Reseach and Markets suggests that the global 3D printing powder market could reach US$636.9 million by 2020, at a CAGR of 24.4% from 2015 to 2020.
3D printing or additive manufacturing is majorly used in the aerospace and defense industry, which requires high precision and quality products. 3D printing powders offer high compressibility and durability to manufactured products. The aerospace & defense application segment is expected to contribute to the largest share in 2015. Automotive is expected to be the second-largest segment, followed by the medical and dental segments. With the reduction in technology costs, powder-based 3D printing will become accessible to other industries as well. This will lead to growth in other applications such as printing of consumer durable goods, accessories, and ornaments, the market analysis company suggests. According to Research and Markets, the metal powder segment is expected to account for a major share of the market in 2015. Titanium powders (metal powders), due to their rigid structure and higher resistance to corrosion, are majorly used in aerospace and defense industry for manufacturing aircraft engine components. Metal powders are also used in automotive industry in tooling applications. Powders used in additive manufacturing need to be atomized for use in high precision engineering applications. Supply of these specialized powders still remains a concern, which may restrain the growth runoff the market, the company suggests.
This story uses material from Research and Markets, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.