The AMPOWER Report 2026, published by the Hamburg-based strategy consultancy, reveals that the global industrial Additive Manufacturing market grew by 5.6% in 2025, reaching a volume of over EUR 11 billion. AMPOWER forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% for the next five years, projecting the market to surpass EUR 21 billion by 2030.
AMPOWER Report 2026 Key Findings
Following a period of stagnation in 2024, the industrial AM market recorded renewed growth in 2025. Increased demand for part-making and higher material consumption had a positive impact on revenues. In the equipment sector, the lower-cost machine segment saw particular growth, with the number of units sold increasing while revenue in the segment remained nearly constant.
The report notes that the currently weak Dollar exchange rate, calculated in Euros, led to a reduction in reported growth. Additionally, the uncertain customs situation influenced buyer investment behaviour, especially in the USA, which represents a major market. Although the market fell short of original forecasts from the previous year, the long-term trend continues upward, with the annual growth forecast for the total market slightly raised to 13.5%.
Desktop Polymer Segment Surges Ahead
A significant new focus of the report is the market for desktop polymer systems with investment costs below EUR 10,000. This segment has recently seen impressive growth of over 30% and is increasingly gaining industrial relevance. Companies are progressively investing in large-scale “print farms” rather than relying solely on expensive individual industrial systems.
Metal 3D Printing Landscape Evolves
In metal AM, the trend towards consolidation and fragmentation continues. The ten largest manufacturers of metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) systems slightly lost market share, now holding approximately 78.3% of global revenue, compared to 80% the previous year. Simultaneously, new players, particularly from China, are increasingly entering the market.
Defence and Space Drive Growth
The defence and space as well as the consumer industries remain central growth drivers for metal AM. With growth rates exceeding 20% over the last four years, military OEMs and startups are increasingly utilising the technology to solve supply chain issues and produce drones and next-generation components.
“We are seeing the market regain significant momentum after the flatline in 2024. The development in the desktop segment is particularly exciting; it is no longer reserved for hobbyists but is increasingly meeting industrial requirements and challenging traditional classifications.”
— Matthias Schmidt-Lehr, Partner, AMPOWER
About AMPOWER: AMPOWER is a Hamburg-based strategy consultancy specialising in industrial Additive Manufacturing. The company advises investors, startups, suppliers, and users of 3D printing technology on strategic decisions, due diligence, and market intelligence. The AMPOWER Report 2026 is based on over 300 personal interviews and more than 50,000 data points, with equipment OEM respondents representing approximately 90% of the globally installed base.
