Imagine you‘re an engineer working on the next generation of aircraft engines. Or a doctor developing customized prosthetics that perfectly match patients‘ needs. Or maybe you run a small jewelry startup crafting delicate, one-of-a-kind designs.
Seem like far-fetched ideas? Well 3D printing is bringing them closer to reality every day. This revolutionary manufacturing technique lets you turn digital blueprints into real-world stuff by building up layers of plastic, metal, or even living cells. And it‘s unlocking game-changing new capabilities across industries as diverse as aerospace, medicine, food, and fashion.
But this superpower doesn‘t come from a single company. Over the past three decades, pioneers across technologies like stereolithography, fused deposition modeling, and selective laser sintering have pushed the boundaries of 3D printing. Each has uncovered new formulas for quality, precision, scale, and speed to turn previously unbuildable designs into on-demand physical objects.
These players have turned a niche R&D concept into a certified $20 billion mega-industry projected to top $120 billion by 2030 according to BCC Research. And as capabilities soar, so does investment flooding into the hottest startups through to the largest public corporations adopting 3D printing for next-gen manufacturing.
Curious about the companies building the factories, materials, printers and software fueling this booming sector? You‘ve come to the right place! Let‘s explore the key leaders across every facet of industrial 3D printing along with what sets their technologies apart.
Overview of the Top 10 Largest 3D Printing Companies
Today‘s 3D printing landscape features well-established defense contractors doubling down on additive techniques next to scrappy hardware startups racing to scale futuristic bioprinting production. Cross-town rivals Stratasys and 3D Systems compete with the still-dominant inkjet empire Xerox built long before tech disruption was trendy. And falling costs plus expiring patents continue reshuffling the pecking order yearly.
But a clear elite has separated from the pack chasing over 5,000 other firms. These top players increased revenues by over 20% annually recent years to a collective $10 billion as demand soars for 3D printing applications spanning aerospace, dental, consumer, architecture, and more.
Below we cover the 10 highest-grossing businesses actively pushing the boundaries of commercial additive manufacturing:
- Xerox – Originator of xerographic copies now links 3D printing with automation software for $7+ billion in enterprise digital transformation
- Stratasys – Pioneer in fused deposition modeling (FDM) and photopolymer 3D printing for prototyping and production
- 3D Systems – First company to commercialize 3D printers boasts industry-leading portfolio of photo-based Stereolithography (SLA) and laser sintering technologies
- Protolabs – Digital manufacturing giant delivers custom 3D printed components within days through proprietary software automation
- FARO – Specializes in high-precision 3D measurement, imaging, realization, and simulation solutions
- Xometry – On-demand manufacturing marketplace connects enterprise buyers with network of rigorously vetted suppliers specializing in 3D printing
- Velo3D – Produces advanced metal 3D printing systems enabling previously impossible additive parts for space/aviation
- Desktop Metal – Its pioneering "3D printing 2.0" process brings speed and affordability to metal additive manufacturing
- Nano Dimension – Fabricates printed circuit boards and sensors through proprietary conductive/dielectric inkjet technology
- Stakeholder Foods – Harnesses 3D bioprinting to cultivate slaughter-free real meat from animal cells; formerly known as MeaTech 3D
But this industry extends far beyond hardware and equipment producers. Critical enablers fueling expanded 3D printing adoption come from materials science companies like DuPont unlocking high-performance polymers and AI software startups like ParaMatters automating support structure generation.
As you explore the profiles below, think about not just each firm‘s financial performance but their technologies‘ transformative place in additive manufacturing‘s bigger picture…
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*The article continues with in-depth profiles on each company‘s background, offerings, competitive position, and recent developments.*
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