3D Printing Gases Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Product (Argon, Nitrogen, Gas Mixtures), By Technology (Stereolithography, Laser Sintering, Poly-jet technology, Others), By Application (Design and Manufacturing, Healthcare, Consumer Products, Others), and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Market Definition

The 3D printing gases market encompasses the supply and use of specialized gases essential for additive manufacturing processes. These gases, including inert gases such as argon, nitrogen, and helium, along with reactive gases like oxygen, are crucial for controlling the atmosphere during the 3D printing process to ensure optimal material properties and precision while preventing oxidation.

3D Printing Gases Market Overview

The global 3D printing gases market size was valued at USD 58.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 64.8 billion in 2024 to USD 132.3 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.74% during the forecast period.

The market is experiencing significant growth driven by advancements in additive manufacturing technologies, increasing adoption across industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics, and rising demand for high-performance materials.

Major companies operating in the global 3D printing gases industry are Air Liquide, Linde PLC, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, Messer SE & Co. KGaA, Gaztron, ExOne, Velo3D, TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION, Coregas, SOL Group, Airgas, Inc., BASF, EOS GmbH, Materialise, and Nikon SLM Solutions AG.

The growing shift toward customized and complex designs, coupled with the development of new materials and 3D printing techniques, is expected to further propel market growth. Factors such as rising industrial automation, the shift toward digital manufacturing, and the expansion of 3D printing applications in emerging economies are also contributing to market expansion.

• For instance, in October 2024, ADNOC Gas developed one of the energy industry’s largest digital libraries of critical components, storing over 3,500 scanned parts that can be manufactured on demand using advanced 3D printing technology.

Key Highlights

1. The global 3D printing gases market size was recorded at USD 58.8 million in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.74% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a share of 33.75% in 2023, valued at USD 19.8 million.
4. The gas mixtures segment garnered USD 26.0 million in revenue in 2023.
5. The stereolithography segment is expected to reach USD 42.0 million by 2031.
6. The healthcare segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 10.98% over the forecast period.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.64% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

"Advancements in Additive Manufacturing Technologies"

Advancements in additive manufacturing technologies is propelling the growth of the 3D printing gases market. Techniques such as metal additive manufacturing, selective laser melting, and direct energy deposition require precise atmospheric control to ensure material integrity and quality.

Gases such as argon, nitrogen, and hydrogen help prevent oxidation and optimize material fusion, particularly in high-performance sectors such as aerospace and healthcare.

The development of advanced printing technologies allows for the use of a broader range of materials, including advanced alloys and  composites, which often require specific gas mixtures for processing.

Market Challenge

"High Cost of Specialized Gases"

A significant challenge hampering the growth of the 3D printing gases market is the high cost of specialized gases. Gases such as argon, nitrogen, and helium are essential for maintaining controlled environments during additive manufacturing processes, particularly in high-precision applications such as 3D printing metal. However, these gases are often expensive, especially when required in large quantities or for extended periods.

The need for high-purity gases and specific gas mixtures further increases their cost. This financial burden can make 3D printing less accessible to small and medium-sized businesses or industries with tight budgets, limiting the widespread adoption of advanced 3D printing technologies.

This challenge can be addressed by optimizing gas usage through efficient gas flow systems and minimizing waste to lower costs. Advanced gas management systems that provide precise control over gas mixtures can help reduce consumption and overall expenditure.

Additionally, exploring cost-effective gases or gas blends that meet application requirements without compromising quality. Manufacturers can also benefit from negotiating long-term contracts or bulk purchases with gas suppliers to secure better pricing.

Market Trend

"Advancements in Gas Recycling Technologies"

Advancements in gas recycling technologies are emerging as a significant trend in the 3D printing gases industry as companies seek to reduce costs and improve environmental sustainability. These technologies capture, purify, and reuse gases typically wasted during the printing process, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

Systems that recover inert gases, such as nitrogen and argon, commonly used in metal 3D printing, can be integrated into manufacturing setups to continuously cycle and reuse these gases. Advancements in filtration and purification technologies ensure that recycled gases maintain the high purity required for specific 3D printing applications, preserving print quality.

3D Printing Gases Market Report Snapshot

 Market Segmentation

• By Product (Argon, Nitrogen, and Gas Mixtures): The gas mixtures segment earned USD 26.0 million in 2023 due to their ability to provide tailored atmospheres for specific 3D printing applications, enhancing material properties and improving printing quality.
• By Technology (Stereolithography, Laser Sintering, Poly-jet technology, and Others): The stereolithography segment held a share of 31.86% in 2023, attributed to its widespread adoption for producing high-precision, detailed prototypes and end-use parts in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
• By Application (Design and Manufacturing, Healthcare, Consumer Products, and Others): The design and manufacturing segment is projected to reach USD 44.9 million by 2031, owing to increasing demand for customized, efficient production and rapid prototyping across various industries.

3D Printing Gases Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

North America 3D printing gases market share stood at around 33.75% in 2023, with a valuation of USD 19.8 million. This dominance is attributed to the strong presence of key players, significant investments in R&D, and the rapid adoption of 3D printing technologies across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

The region’s well-established manufacturing infrastructure and increasing focus on innovation in 3D printing materials and processes are further fueling regional market growth.

Asia-Pacific 3D printing gases industry is poised grow at a robust CAGR of 11.64% over the forecast period, supported by rapid industrialization, increasing adoption of additive manufacturing technologies, and the rising demand for 3D-printed products in sectors such as automotive, electronics, and healthcare.

The region's expanding manufacturing base, particularly in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, along with favorable government initiatives promoting innovation and digital manufacturing, are key factors contributing to this growth.

• In September 2024, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, part of the Nippon Sanso Holdings Group, announced the development of a new 3D printing process utilizing its proprietary “Rotary TIG Welding Technology” and the “3DPro® RotoTIG,”  designed specifically for metal additive manufacturing.

Regulatory Frameworks:

• In the U.S., The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to regulate the disposal, recycling, and management of hazardous waste, ensuring that they are safely handled and do not pose risks to the environment.
• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 standard ensures that companies handling gases adhere to stringent quality management practices, ensuring consistency, safety, and continuous improvement in their processes.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 21 CFR 820 regulation applies to gases used in medical devices, requiring manufacturers to meet strict quality control standards for health and safety compliance.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the 3D printing gases market is defined by a range of participants, from established industrial gas suppliers to specialized companies providing bespoke solutions tailored to the needs of the additive manufacturing sector.

Market players are placing a strong emphasis on expanding their product portfolios, improving the performance characteristics of 3D printing gases, and ensuring the availability of high-purity gases to enhance print quality, production speed, and material properties.

• In November 2024, BASF announced to invest in expanding production capacity for its X3D® technology, a new additive manufacturing technology for catalysts utilizing 3D printing. The new facility will focus on producing catalysts at an industrial scale and is projected to begin operations in 2026.

List of Key Companies in 3D Printing Gases Market:

• Air Liquide
• Linde PLC
• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc
• Messer SE & Co. KGaA
• Gaztron
• ExOne
• Velo3D
• TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION All
• Coregas
• SOL Group
• Airgas, Inc.
• BASF
• EOS GmbH
• Materialise       
• Nikon SLM Solutions AG

Recent Developments (New Product Launch/Agreements)

• In October 2024, ADNOC Gas announced a major 3D printing initiative, creating a digital library of 3,500+ critical components for on-demand manufacturing. Partnering with UAE-based Immensa, the project cuts production lead times by 50%, reduces CO₂ emissions, minimizes downtime, and is expected to save $50 million by 2028.
• In March 2025, EOS GmbH introduced two new metal 3D printing materials: NickelAlloy IN718 API, meeting API 6ACRA standards for oil and gas applications with high strength and corrosion resistance, and Nickel NiCP, a 99% pure nickel material ideal for semiconductor and chemical industries.