3D Printing Isn't Just the Future—It's Happening Now, and It's Changing Everything

MOHALI, India - May 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Not too long ago, 3D printing felt like something out of science fiction. A clever gadget, maybe a niche tool for hobbyists or high-end R&D teams. But those days are gone. If you walk into a modern manufacturing facility now, chances are there's a 3D printer quietly humming away, printing something that will soon be in a car, an airplane, or even someone's mouth.

And here's the thing—it's not slowing down.

A new market research report by Roots Analysis puts some numbers behind this momentum. The global 3D printing market is expected to grow from US$18.5 billion in 2024 to US$93.7 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 20.6% over the next decade or so. That's not a trend. That's a full-blown industrial shift.

We've spoken with people across industries—engineers, designers, startup founders—and they all say the same thing: 3D printing isn't just a tool anymore. It's part of their strategy.

One engineer from a mid-size aerospace firm told us, "We used to spend weeks machining a prototype. Now? We 3D print it overnight. Sometimes, we test it the next morning. It's wild how fast we've gotten used to this."

So what's actually happening here?

For starters, the technology has matured. What used to be used mostly for quick prototypes can now produce end-use parts. And not just plastic widgets. We're talking high-strength, lightweight parts for aircraft. Custom dental implants. Even components for electric vehicles.

The Roots Analysis study digs deep into this transformation. It covers current industry trends, what the big players are doing, where the market is headed, and what challenges need tackling. The report includes everything from Porter's Five Forces analysis to a breakdown of global opportunity hotspots. And yes, it doesn't shy away from the hard stuff—because while the growth is real, so are the roadblocks.

Intellectual property is one of them. With digital files so easy to share, design theft has become a growing concern. There's a call from within the industry for better regulation and clearer boundaries to protect innovation without stifling creativity.

And then there's the question of materials. The options are improving fast, but consistency, reliability, and affordability still vary widely depending on the use case. If you're printing parts for aerospace, "good enough" isn't good enough.

Still, the positives far outweigh the challenges.

3D printing is turning heads in industries that traditionally move slow. Automotive teams are using it to build lighter, faster parts. The dental industry is personalizing treatments like never before. And small businesses? They're using 3D printing to compete with giants—printing in-house what they used to outsource overseas.

Source - https://www.rootsanalysis.com/3d-printing-market