Entry-level 3D printers drive market growth as high-end falters

The global 3D printer market experienced contrasting developments in the first quarter of 2025 amid a complex macroeconomic environment, according to new analysis by CONTEXT.

Overall system revenues in the 3D printer market grew by 5% year-on-year, which was entirely attributed to a 22% increase in revenues from Entry-level printers. This segment benefitted from consumer and channel partners escalating purchases ahead of anticipated US tariffs on Chinese imports. By contrast, the Industrial and Midrange segments recorded decreasing revenues as ongoing economic uncertainty, tariffs, and rising interest rates dampened capital spending.

Chris Connery, Vice President of Global Analysis at CONTEXT, commented: "Amid looming tariff wars, unstable market conditions, persistent inflation and high interest rates, the Entry-level class saw a significant surge in shipments, while the Industrial and Midrange sectors continued to face headwinds."

Entry-level printers

The Entry-level category was the standout performer with shipments rising 15% year-on-year, reversing declines seen in 2024. Over a million Entry-level units were shipped globally in Q1 2025. This growth was almost wholly driven by efforts of vendors, distributors and end-users to purchase before US tariffs on Chinese goods took effect. Chinese vendors accounted for approximately 95% of all Entry-level printers shipped during the quarter. Within this category, Bambu Lab stood out, posting 64% year-on-year shipment growth. Creality endured a minor decrease in sales but still retained a dominant 39% share of global unit sales. Other manufacturers such as Flashforge and Elegoo also reported substantial year-on-year shipment increases.

Industrial and Midrange segments

Industrial and Midrange systems continued to face challenges as high interest rates constrained investments. Total global Industrial 3D printer shipments declined by 14% year-on-year in the first quarter. Polymer-based Industrial systems experienced an 18% fall, while metal-based systems registered an 8% drop. Chinese companies navigated these conditions more effectively than Western firms, and demand for advanced Metal Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) printers from vendors such as Eplus3D and Nikon SLM Solutions offered some resilience. Revenues in the Industrial segment decreased by 6% compared to the previous year, but rising average selling prices for advanced metal printers moderated the impact.

The Midrange price segment experienced a 16% drop in shipments year-on-year during the quarter. Chinese vendors, primarily addressing domestic demand, outperformed Western counterparts, with Midrange shipments from UnionTech climbing 13%. Despite this, demand within China shifted towards lower price classes, as reflected in the reduced shipments of UnionTech's Industrial Polymer machines. Flashforge continued to perform strongly, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East jewellery markets, supporting the segment's sales. Conversely, Stratasys, 3D Systems and Formlabs saw sales dwindle, contributing to a global trailing-twelve-month decrease of 13% in Midrange shipments.

Professional systems

Shipments of Professional printers saw a modest overall decline of 4% year-on-year. However, a significant technology shift underpinned this figure. Material extrusion systems, dominated by FDM/FFF technology, suffered a 31% drop in shipments, with a similar decrease over the trailing-twelve-month period, as buyers turned to higher-performing Entry-level products from companies like Bambu Lab. In contrast, vat photopolymerisation printers recorded a 19% increase in year-on-year shipments. Companies such as Formlabs and SprintRay fuelled this segment by introducing new products based on mSLA technology, with Formlabs reporting a 40% rise in shipments, leading the segment by market share.

Sector outlook

Industry outlooks for 2025 have been revised downward, particularly for high-end systems, in light of continued tariffs, inflation, and high interest rates. Many companies are prioritising profitability and reviewing their strategies, with some focusing on mergers and acquisitions and others divesting or spinning out their additive manufacturing businesses. Certain firms have shifted focus to regional defence and aerospace markets, leaning into current demand while waiting for an improvement in broader business conditions.

Connery stated:

"While the immediate forecast is challenging, there remains strong underlying pent-up demand, particularly for Industrial systems. OEMs still report high levels of customer interest, and the industry is poised to rebound once macroeconomic conditions improve. We expect a gradual recovery to begin in 2026 as interest rates fall and stimulate renewed capital spending, similar to the surge seen after the Covid lockdowns."

Regional onshoring, disrupted supply chains, and a drive for greater production autonomy are likely to shape future additive manufacturing opportunities. The current climate has created a divergence across segments, but elevated customer engagement in the industrial segment suggests latent demand may be realised should financing conditions turn favourable in the coming years.