The number of patent applications for 3D printing grew eight times faster than the average for all technologies

The European Patent Office (EPO) has published a report stating that there has been a rapid increase in 3D printing innovation over the last decade. The “Trends in Innovation in Additive Manufacturing” study shows that between 2013 and 2020, the number of international patent families in 3D printing technologies grew at an average annual rate of 26.3% – almost eight times faster than for all technology fields combined in the same period (3.3%).

The 3D printing market has also become more diverse. While established engineering companies were previously the main players, there are now also many startups and specialized additive manufacturing companies emerging. In total, since 2001, over 50,000 international patent families (IPFs) have been filed for 3D printing technologies around the world. IPF is a significant invention with patent applications pending in two or more countries around the world.

Europe and the United States are leading the global race for 3D printing innovation. The United States ranks first, with 39.8% of all IPF related to additive manufacturing from 2001–2020. Europe follows closely behind (39 EPO member states) with a share of 32.9%. Together, these regions account for almost three-quarters of global 3D printing innovation. Japan accounts for 13.9% of all 3D printing IPFs, with China and South Korea accounting for 3.7% and 3.1%, respectively. In Europe, Germany is the clear leader with 41% of Europe’s share, while France is in second place with 12%.

US, European and Japanese companies are among the top 20 companies seeking additive manufacturing patents, with General Electric, Raytheon Technologies and HP being the top three. Siemens, in fourth place, is the strongest player in Europe, with almost 1,000 IPF. While the list of top companies is dominated by large engineering companies from a variety of sectors, the additive manufacturing innovation ecosystem consists of several specialized 3D printing companies and a vibrant start-up scene, as evidenced by the diversity of smaller players visible in EPO statistics.

Universities and public research organizations (PROs) also contribute significantly to innovation in 3D printing. About 12% of 3D printing-related IPFs were filed by universities or PROs, which is almost double their typical share (7%). Every third IPF related to biomaterial development and every second IPF involved in 3D printing of organs and artificial tissues comes from a university or PRO.

Of the top ten universities, PROs and hospitals, five are in the US. However, the clear leader is the German Fraunhofer Gesellschaft with 221 IPF. Taiwan’s ITRI is the only Asian organization to make the top ten, which also includes two French research institutes (CNRS and CEA) and the Dutch TNO.

Additive manufacturing removes traditional technical constraints in the industrial production process, reduces waste and paves the way for mass customization. It is no longer a niche technology, it is changing production in an increasing number of industries. Since 2010, the most applications of 3D printing have attracted the health, medicine and transport sectors. However, as 3D printing technology develops for an increasing variety of materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics and even organic cells, rapid growth in additive manufacturing applications has also been seen in instrumentation, energy, fashion, electronics, construction and even the food sector.

Approximately one fifth of all IPFs published between 2001 and 2020 are in the health and medical sector (10,000 IPFs in total). Additive manufacturing is particularly useful for implants and anatomical models tailored to individual patient needs. The above-average presence of universities, PROs and hospitals among patent applicants can be largely explained by advances in medical applications of 3D printing. In transportation, the second largest sector, additive manufacturing can be used to improve product development and series production, with over 7,000 IPFs recorded in the last decade.

EPO’s research, based on patent data, provides early insight into potential future applications of 3D printing. Because patents are filed months or even years before any product comes to market, patent information can signal the direction in which a technology is heading. This report shows how important 3D printing is in supporting innovation and sustainable development in all sectors around the world. This follows the publication of the first EPO report on patents and 3D printing in July 2020, which focused exclusively on European patents.

According to estimates by Wohlers Associates, the additive manufacturing market has experienced strong growth, with industry revenues tripling from $6 billion in 2016 to $18 billion (€16.17 billion) in 2022. During the pandemic, 3D printing has played a key role in the shift to manufacturing local, reducing dependence on international supply chains. Forecasts indicate that by 2028 the market value may exceed USD 50 billion.

Source: European Patent Office press materials