Future of 3D Printing: What to Expect The 3D printing industry, also known as additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a prototyping tool to a transformative force across several industries. Its ability to produce complex, customized components quickly and cost-effectively has made it indispensable in sectors like aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods. As the technology advances, 3D printing is poised to redefine global manufacturing standards, making production faster, more efficient, and highly customizable
Owning a 3D printer opens up a world of possibilities. With this versatile device, you can create, upgrade, or modify an almost endless range of items. In this post, we’ll explore how you can harness the power of 3D printing to think beyond the ordinary, whether it’s starting a small maker business, launching a design studio, or revolutionizing prototyping in 2025.
We’ll explore exciting ideas for what you can create, guide you on how to get started and share tips on promoting and growing your 3D printing enterprise.
The print industry is evolving quickly due to digital transformation, and high-tech advancements are emerging regularly to meet the changing customer demands. Several technologies like web to print are modernizing the printing industry with their advanced capabilities.
In 2025, print businesses can look forward to a lot of innovative trends that are taking over the market and implement them to gain competitive advantage. As per reports, the market size of the printing industry is growing exponentially at a CAGR of 4.3% and is expected to reach $443.56 billion by the year 2028.
Embracing these popular trends and strategies can prepare print businesses to stay at the forefront of technology, enabling them to achieve maximum outcomes. Keep reading as we will be discovering the top printing trends to watch out for in 2025. Let’s begin.
Many new software startups are emerging, while big players aim to make their platform products indispensable. Authoring, platform, workflow, and slicing are converging as standalone packages vie for attention and investment. Software now delivers tangible economic benefits in manufacturing, reducing build costs, optimizing processes, and lowering scrap rates to improve profitability.
As larger implementations and series production spur growth, losing major deals will become increasingly impactful. While venture capital funding is down, agile startups persist, striving to become essential tools. What do the experts forecast for 3D printing software in 2025?
While three decades of 3D printing may not seem particularly long in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing has been highly transformative in a wide range of industries.
The results we’ve gathered in the last two studies contrast sharply with the information we gleaned in our first survey back in 2017. Even in just the past two years, 3D printing use skyrocketed. Our research clearly demonstrates an upward trajectory of the popularity and applications of additive manufacturing.
In 2017, when our participants responded to how their companies were using 3D printing technology, the most popular answer (by far) was rapid prototyping. At the time, nearly seven out of 10 respondents affirmed using 3D printing for this purpose. No other option even came close in popularity; only three in ten selected the runner-up (jigs, fixtures and tooling). Since then, use-cases have soared.
Today, research and development surpassed prototyping as the most popular 3D printing application and every other use case has dramatically increased. The percentage of companies leveraging additive manufacturing to build production parts and jigs, fixtures and tooling has roughly doubled since 2017 and use for production parts has nearly tripled.
Close to 100% of participants say they use 3D printing to produce functional or end-use parts. Of course, the levels at which they do varies. Almost 80% report using additive manufacturing to produce at least 25-50% of their functional or end-use parts.
Why Start a 3D Printing Small Business in 2025?
The obvious answer here is you can earn a little extra money doing something that you’re passionate about. But there are a few other reasons to consider as well.
As technology continues to advance and our world becomes more connected, cheap and disposable products have flooded the market.
However, many consumers are now seeking a more personal touch when shopping-whether it’s for themselves, a loved one, or a unique and specific item that simply can’t be found elsewhere.
This is where 3D printing truly excels. The flexibility of 3D models allows for easy customization, even within slicing software. For example, you can add personalized text, adjust basic geometries, or tweak designs to meet specific needs. Unlike traditional manufacturing, 3D printing operates on demand, eliminating the need for large production runs of every product variant.
With a single 3D printer and a spool of filament, you can offer a wide variety of styles, colors, shapes, and sizes without increasing your initial investment. This keeps upfront costs low, improves profit margins, and allows you to scale efficiently. Most importantly, the final product can remain competitively priced for consumers, making it a win-win for both creators and customers.
3D Printing with Sustainable Materials:
As sustainability becomes a growing concern, the demand for eco-friendly solutions is rising. In 2024, one of the most significant innovations in 3D printing is the use of sustainable materials. Companies are now developing filaments made from recycled plastics, plant-based polymers, and biodegradable materials. These innovations are not only reducing waste but also making 3D printing more environmentally responsible. 3D printing with sustainable materials is set to revolutionize industries like packaging, construction, and fashion.
Metal 3D Printing Advancements:
Metal 3D printing technology has come a long way since its inception, and in 2024, it’s even more sophisticated. Innovations in metal 3D printing now allow for the production of highly complex and durable metal parts, used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. New techniques, such as direct energy deposition (DED) and selective laser melting (SLM), are enabling more precise and efficient manufacturing of metal components, including functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Why Should Printing Businesses Keep Up with Industry Trends?
By staying up to date with the latest print industry trends and implementing them, print businesses can stand out from the crowd, paving the way to reach new markets, secure repeat business, increase revenue and growth. Which includes –
Identify and Capture New Markets
Following the print business trends allows printers to analyse the rise in specific print segments. Let’s say, the increase in print on demand services can help business focus more on that by allocating resources efficiently.
Better Risk Management
Being aware of trends helps businesses in forecasting and preparing for industry changes, thereby minimizing the risk of being caught off-guard by disruptive technologies.
Adaptation of New Methods
By staying informed about print industry trends, businesses can adopt new methods and processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the final quality of print products.
Applications of 3D Printing in Construction
1. Residential Housing
3D-printed homes are becoming a reality, addressing housing shortages and offering affordable solutions in both urban and rural areas.
2. Commercial Buildings
The technology is increasingly being used for offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, providing customized and efficient designs.
3. Infrastructure Projects
Bridges, road components, and public structures are being constructed using 3D printing, ensuring durability and precision while reducing costs.
4. Disaster Relief Housing
3D printing offers a rapid solution for building shelters in disaster-affected regions, providing durable housing in record time.
Challenges in 3D Printing Construction
1. High Initial Costs
The initial investment in 3D printing equipment and materials can be expensive. However, these costs are offset by long-term savings in labor and materials.
2. Limited Material Options
While advancements are being made, the range of materials suitable for 3D printing in construction is still limited compared to traditional methods.
3. Regulatory Hurdles
Building codes and regulations in many regions are not yet equipped to accommodate 3D-printed structures, slowing adoption.
4. Technical Expertise
Implementing 3D printing requires skilled professionals who understand the technology, which can be a barrier for some construction firms.
1. Hybrid Manufacturing: Merging Additive and Traditional Methods
The future of manufacturing lies in the seamless integration of additive manufacturing (AM) and traditional processes like CNC machining, and injection molding. Hybrid manufacturing enables companies to leverage the strengths of both technologies to improve productivity and expand design capabilities.
Benefits of Hybrid Systems
- Precision and Speed: Additive manufacturing excels at creating complex geometries, while subtractive methods provide tighter tolerances and finishes.
- Reduced Costs: Combining techniques lowers material waste and shortens production timelines.
Example: Aerospace manufacturers are increasingly using hybrid systems to 3D print titanium components and finish them with CNC machining, ensuring both strength and precision for critical parts.
Why It Matters: At UPTIVE, our expertise in additive and traditional manufacturing ensures you get the best of both worlds, delivering components that meet the highest standards of performance and quality.
2. Digital Manufacturing Ecosystems
The rise of smart factories is transforming the way businesses approach production. In 2025, interconnected digital ecosystems will enable manufacturers to streamline workflows, improve supply chain efficiency, and scale operations.
Key Components of Digital Ecosystems
- Cloud-Based Platforms: Real-time collaboration, file sharing, and remote monitoring allow teams to design and produce components faster than ever.
- IoT Integration: Sensors on 3D printers provide live data on performance, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Example: Automotive companies are adopting digital manufacturing platforms to centralize production across global facilities, ensuring rapid prototyping and on-demand part delivery.
Why It Matters: UPTIVE’s advanced manufacturing workflows incorporate digital tools to optimize production, ensuring faster turnarounds and greater efficiency for your projects.
3. Large-Scale 3D Printing for Industrial Applications
3D printing is no longer limited to small prototypes or niche parts. In 2025, advancements in large-format 3D printing will unlock new opportunities for industrial-scale applications, especially in construction, automotive, and energy sectors.
Applications of Large-Scale Printing
- Construction: Additive manufacturing is being used to print entire buildings, bridges, and infrastructure components.
- Automotive: Large-format printers are enabling the creation of full-scale car body panels and structural parts.
- Energy: Wind turbine blades and other energy infrastructure components are increasingly being 3D printed to reduce material waste and costs.
Example: Companies like ICON have already 3D printed entire homes, reducing construction time by 70% and material costs by up to 30%.
Why It Matters: UPTIVE has the Stratasys F900 on site that allows us to 3D print parts up to 36 in x 24 in x 36 in.
4. Advancements in Multi-Material Printing
The ability to print with multiple materials in a single build will revolutionize additive manufacturing in 2025. Multi-material printing enhances the functionality and complexity of parts by combining materials with different properties.
Benefits of Multi-Material 3D Printing
- Improved Functionality: Create components that integrate rigid and flexible materials, conductive and insulating sections, or varying levels of strength.
- Streamlined Assembly: Produce fully functional parts in one print, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing costs.
Example: In the medical industry, prosthetics are being 3D printed with rigid outer structures for durability and soft inner liners for patient comfort—all in a single build.
Why It Matters: UPTIVE offers advanced solutions for multi-material printing, helping engineers design parts that meet complex application requirements while improving efficiency and performance.
Today, 3D printing is widely used in aerospace to create lightweight, high-performance parts, helping companies like Boeing and Airbus reduce production costs and improve fuel efficiency. The aerospace 3D printing market is expected to surpass USD 6 billion by 2026, underlining its growing importance. In healthcare, 3D printing is revolutionizing medical treatment, producing customized prosthetics, dental implants, and even bioengineered organs. Companies such as Align Technology produce millions of dental aligners using 3D printing annually. The healthcare 3D printing market is growing at around 20% annually, reflecting its significant potential.
In the automotive industry, giants like Ford and BMW are using 3D printing for rapid prototyping and to create custom, lightweight components for vehicles, especially in motorsports. Consumer goods companies like Adidas have also begun using 3D printing to create custom footwear, tailored to individual consumers. Construction is another emerging area for 3D printing, with companies like ICON creating homes using large-scale 3D printers. This approach drastically reduces building time and cost, offering potential solutions for global housing shortages. These examples show how 3D printing is becoming an essential part of industrial operations worldwide.
Multi-Material 3D Printing:
In 2024, multi-material 3D printing is making it easier to combine various materials in a single print, offering even more flexibility in design and function. This advancement allows for the production of objects with multiple properties, such as soft and rigid materials or different colors and textures. Multi-material 3D printing is particularly useful in applications like robotics, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare, where different material properties are required for different parts of a product.
AI-Powered 3D Printing:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many industries, and AI-powered 3D printing is one of the most exciting developments in 2024. AI algorithms are now being integrated into 3D printers to optimize the design process, improve print quality, and reduce material waste. AI can predict print failures before they happen and make real-time adjustments to ensure optimal results. This AI-driven innovation is helping engineers and designers create faster, smarter, and more efficient prints.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a 3d Printing Business?
Starting a 3D printing business can cost anywhere from $1,000 for a basic home setup to $50,000+ for a professional-grade operation. Your actual costs will vary based on the quality of equipment, types of projects, and scale of your business. Here’s a breakdown of what you might need to get started:
| Item | Cost Range | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printers | $200 – $5,000+ | From beginner to pro models. More printers = more output. Here is our complete guide to the cost of 3D printers. |
| Printing Materials | $20 – $200/spool | Various plastics, resins. Different types for projects. For more details, check out our guide on filament cost. |
| Computer & Software | $500 – $2,000 | For designs and printer control. May need special software |
| Workspace | Varies | Spare room or rented space. Needs ventilation & storage |
| Business Basics | $100 – $500 | Registration, permits, etc. |
| Website & Ads | $0 – $1,000 | To showcase work and find customers. Can start with free social media |
| Tools | $100 – $500 | For finishing and cleaning up prints |
| Shipping Supplies | $100 – $300 | Boxes and packing materials for safe delivery |
Printing Business Ideas for 2025
Prototyping
When businesses explore new product categories or aim to expand their current range, they often need to test their ideas before moving forward. However, this process can come with significant costs and long lead times, which can be prohibitively risky for small businesses.
This is where 3D printing-and your services-can make all the difference. Prototyping with 3D printing allows businesses to turn ideas into physical models quickly and affordably. Often, concepts that seem brilliant on paper or as digital 3D models don’t translate perfectly into the real world. Parts may not fit as expected, mechanisms might not function as smoothly as planned, or ergonomic designs might need adjustment.
With 3D printing, these challenges become opportunities for rapid iteration. You can produce multiple versions of a product within a single day, all at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods.
This accelerates the process of refining a design, allowing businesses to achieve their “perfect” product faster and more efficiently. By offering rapid prototyping services, you not only help businesses reduce risk but also shorten the time it takes to move from concept to market, making innovation more accessible and cost-effective.
Art
3D prints are not only functionally useful but can also be works of art. With the right approach, 3D printing offers countless opportunities to create aesthetically pleasing and unique pieces. For instance, custom-modeled sculptures designed with tools like Blender can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind creations.
Lithophanes, which transform 2D images into textured designs that reveal detailed pictures when illuminated, offering a captivating and innovative way to present images. Additionally, tools like Make it Real’s 3D Paint feature make it possible to fully transform 2D art into printable 3D masterpieces, unlocking even more creative potential.
These artistic applications of 3D printing open up opportunities to collaborate with professionals in creative industries. For example, local art galleries may be interested in showcasing 3D-printed art, offering a modern twist on traditional exhibits.
Similarly, interior designers could leverage 3D printing services to add unique, customized touches to their spaces, creating bespoke elements that elevate their designs. Exploring these avenues could position your 3D printing business as both innovative and versatile, appealing to clients seeking functional beauty.
Customized Signs
Another option for utilizing 3D printing is the creation of custom signage, which can be employed in various scenarios. For instance, businesses can benefit from 3D-printed signs that offer a unique and eye-catching way to display their branding or messages.
You could also produce 3D-printed QR codes that allow people to quickly access a Wi-Fi network or visit a specific website with a simple scan. Crafting unique name badges for employees that include the company logo adds a professional and personalized touch to staff uniforms.
Miniatures and Custom Figurines
Using a 0.2mm nozzle on a 3D printer allows you to achieve incredibly fine detail, making it perfect for recreating miniature models with impressive accuracy. This capability unlocks the potential to print figurines for tabletop games and dioramas, helping gamers bring their fantasy worlds to life. From intricate characters to detailed landscapes, 3D printing can transform imaginative ideas into tangible pieces that elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Jewelry
One of the key advantages of 3D printing is the ability to produce items that are significantly lighter than those made through traditional injection molding. This is achieved through the use of sparse infill, which reduces material usage without compromising the structure’s integrity.
This lightweight nature is particularly beneficial for products like jewelry, where comfort is just as important as design. With 3D printing, you can create fully customized, unique statement pieces tailored to any style or mood, offering a perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and individuality.
Product Add-Ons
3D printing can be a game-changer when it comes to repairing or enhancing existing products. If a customer damages a tool or appliance, you can reproduce replacement parts that might otherwise be unavailable-often at a fraction of the cost of buying a new product. This unique ability could make your 3D printing services stand out in the market.
Additionally, 3D printing opens the door to offering practical enhancements for everyday items. For example, you could create a custom hose adapter, a dust-catching tray for drilling holes, or other innovative solutions that improve functionality. By providing these tailored fixes and upgrades, you can meet customer needs in ways traditional manufacturing simply can’t.
3D Printing Education
If offering physical products isn’t your preferred route, another excellent option is to use your knowledge and expertise to inspire and educate others.
Consider reaching out to schools to offer 3D printing workshops, introducing students to the fundamentals of this innovative technology and sparking their creativity. Local maker spaces are another great avenue to explore.
While these spaces may already have 3D printers available, not all members may fully understand the potential of 3D printing or how to optimize their designs for the process.
By teaching the importance of accounting for 3D printing during the design phase, you can help individuals and businesses unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity in their projects. Offering education-focused services positions you as a valuable resource in your community while fostering the next generation of makers.
Robotics
Many makers turn to 3D printing as a cornerstone for robotics projects, especially for creating lightweight combat robots or other functional mechanisms. The flexibility of 3D printing allows for the design of custom parts that are both durable and lightweight-ideal for robotics applications. If you know electronic components or programming, this could be an excellent opportunity to create accessible solutions for younger audiences.
By designing and producing basic building blocks for simple robotic mechanisms, you can help beginners get started with their own projects. These kits could be tailored to various skill levels, allowing end users to expand and customize their robots as they gain experience. This approach not only introduces more people to robotics but also positions your 3D printing services as a valuable resource for education and innovation.
Footwear
When you think of 3D printing, footwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind. While fully 3D-printed shoes can be a complex undertaking, a more practical and achievable service to offer is the creation of custom shoe inserts or insoles. These can be tailored for individuals who struggle to find a comfortable fit with standard shoe sizes and shapes.
Using flexible filaments like TPU allows you to produce inserts that are not only comfortable and durable but also provide excellent impact resistance and cushioning. This service could appeal to a wide range of customers, from athletes to individuals with specific orthopedic needs, making it a valuable and innovative offering.
Children’s Toys
3D-printed children’s toys are an excellent way to start small when offering 3D printing services or products. Personalized puzzles, for example, are easy to design, fast and inexpensive to print, and lightweight for shipping if needed.
Children’s toys often feature bold and bright colors, which are readily available in a wide variety of 3D printing filaments. This makes it easy to create vibrant and engaging designs that appeal to both kids and parents. By combining creativity with practicality, you can tap into a market that values unique, customizable, and affordable toys.
Print-On-Demand
This popular printing trend saves material wastage and cost by allowing print businesses to print only the required print products in the necessary quantities and at the right time. If you are looking for a profitable business option in the coming years, learning about the functioning of print-on-demand businesses and starting it successfully is highly recommended.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Printing
Print businesses are shifting to sustainable printing and packaging methods to reduce their carbon footprint, paving the way for an eco-friendly environment. The market size of green packaging or sustainable packaging is expected to reach USD 557.66 billion at a CAGR of 7.04% by the year 2030, making it a popular option for print businesses worldwide.
Digital Printing
It is a type of printing method that involves transferring digital-based images into the chosen print media substrates eliminating the requirement for traditional printing plates or cylinders. The digital printing industry trend is particularly popular for print-on-demand businesses offering short print runs as it helps in significant cost savings and waste reduction.
Product Personalization
According to recent statistics from different reports, 91% of people prefer brands that remember their preferences and 83% are ready to share their information for personalized experiences, Since the majority of customers prefer one-of-a-kind products tailored to individual preferences, utilizing advanced print personalization software is a never-aging trend for print businesses.
Web-to-Print Solutions
The current trend in the printing industry is custom web-to-print solution that enables customers to seamlessly design and order print products online. Research says that the web-to-print software market is anticipated to reach USD 2.17 billion by 2031, offering print businesses and end customers the convenience of tracking and managing their orders with ease. This innovative solution also offers print businesses and end customers the convenience of tracking and managing their orders with ease.
Smart Packaging
Smart packaging involves utilizing an innovative approach by integrating new printing technologies like RFID tags, sensors, and QR codes. Adapting web-to-pack technology reduces the overall effort by automating the process for your packaging operations.
Research shows that the global smart packaging market is projected to grow to approximately USD 68.99 billion by 2032, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%.
Augmented Reality (AR) in Print
Augmented Reality is a technology in the printing industry with a projected market value of $289.05 Billion by 2030, that enables users to visualize digital content such as images or 3D models in the real world. It can be used for enhancing the user experience by showcasing interactive ads and product demonstrations in marketing, interactive textbooks in education as well as virtual try-ons and product demonstrations in the retail industry.
Hybrid Printing Technologies
Hybrid printing combines multiple technologies including traditional and modern methods to leverage both their advantages. The market size of hybrid printing technologies is anticipated to reach USD 10.2 billion by the year 2028, rising at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 13.2%.
Pocket Printers
Pocket printers or portable printers are compact devices that can be easily connected using bluetooth or USB, popularly used for applications in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, logistics and ecommerce sectors. As per IMARC Group, the worldwide market size of portable printers is anticipated to reach US$ 23.4 Billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 1.6%.
Gaming Gear
Just like printing miniatures, video game enthusiasts often enjoy expressing their passion through game-themed merchandise and accessories inspired by their favorite titles. This opens up a fantastic opportunity to create unique, game-related items that resonate with this dedicated audience.
Imagine the excitement of gifting a loved one a controller holder designed in the form of their favorite game character or helping them accessorize their desk or gaming space with beautifully crafted pieces referencing a game they’ve cherished for years. These personalized and creative designs not only serve as functional items but also as meaningful tokens of their gaming journey, making them perfect gifts or collectibles for avid gamers.
Cosplay
Thanks to the influence of social media, there’s a growing interest in the culture of cosplay. This is fantastic news for anyone looking to start a 3D printing business, as cosplay enthusiasts often seek replica weapons, armor, and costume pieces to complete their looks. These items are not only fun and creative to design and print but also highly eye-catching, making them ideal for showcasing your skills.
Attending conventions and engaging with attendees is an excellent way to promote your services. These events provide the perfect platform to network with cosplayers, demonstrate your craftsmanship, and even take custom orders. By catering to this vibrant and expanding community, you can position your 3D printing business as a go-to resource for cosplay needs.
Cloud Printing
Cloud printing is a new trend in the printing industry that allows users to print from any device using the internet, eliminating the need for driver installation. The global market of cloud printing services is expected to reach US$ 4,614.1 by 2033 at a CAGR of 11.7%.
Comprehensive Ecommerce Integration
Ecommerce integration involves the process of integrating ecommerce platform with back-end systems like ERP, CRM accounting, inventory and marketing with the help of an API. This integration can transform print processes by automating the print workflow, eliminating repetitive tasks, enhancing collaboration with data synchronization between multiple systems and improving the overall customer experience.
Erasable Printing Technology
This technology is a commercial printing industry trend that uses an erasable ink for printing on paper and later erases it by exposing it to ultraviolet light, enabling the paper to be re-used up to five times. This leads to a significant reduction in paper wastage, reduces the negative impact on the environment and saves costs.
Print Security against IoT Cyber Threats
IoT-related cyber-attacks on print businesses have become very common these days, making it mandatory for printers to invest in future printing technologies and robust security measures, for protection against these vulnerabilities. Adopt managed print services providing cloud-based patch management, security assessment and monitoring as well as automate print operations to get mutual benefit for print businesses and customers.
Offline Methods to Promote Your 3D Printing Business
While online promotion is the most common and convenient way to market your business, it’s not the only option.
As mentioned earlier, one of the key selling points of your 3D printing business is the uniqueness and personal touch you bring to your products. There’s no better way to showcase this than by attending and exhibiting at craft fairs and markets.
These events allow prospective clients to meet you, the creator, and see and feel your products in person-something that often can’t be fully conveyed through images online. The tactile experience and personal interaction can leave a lasting impression and help build trust and enthusiasm for your work.
Craft fairs and markets are also excellent opportunities to network with other creators and small businesses. These connections could lead to valuable collaborations or joint ventures that further expand your reach and business potential.
The opportunities for starting your 3D printing business in 2025 are virtually endless, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.
The key to getting started lies in identifying your niche-an area that excites and inspires you. Choosing something you’re passionate about will not only enhance the quality of your work but also make the process more enjoyable. When you love what you do, that enthusiasm translates into your creations and brings joy to your clients, creating a truly rewarding experience.
The most important step, however, is to take action. Post that first picture on your social media accounts, list your first item on Etsy, or create that Pinterest inspiration board. Don’t wait-taking that initial step is often the hardest part, but it’s the one that sets everything else in motion.
