3D Printing Gases Market Share

Global 3D Printing Gases Market Overview

3D Printing Gases Market Size was valued at USD 62.65 Million in 2023. The 3D Printing Gases industry is projected to grow from USD 72.11 Million in 2024 to USD 222.12 Million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The factor driving the market during the forecast period is increasing emphasis on implementing 3D printing techniques across the manufacturing sector, which fuels the demand for 3D printing gases while driving growth in the industry. The growing trend of adoption of 3D printing gases in industrialization, technology changes, and the medical sector are expected to be the major drivers of the market for 3D printing gases during the forecast period. The increasing cost of R&D activities for 3D printing is a major factor expected to fuel the demand for 3D printing gases and drive market growth.


The rising demand for 3D printing gases from various end-use industries, such as design and manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and many others, is another factor expected to propel the market growth. Furthermore, growing adoption from the gas and oil sector for 3D printing gases also fosters the market's growth. The major factor accelerating the need for inert gases in key industries like aerospace and healthcare is their need for high-tolerance standards. The market for 3D printing gases is now driven by the demand for the design, manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors, among many other uses. Gases like nitrogen, argon, and other gas mixtures are good at providing inanimate ambient conditions that aid in meeting higher criteria for material manufacture. As a result, it is believed that the manufacturing sector's demand primarily drives the market for 3D printing gases. The increasing population in developing economies will further propel the 3D printing gas market growth rate.

The development of the market is largely constrained by the rising prices of argon and nitrogen. Nevertheless, the usage of 3D printing gases in healthcare, design & manufacturing, automotive, consumer items, education & research, and aerospace & military has increased due to technological advancements and the rate of industrialization in emerging countries. Furthermore, fast-expanding urbanization & industrialization has improved economic standards across Asia's developing countries and will create tremendous potential for firms.

Rising Demand for Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Development Drive Growth for 3D Printing Gases Market

The growing adoption of 3D printing technology has revolutionized various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and automotive sectors. As the demand for 3D-printed products continues to rise, so does the need for specialized gases used in the 3D printing process. This trend is driven by several factors that have contributed to the increased utilization of 3D printing technology. The major driver behind the growing adoption of 3D printing is its ability to enable rapid prototyping and customized manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing methods often involve complex tooling and lengthy production cycles, which can be time-consuming and expensive. However, with 3D printing, intricate designs and prototypes can be produced quickly and cost-effectively. This has led to a surge in the use of 3D printing across various industries, as companies seek to streamline their product development processes and bring innovative designs to the market faster.

In the 3D printing process, gases play a crucial role in ensuring optimal printing conditions and achieving desired printing outcomes. Specialized gases are used for various purposes, including controlling the atmosphere inside the 3D printer, improving print quality, enhancing material properties, and reducing defects. For instance, inert gases such as nitrogen or argon are often employed to create an oxygen-free environment, minimizing the risk of oxidation during the printing of reactive metals or sensitive materials, certain gases are utilized for post-processing steps, such as annealing or heat treatment, to enhance the mechanical properties of printed components. Additionally, specialized gases like helium or hydrogen can be used to improve the cooling process and prevent warping or distortion of printed objects. By leveraging these gases in the 3D printing process, manufacturers can achieve higher precision, better material properties, and overall improved product quality.

Another factor driving the demand for specialized 3D printing gases is the increasing complexity of printed designs. As the capabilities of 3D printers continue to advance, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with additive manufacturing. This includes the printing of intricate geometries, lightweight structures, and advanced composite materials. However, such complex printing processes often require precise control of the printing environment, which can be achieved using specialized gases.

Furthermore, the rise of sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices has also contributed to the demand for specialized 3D printing gases. Traditional manufacturing processes can generate significant waste and environmental pollution. In contrast, 3D printing offers the potential for more sustainable production, as it typically consumes fewer raw materials and produces less waste. By utilizing specialized gases, manufacturers can further enhance the sustainability of their 3D printing operations. For example, the use of bio-based or recyclable gases can reduce the carbon footprint associated with the printing process.

The growing demand for 3D-printed products in various industries, including healthcare and aerospace, has also fueled the need for specialized 3D printing gases. In healthcare, 3D printing is revolutionizing medical device manufacturing, prosthetics, and even personalized organ fabrication. These applications require specific material properties, biocompatibility, and sterility, which can be achieved through the use of appropriate gases during the printing process, the aerospace industry is increasingly adopting 3D printing for lightweight and complex components, leading to improved fuel efficiency, and reduced overall weight of aircraft. Specialized gases are employed to ensure the integrity and quality of these critical components, meeting the stringent safety and performance requirements of the aerospace sector.

In conclusion, the growing adoption of 3D printing technology across various industries has significantly increased the demand for specialized 3D printing gases. These gases play a crucial role in optimizing printing conditions, enhancing material properties, and ensuring the overall quality of 3D-printed products. As additive manufacturing continues to advance and new applications emerge, the market for specialized 3D printing gases is expected to further expand, catering to the evolving needs of manufacturers seeking to harness the full potential of 3D printing technology.

3D Printing Gases Market Segment Insights

3D Printing Gases Market by Gas Insights

The 3D printing market is segmented based on gas bifurcated to argon, nitrogen, and gas mixtures. The 3D printing gases market growth was prominently high under the argon category in 2022 owing to the huge applications in the end-use industries like design & manufacturing and health care.

3D Printing Gases Market by Technology Insights

Based on technology, the market is further bifurcated to stereolithography, laser sintering, poly-jet, material jetting, electron beam melting and others. In 2022, stereolithography accounted for the largest share of the market and was anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period because of the growing advantages and ease of operations associated with stereolithography technology. However, the laser sintering category also registered the second highest growth rate during the forecast period owing to the extensive technology adoption across various 3DP processes.

3D Printing Gases Market by Function Insights

Based on function, the market is divided into cooling, insulation and illumination. The insulation category dominated the market for 3D printing gases in 2022 due to the growing demand for insulation in 3D gases. Moreover, the cooling category is anticipated to see significant growth over the forecast period due to increased cooling usage to cool the gases.

3D Printing Gases Market by End User Insights

By end user, the market has been segmented into automotive, aerospace & defense, and consumer products. In 202, automotive had a significant share in the market owing to the active adoption of technology in various production processes associated with automotive production.

3D Printing Gases Market Regional Insights

By Region, the study segments the 3D Printing Gases Market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America dominated the market share in 2022 due to the extensive adoption of additive manufacturing in the region. North American countries, such as Canada and the US, have been prominent and early adopters of these technologies in various manufacturing processes. The presence of some major industrial gas firms and extensive research and development activities in 3D printing in the region are important drivers driving the growth of the North American market. Furthermore, the healthcare and aerospace industries have seen considerable technological breakthroughs in product manufacture. The Asia-pacific region is expected to grow with the largest CAGR of 16.2% over the forecast period. The rapid adoption of AM in Asia-Pacific can be attributed to the upgrades and developments across the manufacturing industry within the region. The Asia-Pacific region is also emerging as a manufacturing hub for the automotive and healthcare industries. Strong control on the manufacturing of consumer electronics, with rapid urbanization, is also adding to the surging demand for 3D printing in the region.

3D Printing Gases Market Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the 3D Printing Gases Market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the 3D Printing Gases Market industry must offer cost-effective products to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.

The 3D printing gases market is intensely competitive due to the presence of numerous global and regional players. Owing to the overcapacity of firms and pricing pressures, the market appears to be extremely competitive in nature. Furthermore, key industry participants are involved in research and development and constant innovation, thereby causing intense rivalry in the 3D printing gases market. Key players included in the 3D printing gases market are BASF SE (Germany), Linde PLC (Ireland), Air Liquide (France), Air Products and Chemicals, INC. (US), Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation (Japan), SOL Group (Italy), and Messer Group (Germany), Universal Industrial Gases (US).

BASF SE: is one of the largest chemical producers in the world. BASF portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. The company operates through a network of manufacturing facilities across the world. It has presence in Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Africa, the Middle East and North America. The firm carries out R&D in alliance with global customers, scientists, and partners. Furthermore, BASF and Air Liquide have been working in close partnership in Belgium for 45 years. The BASF site in Antwerp is also a key site for Air Liquide with a worldwide scale air separation installation for the production of Oxygen (O2), Nitrogen (N2) and Argon (Ar).

LINDE PLC: is the largest industrial gas company worldwide and is a major technological innovator in the industrial gases industry. Its primary products in its industrial gases business are atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and rare gases) and process gases (carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene). The company also designs and builds equipment that produces industrial gases and offers customers a wide range of gas production and processing services such as olefin plants, natural gas plants, air separation plants, hydrogen and synthesis gas plants and other types of plants. Linde's industrial gases are used in countless applications, from life-saving oxygen for hospitals to high-purity & specialty gases for electronics manufacturing, and hydrogen for clean fuels among others. The company operates in more than 100 countries worldwide with its principal offices in the United Kingdom and United States. In 2018, Praxair, one of the largest industrial gases companies in North and South America, and the third-largest worldwide by revenue merged with Linde AG to form Linde plc.

Key Companies in the 3D Printing Gases Market includes

• BASF SE (Germany)


• Linde PLC (Ireland)


• Air Liquide (France)


• Air Products and Chemicals, INC. (US)


• Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation (Japan)


• SOL Group (Italy)


• Messer Group (Germany)


• Universal Industrial Gases (US)

3D Printing Gases Market Industry Developments

January 2023: Linde acquired nexAir, LLC, one of the largest independent packaged gas distributors in the United States with 2022 sales of approximately $400 million. Linde’s wholly owned subsidiary Linde Gas & Equipment Inc. (LG&E) has held a minority interest in nexAir since 2012. LG&E has now purchased the remaining 77.2%. The acquisition complements Linde’s existing packaged gas business and expands its footprint in a core and fast-growing geography across the southeastern United States.

Feb-2020, Air Products & Chemicals acquired Oxygen & Argon Works, Israel's largest manufacturer of industrial gases including oxygen, hydrogen, helium, and argon from FIMI Opportunity Funds (FIMI) (51%) and private shareholders for NIS 575 million. 

Jan-2022: The parent company SOL Spa increased its stake in SOL INDIA from 50% to 86.37%. AIRSOL Srl acquired a 99.78% stake in AIR LIQUIDE HELLAS, (now TAE Hellas). The acquired company is one of the leaders in the Greek market for technical gases.

3D Printing Gases Market Segmentation

3D Printing Gases Market Gas Outlook

• Argon


• Nitrogen


• Gas Mixtures

3D Printing Gases Market Function Outlook

• Insulation


• Cooling


• Illumination

3D Printing Gases Market Technology Outlook

• Stereolithography


• Laser Sintering


• Poly-Jet


• Material Jetting


• Electron Beam Melting


• Others

3D Printing Gases Market End Users Outlook

• Automotive


• Aerospace & Defense


• Consumer Products


• Healthcare


• Others

3D Printing Gases Market Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  • Saudi Arabia
  
  
  • UAE
  
  
  • South Africa
  
  
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
  
  
  
  


• Latin America
  
  
  
  • Brazil
  
  
  • Argentina
  
  
  • Rest of Latin America