Metal printing powders and engineering-grade polymers are at the forefront of innovation in the aerospace and automotive sectors, enabling the production of components that are lighter, stronger, and more efficient. The metal powder and alloys segment represents a significant portion of market share, driven by the increasing adoption of additive manufacturing across various industries. The aerospace and defense end-user segment is projected to increase from 0.74 USD Billion to 4.67 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting the growing adoption of additive manufacturing for production of lightweight, high-performance components. In Q2 2024, 3D Systems launched a new certified Scalmalloy aluminum alloy for its Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform, targeting aerospace and motorsport applications that require high strength-to-weight ratios.

The automotive sector remains a dominant player in the 3D printing materials market, leveraging advanced materials to enhance design flexibility and reduce manufacturing costs. The automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles and lightweighting is driving demand for metal printing powders and engineering-grade polymers. Metal printing powders of titanium alloys are particularly valuable for automotive applications where high strength-to-weight ratios are critical. The development of specialized materials for electric vehicle components, such as battery housings and electric motor parts, is creating new opportunities for additive manufacturing materials.

Engineering-grade polymers are essential for automotive applications requiring thermal resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability. Engineering-grade polymers like PEEK and PEI are being increasingly adopted for under-the-hood applications and structural components. The development of new polymer formulations with enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties is expanding the range of automotive applications for additive manufacturing. In Q2 2024, Evonik inaugurated a new production facility dedicated to high-performance 3D printing powders in Marl, Germany, aiming to meet growing demand from the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Engineering-grade polymers are also benefiting from the trend towards sustainability in automotive manufacturing. The growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials is driving the development of bio-based and recyclable engineering-grade polymers. The integration of additive manufacturing into automotive production lines is enabling the production of custom, low-volume parts with reduced lead times and waste. As the automotive and aerospace sectors continue to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency, metal printing powders and engineering-grade polymers will remain essential for enabling next-generation additive manufacturing applications.