Canada has been experiencing rapid growth in the 3D printing industry and has quickly positioned itself as a key player in the global market. The 3D printing industry in Canada has a significant economic and innovative impact. It is a continuously growing industry and its growth is supported by the increasing adoption of 3D technologies as well as investments from the government and private entities. 

The 3D industry is still a young industry that is constantly evolving. In this article, we look at the current state of the 3D industry in Canada through statistics together with future possibilities for growth, innovation, and technological advancements within the sector. 

3D Printing Industry Statistics for Canadians

  • The National Research Council of Canada launched the National Manufacturing Strategy in 2007, including a focus on 3D printing technologies.
  • The 3D printing market is expected to reach US$700 million by 2028 in Canada. 
  • The global 3D printing industry is expected to grow at a 19% annual rate between 2024 and 2033.
  • North America accounts for over a third of the global printing market. 
  • Industrial printers generate over 77% of the 3D printing revenues. 
  • The automotive sector accounted for a quarter of the 3D printing revenues in 2023. 
  • China has the largest potential market for 3D printers and has installed 3D printers in over 400,000 schools.

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing allows the printing of three-dimensional objects based on 3D model files. The process works by building whole objects from the ground by adding layers upon layers of material. 3D printing makes the production of highly customised products easier and cheaper, from household items to jewellery and prosthetics. 

Compared to traditional manufacturing, 3D printing has the potential to reduce energy consumption and waste. Industrial 3D printers used in manufacturing can use a range of materials that include metals, plastics, and ceramics, meaning that manufacturers can choose the best material for their products.

How Is 3D Printing Used in Canada?

3D printing has a variety of uses and many Canadian industries have embraced the advantages offered by 3D printing technologies. It is used, for example, in healthcare to create customised implants and prosthetics that improve fit and comfort for patients; in aerospace and automotive industries to manufacture lightweight and complex components that reduce material waste and weight; in education and research in fields such as science, engineering, and medicine; and in construction to create building components that significantly reduce costs and construction times.  

3D Printing Manufacturing in Canada

Canada has a highly skilled workforce and a long history of research and innovation. This has supported the development of 3D printing applications and technologies, especially in industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and automotive. This, in turn, has led to an increased demand for 3D printing services and the growth and expansion of companies specialising in 3D printing. 

In 2007, the National Research Council of Canada launched the National Manufacturing Strategy, which included a focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing. This strategy has been important to the advancement and adoption of 3D printing technologies in Canada. 

The National Research Council of Canada and Avior Integrated, an aerospace company, collaborated to create a titanium bracket using 3D technology for a Bombardier aeroplane. In 2018, the Government of Canada announced an investment worth $20 million into a 3D printing research and development project at the University of Waterloo.

3D Printing Market Size in Canada

According to a report titled Canada 3D Printing Market Research Report, which was published by Actual Market Research, Canada’s 3D printing market is expected to reach a market size of approximately US$700 million by 2028. The market consists of two main printer types: industrial 3D printers and desktop 3D printers. Industrial 3D printers led the market in 2022, while materials had the highest CAGR. 

Global 3D Printing Industry Market Size

Industries around the world have been quick to embrace 3D printing with the use of the technology increasing from just 4% in 2019 to 29% in 2020 across different sectors. In 2023, the 3D printing industry had a global market size of US$20.68 billion and it is predicted to reach US$24.61 billion in 2024. The global market is expected to grow fast and be over four times the current 2024 size by 2033. The predicted growth rate is 19% and the market size is projected to reach approximately US$117.78 billion by 2033. 

North America Represents Over 30% of Global 3D Printing Revenues

North America represents the largest share of the 3D printing market revenue. In 2023, this region accounted for 34.14% of the global revenue. Canada and the United States are both leading and initial implementers of 3D printing innovations in a wide variety of manufacturing processes. 

However, Europe is gaining on North America and in 2023 accounted for 30.41% of the revenue. It was the fastest growing region in 2023 thanks to a number of manufacturers that have a wealth of technical knowledge of 3D printing techniques. The Asia Pacific is the third biggest contributor regionally with a 26.20% market share. Latin America accounts for 6.22% and Middle East and Africa for 3.03% of the global revenues. 

3D Printer Shipments Are Expected to Grow Tenfold by 2030

In 2021, approximately 2.2 million 3D printers were shipped globally. To correspond with the fast market size growth, the number of shipments will experience rapid growth, too. It is estimated that by 2030, over 21.5 million 3D printers will be transported globally. 

The market growth will be driven by research and development activities in 3D printing as well as the increased demand for prototyping tools from a wide range of sectors but in particular from the healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. 

3D Printer Types

Industrial printers were by far the most profitable printer type in 2023, generating over 77% of the total 3D printing revenues. Industrial 3D printers are used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, defence, and electronics, which account for a large share of 3D printers. The printers are used for design, prototyping, and tooling

Desktop 3D printers are predicted to see the fastest growth between 2024 and 2033. They are being increasingly used by small businesses to create customised parts and components for clients based on their designs and specifications. Desktop 3D printers are also becoming more commonplace in educational institutions and even in private households. 

3D Technology Market Share

The stereolithography (creating objects using liquid polymer and a laser beam) sector generated 11% of the 3D printing revenues in 2023. Other 3D printing processes include Fused Deposition Modelling, inkjet printing, and EBM technologies. These technologies are being increasingly used by industries such as defence, aerospace, and automotive and are expected to account for a larger share of global 3D printing revenues in the future. 

3D Printing Applications

Prototyping is the largest 3D printing application sector. In 2023, it generated around 55% of the revenues. Prototyping is used in defense, automotive, and aerospace industries to create parts with complex techniques because it helps manufacturers to achieve better precision and more reliable products. Because of these benefits, prototyping is projected to continue to dominate the application revenues. 

The functional part sector is predicted to grow the fastest between 2024 and 2033. Products created using this application type include smaller joints and metallic hardware. This sector will grow in response to a rising demand for designing and manufacturing functional parts. 

Automotive Industry Accounts for One-Quarter of 3D Printing Revenues

If we look at the revenue in terms of industries, the automotive sector accounted for 25% of the global 3D printing revenues in 2023. However, the medical industry is expected to experience fast expansion with 3D printing used, for example, to produce artificial tissue and muscles that can mimic human tissue and muscles in reconstructive surgeries. 

Outside industrial 3D printing, the use of 3D desktop printing is growing in sectors such as fashion and jewellery where they are used to create replica jewellery and art, clothing and accessories. 

Metal Objects Represent Over Half of 3D Printed Objects

In 2023, metal was the most used material contributing over 53% of the global revenues. Stainless steel is used in melting, sintering, and EBM procedures. It is one of the strongest materials used in 3D printing and therefore commonly used in a range of industries. 

The fastest growing material is polymer. In 2023, polymer was expected to generate around US$11.7 billion in revenue, including materials, hardware, and 3D printed parts sales. The healthcare industry is one of the biggest users of polymer with objects created with this material including surgical tips and tools, ventilator valves, safety goggles, and testing swaps. 

Hardware Accounted for Two-Thirds of Component Generated Revenues

Hardware was the most common component type in 2023, accounting for around 65% of the global 3D printing revenues. The sector’s expansion has been driven by optimised labour expenses, popularity of consumer electronic devices, and improvements to the civil infrastructure. 30% of the revenue was software related and 5% services related. 

Major 3D Printing Markets Outside Canada

The United States has the largest base of installed 3D printers in the world. It accounted for approximately 35% of the global 3D printing revenue in 2020. 3D printing applications have included printed cars, shoes, and even a NASA rocket engine. Even though the United States is the biggest 3D printing market, there is scope for even more growth with around 60% of companies that could benefit from 3D technologies not using it currently. 

Germany has one of the most significant 3D printing markets in Europe. Around 50% of Germans believe that 3D printing technology will impact their own business positively over the coming year. 25% of them worry about their lack of skills affecting the quality of their 3D printed objects. However, this is fewer people than in the previous survey when 42% had concerns over their lack of skills. 

China is one of the largest 3D printing markets but not as large as one might expect. However, China, along with the rest of the Asia Pacific region is expected to have the highest growth rate during the next five years. The market is expected to grow by 18% and have a total spending of US$3.6 billion over the projected period. The Chinese government is investing in 3D printing technology, which has included founding the world’s first 3D printing college Baiyun-Winbo 3D Printing Technology College in Guangzhou and plans to install 3D printers in more than 400,000 schools.

In South Korea, there is growing awareness of 3D printing among the public. In 2016, only around 24% of the population was aware of the technology compared to 81% in 2019. The South Korean government is keen to implement 3D printing technologies in the country and is backing its use in a range of industries, including the medical sector.  

Conclusion

Although 3D printing can be considered a new technology, it has grown in popularity incredibly quickly with almost 80% of people now saying they are aware of it. Canada together with the United States accounts for a large segment of the 3D printing market. However, other regions, in particular Europe and China, are catching up. 

With 3D technology becoming more accessible, the market is predicted to continue seeing rapid growth. With support from the Canadian government, Canada can hold on to its position among the key players. 

Frequently Asked Questions

3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional objects using a printer. The objects are made using 3D model files and built from the ground up by adding layers. It can be used to make highly customised objects, for example prosthetics for the healthcare sector.

You may sometimes hear people talk about additive manufacturing. This is the same process as 3D printing. The term additive manufacturing is usually used to describe the use of 3D printing technology in industrial applications

Stereolithography is a process where three-dimensional objects are created by a moving laser beam controlled by a computer. The objects are created using liquid polymer that becomes hard when it comes into contact with laser light.