The global aerospace 3D printing market size is anticipated to reach USD 11.38 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.6% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The increasing adoption of additive manufacturing for tooling, fixtures, and other support equipment in aerospace manufacturing facilities is driving the market growth. While aerospace components are the primary focus of additive manufacturing applications, there is also significant demand for 3D-printed tooling and fixtures used in assembly, testing, and maintenance operations. 3D-printed jigs, fixtures, and molds offer advantages such as rapid production, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional machining methods.

The economic fallout from COVID-19 resulted in budget cuts and reduced investment in research and development across the aerospace industry. Many companies were forced to prioritize immediate cost-saving measures over long-term innovation initiatives, leading to a slowdown in the pace of technological advancement in 3D printing and related areas. As a result, aerospace manufacturers faced challenges in adopting the latest advancements in additive manufacturing technology, limiting their ability to optimize production processes, improve component performance, and enhance competitiveness in the global market.

The growing trend toward space exploration and satellite deployment is driving demand for lightweight, high-performance components for space missions. 3D printing technology offers unique advantages for producing space-ready components, such as complex geometries, lightweight structures, and customized designs tailored to specific mission requirements. This capability enables aerospace companies to overcome the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods and develop innovative solutions for space exploration, satellite propulsion, and other space-related applications.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Aerospace 3D Printing Market

Aerospace 3D Printing Market Report Highlights

• Based on component, the hardware segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 63.6% in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The need for rapid prototyping and production agility is accelerating the adoption of 3D printing technology in the aerospace hardware segment

• Based on technology, the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Advancements in DMLS technology, such as improved laser power, finer powder materials, and enhanced process control, are expanding its capabilities and driving further adoption in the aerospace sector

• Based on application, the prototyping segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 54.8% in 2023. The demand for customized and highly intricate aerospace components necessitates the use of 3D printing for prototyping purposes

• Based on material, the polymer segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The development of aerospace-grade polymer materials with enhanced mechanical properties and fire-retardant characteristics further drives the adoption of polymer 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing

• Based on end-product, the aircraft segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 58.6% in 2023. The growing demand for fuel efficiency and sustainability drives aircraft manufacturers to adopt 3D printing for developing aerodynamic components and structural parts

• In March 2024, GE Aerospace, the aerospace and aviation division of General Electric (GE), a US-based energy multinational, announced an investment of more than USD 650 million towards enhancing its worldwide manufacturing facilities and supply chain in 2024. This substantial investment aims to facilitate the expansion of production for its LEAP engines, utilizing 3D printing technology. In addition, the funds will support the full-scale manufacturing of GE9X engines, distinguished by their incorporation of over 300 3D-printed components. These engines are tailored for use in Boeing 777X aircraft

Aerospace 3D Printing Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global aerospace 3D printing market report based on component, technology, application, material, and end-product:

Aerospace 3D Printing Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Hardware

• Software

• Services

o Design Software

o Inspection Software

o Printer Software

o Scanning Software

Aerospace 3D Printing Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

• Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

• Stereolithography (SLA)

• Others

Aerospace 3D Printing Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Prototyping

• Tooling

• Functional Parts

Aerospace 3D Printing Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Metal

• Polymer (Plastic)

• Composite

Aerospace 3D Printing End-Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• Aircraft

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

• Spacecraft

Aerospace 3D Printing Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

• Europe

o UK

o Germany

o France

• Asia Pacific

o China

o Japan

o India

o South Korea

o Australia

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

• Middle East & Africa

o UAE

o KSA

o South Africa

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