Direct Metal Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technology Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Material Type (Titanium, Aluminum, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Cobalt, Others), By Application (Aerospace, Medical, Automotive, Other End Users), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The global DMLS 3D Printing Technology Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.57% to reach US$102.380 million in 2027 from US$20.800 million in 2020.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), also known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), is an additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-density laser on a powdered metal base to melt the powder and create a 3D printed model. DMLS can make strong and durable parts that can be used as both prototypes and end products. Due to the highly versatile design capabilities of DMLs, they can be used to manufacture small integrated structures, dental components, surgical implants, aerospace parts, etc. DMLS technology has also been used by NASA, SpaceX, and other aerospace companies to print specific and accurate parts for their designs. Furthermore, various initiatives like the Metal Additive Program by Canada Makes help in the progress of the DMLS printer industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on the DMLS 3D printing technology market. The 3D printer market faced huge losses due to the disruption of supply and demand. The main market components of DMLS printers, being the aerospace and automotive industry, were severely hit, resulting in the decline of the DMLS market.

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for the DMLS printed body parts also declined. This was because most medical equipment manufacturers were engaged in making COVID-19 equipment and emergency instruments, such as respiratory masks, ventilator valves, PPE kits, etc. The demand for prosthetic body parts, dental components, and even bone structures began to collapse across the world. However, the DMLS market is now regaining its importance. The ability to create customized medical equipment to suit the individual needs of patients has been one of the most crucial selling points of DMLS printers.

Advancement of cost-effective raw materials

Although DMLS/SLM printed parts have outstanding material characteristics, DMLS machines are notoriously difficult to buy and run. Metal 3D printing does help in reducing product costs, but the price of buying a DMLS printer and the metal powder required for printing can be rather costly.

However, in a recent advancement, a group of researchers from the Indian Institute of Science's (IISc) Department of Mechanical Engineering has identified a new way of producing metal powders that are substantially cheaper than other methods. According to IISc, the researchers believe that this abrasion-based metal powder has potential in high-performance applications like aviation engines and automotive industries, which demand a high level of precision and sophistication. This would help combat the high cost associated with 3D metal printing processes.

Growing prevalence in the aerospace industry

DMLS printers have been known for their ability to print metal parts accurately, rapidly, and error-free. This makes it a perfect choice for the aerospace industry.

The DMLS technology has been used by NASA to create complicated component geometries. DMLS 3D printing technology has also been employed by SpaceX in a variety of rockets, including the regeneratively cooled SuperDraco Engine Chamber, which will be used on the crewed spaceflight program and the Dragon Version 2 ship. Furthermore, the expansion of the aerospace and defence industries is driving up demand for DMLS 3D printing technology, which is expected to drive market growth throughout the forecast period. The aerospace and military industry in the United States produced $909 billion in sales in 2019, according to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), representing a robust annual growth rate of 6.7 percent over the previous year.

Relativity Space has recently unveiled a project to use a 3D printer to manufacture a real-life rocket. The company has been actively working on a launcher and rocket engine for use in deploying and resupplying satellite constellations. Relativity uses large-scale direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) printers to produce intricate, smaller components for its rockets. DMLS printers have already been utilized to create multiple prototypes of the company's Aeon 1 rocket engine, which includes over 100 pieces. According to Noone, Powder-bed printing technologies, such as DMLS, are becoming more widespread in the aerospace sector. Relativity plans to print at least 95% of its rockets by weight, with Stargate providing half of the components and DMLS providing the other half.

North America to become a significant market

North America has been a significant manufacturer and consumer of DMLS printers for a few years now. With its advancements in the aerospace and defense industry, it has become a significant part of the market. EOS recently announced the delivery of its one thousandth DMLS printer in America, which is considered a significant milestone for the company. Its 1000th printer was purchased by Sintavia, a Florida-based 3D printing service provider that offers 3D printed solutions for the aerospace and defense industry. EOS said that it is trusted by leading aerospace companies because of its constant innovation, machine consistency, and industrial-scale production reliability. Presently, 3D Systems, a South Carolina company, has the biggest market share in revenue collection in the North American market.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technology Market Scope:

Segmentation

• By Material Type
  • Titanium
  • Aluminum
  • Nickel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Cobalt
  • Others
• By Application
  • Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Automotive
  • Other End Users
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • UK
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the growth prospects for the DMLS 3D printing technology market?
A1. The DMLS 3D printing technology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.57% during the forecast period. 

Q2. Which region holds the largest market share in the DMLS 3D printing technology market?
A2. North America is expected to have a significant share in the DMLS 3D printing technology market.

Q3. What will be the direct metal laser sintering 3D printing technology market size by 2027?
A3. The global DMLS 3D printing technology market is projected to reach a total market size of US$102.380 million by 2027. 

Q4. What is the size of the global direct metal laser sintering 3D printing technology market?
A4. Direct Metal Laser Sintering 3D Printing Technology Market was valued at US$20.800 million in 2020. 

Q5. What factors are anticipated to drive the DMLS 3D printing technology market growth?
A5. The expansion of the aerospace and defence industries is driving up demand for DMLS 3D printing technology, which is expected to drive market growth.