Slicing Software Market Size & Share Analysis - Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2024 - 2030)

Slicing Software Market Analysis

Integrated Category Dominates the Market Size Based on Product Type

The integrated category holds a larger share of the slicing software market. This is mainly ascribed to its advanced features such as design optimization, machine integration, model simulation, analysis, and repair capabilities, along with the high requirement for slicing operations. As a result, companies are focusing on expanding the practicality of their software, to capitalize on the latest advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) technology and cater to the growing demand for slicing software among various end users.

Whereas, standalone slicing software provides a more limited range of features and collaborations, and focuses on converting 3D models into layered instruction (G-CODES) for printers.

On-Premises Category Accounts for a Larger Share

The on-premises category holds a larger market share, owing to the surging need to understand sensitive data locally, compliance requirements, and data security, and as a result, slicing software is widely adopted on-premises by end users.

Whereas, during the forecast period, the adoption of cloud-based slicing software is projected to witness higher growth in the market. This can be because of its advantages such as its ability to provide enhanced management of the 3D printing process straight from a web browser, and users can access software easily from any device with an internet connection, allowing them flexibility while managing 3D prints.

Moreover, cloud-based slicing software is integrated with various business applications by collecting and analyzing the required data related to 3D printing such as printing metrics and performance analytics. Another significant advantage of such software is the capability of helping in remote printing in which a user can print 3D models from any other location, making it a very useful function for printing and leading to empowering users and improving their productivity. Additionally, it enables the users to store and access computer-aided design (CAD) files from anywhere and anytime.

Prototyping Is the Largest- and Fastest-Growing Application Category

The prototyping category emerges as the top revenue generator in the market, and it is also expected to witness the highest growth rate in the coming future. This is ascribed to the increasing usage of prototyping due to the rising demand for agile products and their development, the surging need for customization of products, and the growing utilization of 3D printing and rapid prototyping. It also plays an important role in the realm of additive manufacturing by facilitating the transition from digital design to physical prototypes. Moreover, it enables designers to generate a number of iterative designs rapidly and change the designs of products according to the requirements of customers.

FDM Technology Holds the Largest Share

The fused deposition modeling (FDM) category dominates the market, mainly due to its widespread use in many industries, such as aerospace, automobile, and medical. This is also because FDM is a widely adopted technology that revolutionized traditional manufacturing by creating three-dimensional objects from digital design and offers many advantages such as complex shapes to be created precisely, compatibility with maximum filaments, reduced need for post-processing, and user-friendly operations for faster production.

On the other hand, the digital light processing category is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. This can be because DLP uses light to cure or solidify photosensitive resin layer-by-layer to create a detailed object.

Aerospace & Defense Category Dominates the Market

Based on industry, the aerospace & defense category holds the largest market share. This is primarily driven by the surging demand for lightweight parts and components used in the aerospace industry and the surging need to reduce the production time of components. Aircraft, rockets, and satellites, and their relative components are comparatively heavy, which increases the overall cost of their operations. A heavy-weighted aircraft will also consume much more fuel and exhibit pollution through high carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, 3D printing came into effect, which is used to manufacture lightweight engine parts and other related components used in aircraft.

Healthcare Category To Witness the Fastest Growth

The healthcare sector is expected to experience the fastest growth in the coming years. This can be primarily driven by the global expansion of 3D printing technology, which is used to design most of the complex and customized medical devices, prosthetics, and implants. Another important factor contributing to the market growth is major industry players are acquiring 3D printing material providers to gain access to advanced materials used in 3D printing, particularly biocompatible polymers used in medical devices. The materials are crucial for creating a safe and durable medical product.

In addition, in the healthcare industry, 3D printing technology is widely utilized to reduce the risk while operating during complex procedures, minimize infection-related risks with prosthetic devices, and decrease the use of anesthesia requirements. Thus, these factors boost the demand for slicing software in this industry.

Surging Applications of 3D Printing Across Industries

There is a rapid expansion of 3D printing that has become a significant driving force behind the growth of the market. This is also due to a rise in the adoption of 3D printing technology across a diverse range of industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, fashion and design, architecture and construction, and food; and the surging need for improved product manufacturing processes across the world. Also, 3D printing offers the potential for efficient and cost-effective production compared to traditional manufacturing methods.

In addition, both the private and public sectors are making substantial investments in 3D printing technology by recognizing its potential to revolutionize various industries. It allows companies to accelerate product development and quickly iterate on design improvement. Moreover, there is a hike in demand for mass customization, and 3D printing is well-suited to fulfill this.

Regional Analysis

North America Is the Market Leader

Globally, North America has emerged as the dominant region in the market, with a revenue share of 45% in 2030. This is because the region is technologically advanced, where newly introduced technology is widely accepted, therefore, it is the early adopter of 5G services and is actively participating in the development of advanced technologies; the presence of major industry players; and the growing end-use industries in the region.

Europe grips the second-highest revenue share in the global market. This is due to the increasing concerns related to handling a huge amount of data with improved efficiency, the evolution in technology, and the surging demand for new products in the region.

Asia-Pacific Market To Witness the Fastest Growth

The Asia-Pacific slicing software market is projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth can be fueled by the presence of economies such as Japan, China, and India, the increasing collaborations and partnerships among regional companies, and governments actively supporting 3D printing across different industries in the region. Moreover, the rising demand for new products leads multiple industries to adopt 3D printing technology as an alternative to the traditional methods of manufacturing.

Market Breakdown

This report offers deep insights into the slicing software industry, with size estimation for 2019 to 2030, the major drivers, restraints, trends and opportunities, and competitor analysis.

Based on Product Type

• Standalone
• Integrated

Based on Deployment

• On-Premises
• Cloud

Based on Application

• Prototyping
• Functional Part Manufacturing
• Tooling

Based on Technology

• Stereolithography
• Fusion Disposition Modeling (FDM)
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Market Segmentation by Industry

• Aerospace & Defense
• Education
• Architecture & Construction
• Automotive
• Consumer Products
• Healthcare
• Jewelry

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • India
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • U.A.E.

Top Slicing Software Companies