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New Report Reveals Decline in Industrial 3D Printer Sales, But Optimism Grows for a Stronger 2025

2024 was a challenging year for the 3D printing industry, marked by disturbances such as failed mergers, layoffs, and leadership changes. A report by CONTEXT further illustrates these difficulties, especially within the industrial 3D printer sector, indicating that while improvements are anticipated for 2025, the previous year saw significant struggles.

Industrial 3D printer shipments showed signs of decline in 2024, in contrast to the increasing trend of desktop 3D printers. CONTEXT categorizes printers into several price ranges: personal (desktop) under $2,500; professional between $2,500 and $20,000; midrange from $20,000 to $100,000; and industrial above $100,000. The most expensive category suffered the steepest shipment declines, while the entry-level printers experienced growth.

Data revealed that polymer and metal industrial printer shipments began to fall in early 2024. Although there was a brief recovery in Q2, the trend continued to decline into Q3, culminating in an overall drop of 25% for polymers and 24% for metals compared to the previous year. This downturn was exacerbated by high interest rates prompting reduced capital expenditure (CapEx) spending, leading to full-year shipments expected to be nearly 12% lower than in 2023.

The decrease in industrial printer shipments affected almost all modalities and material types globally. In China, industrial 3D printer sales saw a substantial decline of 37%, compared to 25% in North America and 13% in Western Europe. Specifically, major players in the polymer systems market, such as UnionTech and 3D Systems, reported sharp declines in demand, especially within the dental segment.

For metal 3D printers, the situation initially appeared more stable, with certain technologies maintaining flat sales. However, by Q3, the overall numbers reflected a downward trend, particularly in powder-bed fusion solutions which make up a significant portion of the market. Notably, the differences in regional shipment trends diminished as both Chinese and Western markets faced similar declines.

Midrange and professional printer categories also saw declines, with notable figures indicating an 8% drop year-on-year in midrange solutions and a minimal decrease in professional shipments overall. Manufacturers like 3D Systems struggled in market presence, while some Chinese companies thrived with an aggregate shipment increase of 46%.

Despite this bleak outlook for 2024, there are signs of optimism for 2025. Companies such as Eplus3D and Nikon Solutions demonstrated growth within the industrial sector, thanks in part to advanced technology. Specifically, Eplus3D became a leader in units shipped in Q3 2024.

Looking ahead, CONTEXT predicts a year of recovery, forecasting a 14% growth in industrial printer shipments for 2025. Midrange printers are expected to rise by 12%, while professional systems will see a 6% increase. The overall trajectory indicates a hopeful outlook for sustained recovery and growth across all sectors, spurred by factors like lower interest rates which will help bolster CapEx spending.

As the industry navigates these trends, many stakeholders are watching closely to see if the anticipated uptick in shipments and market vibrancy materializes in the coming years.