Stereolithography (SLA) Technology 3D Printing Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Volume (Under 200 Cm3, Between 200cm3 To 800 Cm3, Above 800cm3), By Application (Industrial, Residential), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The stereolithography (SLA) technology 3D printing market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 19.27% to grow to US$6.746 billion by 2028, from US$1.964 billion in 2021.

SLA is an additive manufacturing technology that uses laser energy to create various 3D shapes. Concept models, intricate geometrics, cosmetics prototypes, and various other things can be made from SLA technology.  Mechanical qualities such as water tightness, material diversity, and isotropy make the SLA technology 3D printing unique.

Application in various end-user industries

A prototype plays an important role during production operations in sectors such as cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing as multiple prototypes are made before finalizing one product. This work can now be easily done with the help of stereolithography (SLA) technology 3D printing. As per the Sabert Corporation, making a prototype consists of three steps namely, validating the form and fit of the content.

Secondly, developing the manufacturing process for the prototype, and lastly, techniques required in producing the prototype. Making multiple 3D prototypes before finalizing a product becomes expensive, this is where this SLA technology for 3D printing is used. According to, the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics in 2016, 1.2 million jobs accounted for making prototypes, which is more than a quarter of jobs available in the manufacturing industry.

According to Sofeast Limited, a company makes at least two prototypes before launching a product in the market. An MIT study conducted in 2021 suggests that in the US more than 30,000 products are launched every year and before the launch of these products they all follow the rule of making multiple prototypes before launch. Thus, this factor drives the stereolithography (SLA) technology 3D printing market towards growth.

The Industrial segment is expected to grow.

SLA 3D printing due to its capacity to create extremely precise, isotropic, and waterproof prototypes stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is becoming more popular among industrial sectors such as the aerospace and defense sector where extremely complicated parts are manufactured in small quantities. Complex designs can be manufactured using the method without the need for an expensive tooling equipment investment. This provides aerospace OEMs and suppliers with an affordable way to produce small parts.

Many aircraft original equipment manufacturers are using SLA technology 3D printed components in their models. An increase in aircraft production coupled with technological innovation in providing highly efficient aircraft parts has provided a positive outlook to SLA 3D printing market demand. For instance, as per the 2022 report by Airbus, the company had delivered 661 aircraft, an 8% increase over 2021.

The United States in North America is an Expected Dominant Market

This growth is primarily attributed to the rapid adoption of 3D printing for related products that focus on engineering, manufacturing, and product design, in major sectors such as healthcare & dental. The adoption of these technologies for the creation of concept models, cosmetic prototypes as well and complex parts is expected to boost market growth in the long term in the USA.

In line with the evolving market demands, numerous players are scaling up their operations to meet emerging requirements and offer improved services and solutions. Notable developments from the market with innovative 3D printing solutions will propel the market growth in the US market. For instance, in 2022, 3D Systems introduced dual laser “Stereolithography printers”, durable natural material & post-processing systems to meet rising demand across various industries for SLA 3D printing.

The efficiency of stereolithography (SLA) technology 3D printing market

The ability of SLA 3D printing to produce high-resolution & accurate parts for its direct use in rapid prototyping and various end-use industries makes it more popular as compared to many other 3D printing technologies.  Moreover, the stereolithography (SLA) technology 3D printing market is anticipated to experience growth driven by industry players' collaborative efforts. A notable instance is the recent collaboration & acquisition betweenNexa3D & XYZ Printing Inc. in March 2023. Under this agreement, integration of technology, and services will take place bringing innovations under SLA 3D printing solutions & acquisition of selective laser sintering business from XYZ Printing’s portfolio will take place.

Key Developments

• In November 2021, SHINING 3D launched a new SLA 3D Printer & 3D Scanner at Formnext 2021. As per the company, the newest additions to the product portfolio would empower fast, efficient, high-performing, and accessible 3D printing with high-resolution 3D scanning for various industrial purposes.
• In March 2021, Airbus extended its contract with Stratasys to develop SLA 3D-printed polymer components for airplane cabin interiors. The renewal involves the production of parts for many additional aircraft platforms in addition to spare parts, whereas the prior contract only covered the A350 aircraft
• In June 2021, Glaciarys AR3, a novel, biocompatible SLA resin utilized in surgical and dental applications, was introduced by Copper3D, a company committed to bringing antimicrobial materials to 3D printing.
• In July 2020, a new 3D printing polymer dubbed xMED412 was introduced by the multinational chemical giant Henkel and California-based SLA 3D printer manufacturer Nexa3D. The material has improved strength properties and is biocompatible with medical-grade components, making it potentially suitable for the manufacture of medical equipment.

Stereolithography (SLA) Technology 3D Printing Market Scope:

Segmentation:

• By Volume
  • Under 200 cm3
  • Between 200 cm3 and 800 cm3
  • Above 800 cm3
• By Application
  • Industrial
  • Residential
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others