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Market Overview

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The 3D printing technology has witnessed significant development since the early 1980s, largely due to advancements in the field. The ecosystem of the 3D printing software and services market includes software developers, service providers, material providers, end-users, and other stakeholders. Currently, North America leads the market, followed by Europe and other regions.

In terms of value, the 3D printing software and services market reached $9,662 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $80,848 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 24.3% between 2022 and 2031. The market growth is driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of AI and machine learning, demand from industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare, and the growing utilization in the healthcare sector. Additionally, government support and investment are expected to contribute positively to the market’s growth in the forecast period.

The market is propelled by advanced technologies and the ability to create custom products, including engine parts, prototypes, and artistic items, for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. The cost-effective and rapid product development enabled by additive manufacturing techniques is a key driver of global demand. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, leverages software-integrated design methods to produce complex and precise systems. This process involves using computer-aided design or 3D object scanners to obtain accurate measurements for customized designs. The global additive manufacturing market encompasses technologies such as 3D printers, software, services, and printing materials. Rapid prototyping and manufacturing are the primary applications within this market. Additive manufacturing finds application in diverse industries, including defense, automotive, surgical equipment design, aerospace, oil and gas, packaging, and more.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including software, service, application, end-use, and region.

Segmentation by Application
Functional Models/Functional Prototyping/Research Models
Artistic Items
Spare Parts/Custom Parts/Small-Run Series Production
Device Covers
Others

Segmentation by End-Use
Automotive Industry
Consumer Industry
Healthcare Industry
Aerospace Industry
Education and Research Industry
Government and Military
Architecture Industry
Packaging Industry
Oil and Gas Industry
Others

Segmentation by Software
3D Designing Software
Data Preparation Software
Simulation Software
Machine Control Software
QA and Security

Segmentation by Service
Print-On-Demand Services
After Sales and Maintenance Services
Printing Materials
Others

Segmentation by Region
North America – U.S., Canada, Mexico
Europe – Germany, France, Italy, and Rest-of-Europe
U.K.
China
Asia-Pacific and Japan – Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, and Rest-of-Asia-Pacific and Japan
South America – Brazil, Argentina, and Rest-of-South America
Middle East and Africa – U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Rest-of-the-Middle East and Africa

During the forecast period 2022-2031, the functional models/functional prototyping/research models segment is expected to dominate the 3D printing software and services market. This application segment holds the largest share due to the unique capabilities of 3D printing technology in quickly producing prototypes without excessive energy consumption or material wastage. Consequently, the adoption of 3D printing for functional prototyping purposes is experiencing significant growth.

In terms of end-use industries, the aerospace segment is projected to be the largest during the forecast period. The aerospace industry has embraced 3D printing for the production of various components, including vehicle bodies, seats, engine parts, and rotor blades. This widespread adoption of 3D printing technologies within the aerospace sector is a key driver for the growth of this particular segment in the 3D printing software and services market.

Among different software segments, the 3D designing software segment is expected to hold the largest market share between 2022 and 2031. These software provide users with the tools to design products in any desired shape and size. They are extensively utilized for tasks such as 3D visualization, modeling, engineering, drawing, interior designing, and other similar design-related activities.

Regarding services, the print-on-demand segment is anticipated to be the largest during the forecast period. Print-on-demand services enable users to outsource their 3D printing requirements without the need to invest in their own 3D printers, thereby eliminating concerns about installation costs.

Geographically, North America emerged as the leading region in the global 3D printing software and services market in 2021. This can be attributed to the strong presence of major players in the 3D printing software and services industry, including companies such as 3D Systems Corporation, Autodesk Inc., Proto Labs, Inc., the ExOne Company, Desktop Metal, FATHOM, and others.

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Competitive Landscape

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The selection of companies profiled in the report was based on a careful evaluation of players from different tiers, including tier-1 players, mid-segment players, and small and emerging companies. This selection process considered multiple factors such as product portfolios, annual revenues, market penetrations, research and development efforts, as well as domestic and international presence in the 3D printing software and services market.

Some key players operating in the market are 3D Systems, Inc., Artec 3D, Autodesk Inc., Digital Mechanics AB, OC Oerlikon Management AG, Dassault Systèmes, Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corporation, Imaginarium, Materialise NV, Organovo Holdings, Inc., Prodways Technologies, Proto Labs, Inc., PTC, Inc., Sciaky Inc., Sculpteo, Shapeways, Inc., Stratasys Ltd., VoxelJet AG, Trimble Inc., Star Rapid, Siemens Digital Industries Software, Xometry Inc., Desktop Metal, Inc., Castor Technologies Ltd., Axial3D, and Nano Dimension.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In October 2021, 3D Systems Corporation made an announcement regarding the acquisition of Volumetric Biotechnologies, a company specializing in the development of bioprinting methods for manufacturing human organs. This acquisition is a strategic move by 3D Systems to establish a state-of-the-art research capability in Houston, Texas.

In March 2021, Autodesk Inc. unveiled the global availability of Autodesk Takeoff, a new product designed to empower estimators with the ability to perform 2D and 3D quantification workflows within a unified data environment.

Also in March 2021, Desktop Metal revealed a significant breakthrough in the form of a new powder that enables aluminum sintering for binder jetting additive manufacturing (AM) technology. This innovative powder was developed through a collaboration with Uniformity Labs.

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Key Questions Answered

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What are the primary factors and trends influencing the market for 3D printing software and services?

How has the global 3D printing software and services market been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

What measures have established market players taken to enhance their market position?

What strategies are new entrants adopting in this market space?

Which software, service, printed material, technology, application, and end user are leading in the market, and how are they expected to perform in the coming years?

What are the latest developments related to the development of the 3D printing software and services market in various countries worldwide, and what are the consumption patterns?

What are the obstacles hindering adoption in different regions and countries?

Are there any regional or global government regulations impacting the 3D printing software and services market?