Introducing the next major study on composite 3D printing
An analysis and forecast of the potential for additive mass production of FRP composite parts

Building on several years of experience analyzing and forecasting the opportunities associated with additive manufacturing composite FRP materials, 3dpbm Research is conducting the industry’s most comprehensive market study on this topic. If you are actively engaged in providing or developing composite AM technology and materials or are considering AM for composite part production, get in touch with us at info@3dpbm.com to be included in this study. Research sponsorship to present questions and better align study focus with customer needs available.
Target release in Q3 2020.
Leveraging continuous tracking of relevant AM firms via 3dpbm’s 3D Printing Business Directory, 3dpbm Research has currently identified 40 firms that are leading innovation and market development in composite additive manufacturing. These firms include the most relevant composite AM hardware OEMs (and suppliers), composite AM-specific software providers, composite AM service providers and composite material manufacturers (including fiber reinforcements, polymer matrix materials and composite 3D printable materials) that hold a stake in the composite AM segment.
Building on past and present…
In 2016, the first in-depth analysis of AM adoption in composite manufacturing written by Davide Sher focused primarily on the new possibilities for 3D printing functional prototypes and tools using chopped fiber composites. The key AM processes at this time were identified in powder bed fusion (PBF) of FRP composite powders and early extrusion 3D printing of FRP composite filaments. A relevant case could also be made for continuous composite part production via 3D printed tooling.
The second major study by Davide Sher – issued in 2018 – covered the introduction and rapidly growing adoption of large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) technologies using composite FRP pelletized materials. Key applications included 3D printing of large-scale composite molds and direct tool-less production of large composite parts.
…To forecast the future
Now, a new paradigm shift is emerging, as a number of firms have commercially introduced a new generation of continuous fiber composite AM technologies. This could be one of the most significant evolutions of this segment, with the goal of delivering continuous fiber composites into mass production of final parts.
At 3dpbm, we have built a unique understanding of the composite AM market over the years. Through our ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, hardware OEMs and materials providers, we have covered past and present trends and forecast future ones. We have developed an ability to grasp the significance of technology developments and market opportunities as they unfold.
Our past and current research efforts provide the basis for an up-to-date analysis of the composites AM market to bring clients an accurate mapping of the current market landscape and players, quantification of current market turnover and forecast of the composite AM market’s primary opportunities in terms of materials, hardware and outputs, along with major and emerging markets.
A sneak preview of the latest composite AM technologies
Over the years we have tracked—and we continue to track—dozens of composite additive manufacturing technologies and applications. In the gallery below you can access a sneak preview to some of the most interesting applications that have emerged, marking significant evolutionary trends in this market segment. In this report we accurately map and contextualize these and several other technologies and applications, providing the most accurate forecast and opportunity analysis for each product.
Reach out to us if you’d like to participate in the study.