Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market Size:

The global aerospace additive manufacturing market size reached USD 5.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 19.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 15.55% during 2025-2033. Flourishing research and development (R&D) activities and the rising need for lowering carbon footprint through aircraft weight reduction are acting as major factors driving the market towards growth.

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Some of the major drivers for the aerospace additive manufacturing market growth include the rising requirement for lightweight and fuel-efficient aircrafts, significant advancements in 3D printing technology, the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing for engineering complex and customized parts, and the growing inclination towards sustainable production methods.
• Key Market Trends: The growing use of metal 3D printing for engine components and structural parts, the development of high-performance materials, the integration of AI and machine leaning, and the increasing collaboration between aerospace and additive manufacturing technology companies represent some of the key market trends.
• Geographical Trends: North America and Europe leads the market due to the presence of major aerospace companies and improved technological infrastructure. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a key market due to rising investments in defense and aerospace sectors and the establishment of major manufacturing hubs across various countries of the region.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the aerospace additive manufacturing industry include 3D Systems Inc., CRP Technology S.r.l., EOS GmbH, General Electric Company, Optomec Inc., SLM Solutions Group AG, Stratasys Ltd., and The ExOne Company (Desktop Metal Inc.), among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Opportunities in the market include the potential for cost savings through reduced material waste and inventory, the ability to produce highly customized and complex components, and the expansion of additive manufacturing applications in maintenance and repair operations. However, challenges persist, such as the high initial investment costs, the need for stringent quality control and certification standards, and the limited availability of high-performance materials. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing in aerospace.

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market Trends:

Growing Need for Lightweight and Fuel-Efficient Aircraft

The rising requirement to reduce operating costs and environmental impact of aircraft is primarily driving the demand for lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby favoring the aerospace additive manufacturing market outlook. Additive manufacturing enables the production of complex, lightweight structures that are not possible with traditional manufacturing methods. Moreover, the ability of the additive manufacturing techniques to create optimized, high-strength components with minimal material waste makes them a critical technology in achieving these goals. According to Internation Energy Agency, in 2022, aviation accounted for 2% of global energy-related carbon emissions. As international travel demand rebounds post-Covid-19, aviation emissions in 2022 nearly hit 800 Mt CO2, about 80% of pre-pandemic levels. To curb and eventually reduce emissions this decade and align with the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) Scenario, numerous technical measures are essential. These include adopting fuel-efficient aircrafts, enhancing airframes and engines, optimizing operations, and implementing demand restraint solutions.

Significant Innovations in 3D Printing Technology

Ongoing advancements in 3D printing technology and innovations like improved printing speeds, higher precision, and the formulation of new materials suitable for aerospace applications, are creating a positive outlook for the aerospace additive manufacturing market forecast. These enhancements allow the production of high-performance, reliable parts that meet stringent aerospace standards, thus fostering greater adoption of 3D printing in the aerospace sector. For instance, Stratasys' additive manufacturing has significantly impacted the aerospace industry, with Airbus using its FDM 3D Production Systems to produce over 1,000 flight parts for the A350 XWB aircraft. These 3D printed components replaced traditionally manufactured parts, increasing supply chain flexibility and enabling Airbus to meet its delivery commitments on time. Furthermore, in October 2020, Lockheed Martin Corporation partnered with Relativity Space to 3D print projectiles for an upcoming NASA experimental mission. Using Relativity's advanced 3D printing technology, Lockheed aims to create complex rockets with reduced lead times, targeting a 2023 launch date.

Increasing Demand for Air Travel

The increasing demand for air travel is creating positive aerospace additive manufacturing industry outlook by necessitating the rapid production of aircraft components to meet rising fleet demands. Additive manufacturing enables the efficient creation of complex, lightweight parts, reducing production lead times and costs. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air travel recovery continued in December 2023, with total traffic for 2023 rising 36.9% compared to 2022, reaching 94.1% of pre-pandemic levels. December 2023 traffic increased by 25.3% over December 2022, reaching 97.5% of December 2019 levels. International traffic grew by 41.6%, and domestic traffic rose by 30.4% compared to 2022. Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 126.1% increase, European carriers a 22.0% rise, Middle Eastern airlines a 33.3% increase, North American carriers a 28.3% rise, Latin American airlines a 28.6% increase, and African airlines a 38.7% rise in traffic compared to 2022.

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on platform, material type, technology, and application.

Breakup by Platform:

• Aircraft
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
• Spacecraft
   

Aircraft accounts for the majority of the market share

The aerospace additive manufacturing market research report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform. This includes aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle, spacecraft. According to the report, aircraft represented the largest segment.

Aircraft lead the market due to their need for lightweight, high-strength components that enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Unlike traditional methods, additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex geometries and customized parts, significantly reducing weight and material waste. This technology is particularly advantageous in producing critical components like engine parts, structural elements, and interior fixtures, where precision and performance are paramount. Consequently, the achieved cost savings, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced design flexibility drive its dominance in the aircraft segment.

Breakup by Material Type:

• Metal Alloy
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Others
   

Metal alloy holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material type have also been provided in the aerospace additive manufacturing industry report. This includes metal alloy, plastic, rubber, and others. According to the report, metal alloy accounted for the largest market share.

Metal alloys are used due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and heat resistance. Alloys such as titanium and aluminum are ideal for producing high-performance components like engine parts and structural elements. These materials enable the creation of intricate geometries and lightweight designs that enhance aircraft performance and fuel efficiency. The ability to produce parts with superior mechanical properties and reduced material waste further drives their dominance in the market.

Breakup by Technology:

• 3D Printing
• Laser Sintering
• Stereolithography
• Fused Deposition Modelling
• Electron Beam Melting
   

3D printing represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on technology. This includes 3D printing, laser sintering, stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, and electron beam melting. According to the report, 3D printing represented the largest segment.

3D printing possesses the ability to product complex, lightweight structures that improve fuel efficiency and performance, thereby marking its dominance in the market. Furthermore, it allows for rapid prototyping, which enables faster design iterations and reduced development times. The technology also supports the production of customized, high-strength components with minimal waste, which is critical for aerospace applications. Advancements in materials and printing techniques further enhance the viability and reliability of 3D-printed parts, driving its dominance in the aerospace sector. For instance, in January 2023, Leonardo entered into a five-year agreement with BEAMIT Group, a leading Italian service bureau specializing in high-end 3D printing applications, to develop and qualify parts for installation on Leonardo aircraft models.

Breakup by Application:

• Engine
• Structural
• Others
   

Engine exhibits a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes engine, structural, and others. According to the report, engine accounted for the largest market share.

Engines are gaining prominence in the market due to the critical need for high-performance, durable, and lightweight components that can withstand extreme temperatures and stresses. Moreover, additive manufacturing allows for the creation of complex geometries and integrated parts, which improve engine efficiency and reduce weight. The ability to produce intricate cooling channels and optimized structures enhances engine performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the technology enables rapid prototyping and production of custom parts, essential for engine design and maintenance, driving its dominance in this sector. For instance, in February 2021, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)'s Engine Division and Wipro 3D, the metal additive manufacturing division of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN), announced the production of a metal 3D-printed aviation engine component. As part of this partnership, a critical aero-engine component used in the hot zone is being designed, manufactured, and certified for airworthiness.

Breakup by Region: 

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China 
  • Japan 
  • India 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Others
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • Russia 
  • Others
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest aerospace additive manufacturing market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market, holding the largest share of the aerospace additive manufacturing market revenue.

North America leads the market due to its strong aerospace industry, extensive R&D capabilities, and the presence of key players like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The region benefits from significant government support and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. Additionally, North America's well-established infrastructure, skilled workforce, and collaboration between aerospace companies and technology providers foster innovation and rapid adoption of additive manufacturing. This strategic environment drives North America's dominance in the aerospace additive manufacturing market.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the Aerospace Additive Manufacturing industry include 3D Systems Inc., CRP Technology S.r.l., EOS GmbH, General Electric Company, Optomec Inc., SLM Solutions Group AG, Stratasys Ltd., and The ExOne Company (Desktop Metal Inc.), among many others.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• According to aerospace additive manufacturing market insights, market players are investing heavily in R&D to advance additive manufacturing technologies and expand their product portfolios. The market is characterized by strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and market reach. Additionally, the competitive landscape is influenced by innovations in materials, processes, and the integration of digital manufacturing platforms, driving industry growth and differentiation. For instance, in April 2023, Handddle, a French startup specializing in 3D printing production lines, renewed its collaboration with the French Air and Space Force. This contract renewal will enhance the French forces' capacity to address unforeseen circumstances and swiftly adapt to new situations on the ground. The company has provided the French Air and Space Force with a new 3D printing micro-factory.

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market News:

• In May 2023, 3D Systems (NYSE) announced an agreement to acquire Wematter, a Swedish 3D printer manufacturer, which will expand 3D Systems’ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) portfolio.
• In May 2023, nTopology, a leading engineering design software developer, and EOS, a pioneer and market leader in industrial 3D printing, announced the development of a new Implicit Interop capability. This innovation addresses a significant bottleneck in the additive manufacturing (AM) workflow by enabling the transfer of highly complex designs in megabyte-sized files, thereby accelerating the time to manufacturing.
• In January 2023, Mark3D UK, a Birmingham-based provider of 3D printing solutions specializing in Markforged technology, announced the launch of a new Aerospace and Defence Division. This initiative, based out of the UK's iAero Centre, aims to support the adoption of additive manufacturing within the aerospace and defense sectors.

Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the aerospace additive manufacturing market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global aerospace additive manufacturing market.
• The study maps the leading as well as the fastest growing regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the aerospace additive manufacturing industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.