The fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer market is expected to grow from US$3.326 billion in 2025 to US$10.232 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 25.20%.
Fused deposition modeling, or simply FDM, is an additive manufacturing process that involves the extrusion of materials through a nozzle and the subsequent joining of those layers to produce three-dimensional structures. A conventional FDM 3D printer uses a heated nozzle to force a polymer-based filament through it, melting it and depositing it on the build platform as 2D layers. These layers combine while they are still heated to eventually form a three-dimensional part. FDM is extensively used currently as it is easily accessible and relatively productive. It can be used in a variety of fields, including healthcare and the automobile and aerospace sectors.
For instance, in August 2021, Etihad Engineering formed an R&D collaboration agreement with EOS where the company will be using SLS & FDM 3D printing for the development of aircraft interior parts. Also, in August 2020, aircraft manufacturing service provider AM Craft purchased four new F900 FDM 3D printers from Stratasys, which would enable the former in developing certified 3D printed parts for aircraft interiors including paneling, ducting, and seating. The company already consists of four F450mc 3D printers and such addition came as part of its strategy to improve its 3D printing capacity.
Mango 3D, a provider of software for 3D printing, updated its Lychee print preparation program to make it FDM compatible in December 2022. With this upgrade, Lychee provided users the ability to employ this technology along with FDM on the same platform to generate files for output in an efficient way. The software offers users batch production tools along with real-time hollowing, island detection, and pressure cup detection capabilities in addition to making it simple and precise to slice models. The beta FDM slicing capabilities of Mango 3D are intended to assist users just joining the field of 3D printing in optimizing outcomes without requiring them to get in-depth technical knowledge.
Creality, a significant 3D printing business introduced a new FDM 3D printer, the CR-M4 in February 2023. It has networking characteristics that make it simpler to set up a print studio and generate numerous batches at once, and it can print a vast range of designs at once. A stable top frame is ensured by the CR- M4’s creation of a stiff triangle with two Z-axis and support rods. It can be applied to a variety of fields, including architecture and healthcare. Its primary characteristics include a high print temperature, multiple printer control, huge print volume capability, and dependable printing.
In the healthcare industry, FDM 3D printing contributes to the creation of synthetic muscles and tissues that resemble real human tissues and can be utilized in replacement surgery. Manufacturers use these printing services to produce a wide range of parts apart from tissues and muscles. One of the biggest advantages of using such printing devices is that any design can be intricately and precisely customized and designed in addition to it being equipped with several modifications. It can also be changed and modified based on the feedback and suggestions of the healthcare professionals, which ensures that the treatment or prosthetic that is equipped is much more comfortable and healthy for the patient. FDM 3D printers can also be used for the manufacturing of training models and surgical planning prototypes in an accurate way, which ensures optimal training.
The use of fused deposition modeling in aerospace and defence supports the efficient development as well as manufacturing of spacecraft, aircraft, missiles as well as in other defense-related products. These FDM’s are widely used in terms of rapid prototyping as well tooling applications. Moreover, in the automotive industry, these fused deposition modelings are used for manufacturing as well as prototyping car parts. This FDM technology is further beneficial as it supports reducing the cost associated with the development of new cars as well as they are time-saving. This new technology is imperative in offering flexibility and great design which further enables the manufacturers in creating customized car parts based on their particular requirements.
By geography, the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology 3D printer market has been segmented into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific. North America’s fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology 3D printer market is anticipated to reach a sizeable market value as the fused deposition modeling technology 3D printer is widely used in multiple industries such as in healthcare owing to their capability in producing economic prosthetic wear. It is also commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industry with the motive of developing efficient research and design. In this regard, the growth of these industries in the North American region is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology 3D printer.
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