber reinforcement (or other functionalities), and composite manufacturing is known to be costly and challenging, this can benefit from the moldless, rapid prototyping and automated approach that additive manufacturing enables.

 

IDTechEx forecast that the market will rapidly rise to reach $2bn by 2031. This market report provides a comprehensive view for 3D printing market for composite material including granular 10-year forecasts, material and printer benchmarking studies, and interview-based company profiles.

 

 

This report focusses on fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), with most of the market dominated by glass fiber and carbon fiber thermoplastics. This is not a brand-new technology; it has been built upon the growth of the 3D printing industry at large and has taken time to develop and reach a point of commercial maturity.

 

There are numerous approaches to 3D printing composite material, with key considerations around the material (continuous fiber vs chopped fibers; thermoplastic vs thermoset) and the printer properties that make it appropriate for an industrial organisation or a desktop device for a prosumer or hobbyist.

 

Based on extensive primary-interviews and an extended period studying the market, IDTechEx analysts have provided a comprehensive printer manufacturer analysis and printer benchmarking study. This is essential to understand the market potential, technology differentiation, pain points & limitations, and the market status. The key market news, partnerships, and acquisitions are all explored in detail; with more funding arriving and increasing interest then this will facilitate the growth but IDTechEx anticipate an inevitable consolidation in the mid-term.

 

There are dedicated chapters focusing on: thermoplastic filament extrusion, sheet lamination, powder bed fusion (e.g. SLS), thermoset dispensing, and vat photopolymerization.

 

There are numerous emerging technology developments, from those achieving chopped fiber alignments in a photopolymer, high-throughput, multi-axis printers, larger scales, increasing the fiber content, multi-material capabilities, and more. These are developments are detailed throughout the report.

 

 

Finally, this is compared against the latest developments in the automated manufacturing of composite material. Be it through AFP & ATL processes or via pick-and-place robots for organosheets, there is much to be aware of to understand the role that 3D printing can play within this industry.

 

 

Central to the industry are the materials that are used. These materials are what dictates the part properties and printer requirements; they are also central to the competitive business models that are being employed. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the material providers and a price and properties benchmarking study. Continuous fiber composites are for many the end-goal, with significant value, but there is a large opportunity in their short counterparts and a range of thermoplastics and thermoset resins being deployed.

 

 

In nearly all cases, the technology adoption is to allow for a metal replacement or as a more economical way to make existing composite parts, via the tooling, prototyping, or low-volume part production. The most common use-case is for the role in providing tools and jigs & fixtures, this can allow manufacturers to differentiate and accelerate their process or allow players to bring certain capabilities in-house that were previously not possible. The applications are rapidly expanding and there are numerous end-users finding value from these printers in energy, aerospace & defense, luxury & sporting goods, space, marine, medical, automotive & motorsport, robotics, rail, and electronic devices & components.

 

Through detailed primary-interviews and with deep technical knowledge, this report brings the reader an unbiased outlook for the industry including:

 

This is also put in the context of the larger composites market, the global 3D printing industry, and understanding the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry.

 

 

This report is for those in, or seeking to get involved in, the 3D printing of the composites market, including:

 

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