3D Printing Filament Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Mass Customization of Objects with Complex Structures from End-Use Industries - Rapid advancements in 3D printing are transforming it from a maker's hobby to an industrial production technique that offers mass customization and may create parts that are not able to be made using some conventional production techniques.
• Growing Burden of Orthopaedics Conditions- The use of metal implants in various orthopedic treatments has been made easier by 3D printing technology since it uses artificial intelligence, which is nearly entirely and precisely non-invasive. The custom production aspect of 3D printing technology makes it suitable for widespread application in personalized medicine, especially for patients suffering from knee arthritic pain who wish to replace their damaged natural knee joint with a new artificial one. For instance, more than 5% of individuals worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a very common and debilitating ailment.
• Increasing Focus on Sustainability- With biodegradable filaments, 3D printing can be a sustainable procedure that can be altered in the same manner as regular fiber which can lessen the impact of the environment on the world and is less harmful to the environment since it produces no waste or harmful emissions.

Challenges

• Environmental Impact Caused by the Production of 3D Products - The creation and utilization of 3D printed items made of plastic may exacerbate environmental issues including waste production, resource depletion, and the delivery of water-soluble support filament may also hurt the environment. Many 3D printers use plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, the improper disposal of which could lead to pollution and other environmental problems. 3D printers need a substantial amount of power to operate and may be more difficult to recycle owing to their complex shapes and variety of components.
• Health Implications for Workers Involved in the Production of 3D Filament- Employees who use 3D printing technology run the risk of developing respiratory diseases as a result of work exposure since powdered metal or polymer is used in certain 3D printing techniques which produces a remarkably high concentration of hazardous nanoparticle emissions.
• Need for Standardization to Ensure Compatibility Across Several 3D Printers