The photopolymer market has been witnessing substantial growth over the past few years. Photopolymers, also known as light-curable resins or photo-curable resins, comprise liquid or solid resins that are cured when exposed to visible or ultraviolet light sources. They are used in various end-use industries such as electronics, industrial, commercial art and graphic art. With advancements in technology, photopolymers have found increasing applications in 3D printing due to their precision, high resolution capabilities and ability to cure in layers during the printing process.
In 3D printing, photopolymers are used to create parts by curing liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer with ultraviolet light. Compared to other 3D printing materials, photopolymers produce very accurate and precise parts with fine details and resolution. Their ability to easily cure at room temperature makes them suitable for printing complex and detailed geometries, as well as large production runs. Photopolymers are ideal for prototypes, models, customized products and other engineering components. Rising demand for 3D printed parts across various industries is propelling the consumption of photopolymers.
The Global Photopolymer Market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.17 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the photopolymer market are Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Arkema, Stratasys, BASF SE, Keystone Industries, Formlabs, Carbon, Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Liqcreate, ANYCUBIC Technology Co., Ltd., RAHN AG, polySpectra, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, FIP FLEXO, VGD BLOCKS
Growing applications of 3D printing in industries such as automotive, healthcare and aerospace & defense is fueling market opportunities. Increasing R&D activities for product advancements is also expanding business prospects.
Photopolymer Market Size manufacturers are focusing on global expansion through partnerships, acquisitions and new production facilities especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Rising demand and availability of low-cost labor attract foreign investments and drive regional market growth.
Market Drivers
Growing popularity of additive manufacturing such as 3D printing across industries is a key factor propelling the photopolymer market growth. Expanding application scope in fields including dental models, medical devices, automotive spare parts and consumer products is fueling their sales globally. In addition, rapid industrialization and urbanization in emerging nations have increased the requirements for prototypes, models and customized products which is further boosting the market demand.
PEST Analysis
Political: Regulations around the usage and disposal of Photopolymer Market Analysis could impact the market. New standards around product safety may require manufacturers to alter their materials or processes.
Economic: Global economic growth and industrial production directly impact demand for photopolymers across applications such as 3D printing, flexography, and others. Downturns may negatively affect the market.
Social: Growing environmental and sustainability concerns could drive preferences for photopolymers derived from renewable resources over petroleum-based alternatives. Shifting social trends also impact demand across application areas.
Technological: Advances in 3D printing technologies continue to expand the potential usage of photopolymers, spurring new material formulations. Improvements in other processes such as flexography also fuel material innovation.
Geographical regions of concentration
The market for photopolymers sees high concentration in value terms in developed regions including North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia due to extensive usage across industries in these areas. Established manufacturing hubs and advanced technologies have contributed to market strength.
Fastest growing region
Several emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America are projected to witness comparatively faster growth. Countries like China, India, Brazil, and certain Southeast Asian nations are outpacing global averages as their manufacturing capabilities expand and industries adopt new technologies in sectors like electronics, automotive, and healthcare where photopolymers find increasing usage. Rising disposable incomes also support market gains.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Ravina Pandya
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