3D Printing & Additive — 2026-09-19
The global additive manufacturing market reported strong Q2 2026 performance, hitting $4.48 billion in revenue after six consecutive quarters of growth. Recent developments highlight a shift toward industrial production, with new metal platforms showcased at IMTS 2026 and structural applications for 3D-printed infrastructure gaining academic validation.
3D Printing & Additive — 2026-09-19
Key Highlights
- Market Growth: The worldwide additive manufacturing market reached $4.48 billion in the second quarter of 2026, marking the sixth straight quarter of growth and indicating a more consistent expansion for the industry.
- IMTS 2026 Showcase: At the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, new metal platforms from EOS and Mastrex, along with large-format printing solutions from Phillips Corp., demonstrated additive manufacturing's integration into the production stream. A validated end-to-end workflow from Axtra3D and DN Solutions’ AM2CNC was also highlighted.
- Structural Applications: A new study published in Progress in Additive Manufacturing investigated the structural performance of girders assembled from individual 3D-printed mortar segments without bonding materials (dry assembly). The research supports the potential for additively constructed modular systems in expedient deployment scenarios.
- Plastics Market Outlook: Reports indicate the Global 3D Printing Plastics Market, valued at approximately $2.08 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $9.67 billion by 2033, driven by FDM, SLA, and SLS technologies expanding polymer material consumption.
Analysis
The most significant development this week is the confirmation of sustained market momentum, with the industry hitting $4.48 billion in quarterly revenue. This data point, released alongside coverage of IMTS 2026, underscores a critical transition: additive manufacturing is no longer primarily a prototyping tool but a strategic production asset. The showcase at IMTS featured specific end-to-end workflows (Axtra3D/DN Solutions) and new hardware (EOS/Mastrex) designed to close the loop between digital design and finished parts. This aligns with broader industry narratives shifting from experimental prototypes to essential industrial competence, where automation and supply chain needs drive adoption.
What to Watch
- IMTS 2026 Workshops: While the main show has concluded, educational workshops on additive manufacturing for defense and aerospace markets continue to be a focus area for industry professionals seeking to implement AM for end-use parts.
- Material Science Advances: Continued research into dry-assembly 3D-printed structures may open new avenues for rapid infrastructure deployment, moving beyond traditional bonding methods in construction.
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