The global market for 3D printers in 2024 was characterized by economic uncertainties and a changing competitive environment. Despite initial expectations of a market recovery, growth largely failed to materialize. In the industrial class in particular (systems over USD 100,000), deliveries fell by 17% compared to the previous year. Mid-range and professional systems also suffered declines. Only the entry-level segment below USD 2,500 recorded an annual increase of 26%, although this growth was heavily concentrated in the first half of the year. This is the result of a new analysis by CONTEXT.
Polymer systems in particular suffered in the industrial segment. While vat photopolymerization-based systems grew by 23% worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2024, the annual balance was negative at -21%. However, demand in China, particularly for UnionTech systems, increased significantly quarter-on-quarter. Metal-based systems showed a more stable trend. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) grew by seven percent over the year, while Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) fell by twelve percent. Suppliers such as Nikon SLM Solutions were nevertheless able to maintain their position in the premium class thanks to rising sales.
In the mid-range segment, global deliveries fell by 11% in 2024. While established manufacturers such as Stratasys, Formlabs and Markforged had to contend with declining sales, Chinese providers such as Flashforge recorded significant growth. Material jetting systems were particularly in demand here – especially in the dental and jewelry sectors.
Professional printers showed differentiated developments: The vat photopolymerization sub-segment grew by 13% globally, while material extrusion systems declined by 37%. This is due to the migration of professional users to more powerful entry-level devices, particularly from providers such as Bambu Lab.
The entry-level category benefited from a strong hobbyist market for a long time, but lost momentum towards the end of the year. In the fourth quarter, deliveries here fell by ten percent compared to the previous year. Market leader Creality lost market share, while Bambu Lab and Flashforge made gains.
CONTEXT expects the market to stabilize in 2025. However, a recovery depends heavily on interest rate policy, global trade and further M&A activities.
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