3D Printing Robot Market Size, Share & Growth

Updated on : Oct 22, 2024

3D Printing Robot Market Size & Growth

The 3D printing robot market size was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach USD 3.2 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period.

The growth of the 3D printing robot market is driven by rising government investment towards additive manufacturing projects, increasing trend towards automated solution to perform repetitive task and improve workplace safety, and growing adoption of 3D printing robots in automotive and electronics industry.

3D Printing Robot Market Forecast to 2028

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3D Printing Robot Market Trends:

Drivers: Government-led investments in additive manufacturing projects

Government investments in additive manufacturing (AM) projects emerge as a pivotal driver for the 3D printing robot market. Globally, governments have been recognizing the transformative potential of this technology and are allocating substantial resources to advance its development and adoption.

According to data published by the Association for Manufacturing Technology in April 2023, global venture capital investment in additive manufacturing companies surged at a remarkable annual rate of 36.7%, reaching USD 1.853 billion in 2022, following the substantial momentum of 2021, which saw an additional USD 514 million in funding.

These investments span diverse initiatives, from research & development (R&D) programs to infrastructure development. These initiatives aim to spur innovations, enhance economic competitiveness, create jobs, and address industry challenges. Governments worldwide have been investing in and carrying out various programs in 3D printing R&D and the adoption of 3D printing technologies in end-user industries.

Restraint: High costs of installation and ownership of 3D Printing robots

The 3D printing robot industry faces a formidable constraint in the form of substantial installation costs. This financial burden encompasses not only the significant initial investment required for acquiring the robots but also the associated expenses, including software integration, infrastructure adjustments, and the training of skilled personnel.

This poses a particular challenge for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these costs can appear daunting, limiting their capacity to adopt this advanced technology. The recurrent operational expenditures related to maintenance, repair, and the procurement of specialized materials contribute to the overall ownership costs. These ongoing financial commitments can strain the resources of businesses, especially those operating in fiercely competitive markets with thin profit margins.

Opportunities: Rising awareness about higher degree of freedom offered by 3D printing robots than traditional printers.

3D printing robots have specialized robotic arms, boasting a high degree of freedom, redefining the landscape of 3D printing by unlocking the potential for intricate and complex shapes.

Traditional 3D printers are confined to three degrees of freedom, constraining their movement along the X, Y, and Z axes. In contrast, 3D printing robots typically possess at least five degrees of freedom, enabling them to maneuver in additional directions, including rotations around the X, Y, and Z axes. This agility empowers them to access and print intricate details that were previously out of reach.

Challenge: Interoperability and compatibility issues related to hardware components of 3D printing robots.

Interoperability challenges in the 3D printing robot market stem from the diverse hardware components involved, including robot arms, print heads, build platforms, and control systems.

These components are often sourced from different suppliers and lack seamless integration. Compatibility issues can arise, impacting performance and limiting the ability to print various objects effectively. Furthermore, inadequate hardware integration may result in accuracy, precision, and repeatability issues, posing significant challenges for the industry.

3D Printing Robot Ecosystem

Robot arms segment to hold larger market share during the forecast period.

The robot arms segment is expected to hold high market share during the forecast period. Robot arms benefit 3D printing in multiple ways, with increased speed, precision, and the ability to handle larger, complex parts, reducing labor costs and enhancing safety.

They minimize the need for support structures, refine surface finishes, and automate post-processing tasks. The adoption of robotic 3D printing promises ongoing innovations in efficiency and versatility. For instance, in February 2023, Rapid Robotics (US) partnered with Yaskawa America, Inc. (Japan) to expand its portfolio of industrial robotic arm solutions. The integration provided increased speed, higher payload, and enhanced performance for North American manufacturers.

Articulated robots account for the largest share of the 3D printing robot market for during the forecast period.

Articulated Robot segment to hold high market share during the forecast period. In the 3D printing robots market, articulated robots are employed for their versatility and accuracy. They are used to manipulate 3D printing nozzles or tool heads with intricate movements, enabling the creation of complex and customized objects.

These robots are particularly valuable in applications requiring precision and intricate designs. Articulated robots contribute to the efficiency and high-quality output of 3D printing processes by offering the dexterity needed to navigate intricate geometries and produce detailed structures. When attached to a 3D printing head, articulated mechanical arms enable large-scale and versatile 3D printing processes. They are compatible with various 3D printing technologies, such as wire arc additive manufacturing for metal or pellet extrusion for pellet-based printing.

The rapid development of 3D printing robots, particularly in the construction industry, is fuelled by their scalability. Collaborations between robotic arm suppliers and third-party 3D printing experts aim to innovate and commercialize diverse large-scale additive manufacturing approaches.

Prototyping segment to exhibit major share for 3D printing robot market during the forecast period.

3D printing with robots provides substantial benefits to various sectors in the realm of prototyping. In the automotive industry, it accelerates the creation of intricate components and offers design flexibility. For aerospace, it yields lightweight yet robust structures, enhancing fuel efficiency. In electronics, it enables miniaturization, fostering innovative gadgets.

Across these industries, 3D printing robots expedite the development process, encourage innovation, and support sustainability practices, ultimately enhancing competitiveness and reducing material waste. Prototyping is vital in the automotive industry for design validation, performance testing, fostering innovation, and enabling supplier collaboration.

It ensures safe, efficient, and innovative vehicle development. In the aerospace and defense sector, prototyping is crucial to mitigate risks associated with complex, cutting-edge technologies, customize solutions for unique missions, and refine system integration to meet strict safety and performance requirements.

Aerospace & defense segment account for the largest share of the 3D printing robot market for during the forecast period.

The aerospace & defense segment is expected to secure a high market share during the forecast period. 3D printing robots offer extensive utility in producing custom components tailored to specific missions or applications in the aerospace and defense sector.

They can excel in creating lightweight yet robust parts, ideal for reducing the weight of aircraft and spacecraft while ensuring durability in extreme conditions. Moreover, these robots can fabricate intricate and challenging-to-manufacture components, including those with internal cooling channels or complex lattice structures. Their ability to operate in remote locations makes them invaluable for military support and on-field repairs. As 3D printing technology advances, these robots are poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in manufacturing and maintaining military equipment, including aircraft and spacecraft.

3D Printing Robot market in Asia Pacific estimated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific region in the 3D printing robot market is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Asia Pacific includes countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. 3D printing robots have gained significant traction across various sectors in the region.

They find application in the automotive, aerospace, FMCG, and construction industries, revolutionizing the creation of parts with enhanced efficiency and precision. Japan has emerged as a pioneering adopter of 3D printing robots within the construction sector, driven by several key factors. With Japan’s aging population and diminishing workforce, the construction industry faces a significant labor shortage, making automation through 3D printing robots a crucial solution. Additionally, the nation’s high demand for top-notch construction, characterized by both durability and aesthetic appeal, aligns perfectly with 3D printing robots’ ability to create intricate and complex structures.

3D Printing Robot Market by Region

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Top Spin on Carbon Companies - Key Market Players

Major vendors in the 3D printing robot companies include

• KUKA AG (Germany),
• ABB (Switzerland),
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan),
• FANUC CORPORATION (Japan),
• Universal Robots A/S (Denmark),
• Massive Dimension (US),
• CRAD B.V. (Netherlands),
• Caracol (Italy).

Apart from this, WEBER Maschinenfabrik (Germany), Meltio3D (Spain), Comau (Italy), Baubot (Austria), MX3D (Netherlands), Twente Additive Manufacturing (Netherlands), Dobot (China), BLOOM Robotics (Netherlands), Dyze Design (Canada), REV3RD s.r.l. (Italy), 3D Minerals (France), Orbital Composites Inc. (US), ADAXIS SAS (France), AI BUILD LTD. (UK), OCTOPUZ (Canada), Hyperion Robotics (Finland), Hypertherm, Inc., (US), Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc.  (US), are among a few emerging companies in the 3D printing robot market.

Spin on Carbon Market Report Scope

3D Printing Robot Market Highlights

This research report categorizes the 3D printing robot market based on Component, Robot Type, Application, End-user Industry, and Region.

Recent Developments in Spin on Carbon Industry

• In September 2023, Massive Dimension partnered with ABB, one of the providers of power and automation technologies, for additive tooling technology that was fully integrated across ABB’s robot portfolio, from the versatile GoFa CRB 15000 cobots to the colossal ABB IRB 8700. This partnership transformed robotic capabilities, allowing them to adapt and evolve, breaking preconceived limitations in the industry.
• In August 2023, Meltio3D launched the Meltio Space software, revolutionizing robotic arm-based 3D metal printing. It facilitates accurate toolpath generation, including planar, non-planar, and variable extrusion, with a user-friendly interface. It seamlessly integrates with leading robot brands, such as ABB, KUKA AG, FANUC Corporation, and Yaskawa Electric Corporation, simplifying wire-laser metal 3D printing.
• In August 2023, Caracol partnered with Multistation, a digital manufacturing provider, to distribute its innovative robotic 3D printing solutions in France. Their systems utilized patented technology for producing complex parts with various materials, reducing costs and promoting sustainability.
• In April 2022, Comau introduced the N-220-2.7 robot arm, designed for cost-effective automation and easy maintenance. With a 220 kg payload and streamlined design, it enhances efficiency and flexibility in various industrial applications.

Key Questions Addressed in the Report:

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