GF SEC: The consumer-level 3D printing market is expanding. It is recommended to pay attention to leading complete machine manufacturers, listed complete machine platforms, and opportunities for extending the supply chain of consumables.

GF SEC released a research report stating that improvements in usability and the enhancement of the ecosystem are jointly driving the expansion of consumer-grade 3D printing, with new shipments and existing volume expansion creating opportunities in consumables, accessories, software, and services. The supply and demand sides of the industry continue to optimize. Online channels are taking on the main conversion role, with brand official websites and DTC systems accumulating users and facilitating official consumables and accessory repurchases. The industry is transitioning from single hardware sales to ongoing operations. The firm suggests paying attention to leading complete machine manufacturers, publicly listed complete machine platforms, and opportunities for extending the consumables supply chain. Key points from GF SEC are as follows: Consumer-grade 3D printing: A highly prosperous niche segment, where improvements in usability and ecosystem enhancement are jointly driving industry expansion. Consumer-grade 3D printing targets non-industrial scenarios such as personal use, education, and small businesses. CIC estimates that the global industry's GMV will grow from about $6 billion in 2025 to about $27.2 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of approximately 33.2% from 2026 to 2030. Equipment shipment volumes are expected to increase from 4.1 million units in 2024 to 13.4 million units in 2029, while the installed base is projected to grow from 15.8 million units to 40.4 million units during the same period. The combination of new shipments and existing volume expansion opens up space in consumables, accessories, software, and services. Demand side: Hardware automation, content supply, declining costs, and scenario expansion are jointly lowering the penetration barriers. Features such as automatic leveling, AI failure detection, and one-click printing reduce setup costs, while model platforms and generative AI enable users to shift from self-modeling to selecting or generating a model before printing. The drop in equipment prices, enhancements in multi-color systems, and compatibility with engineering materials further expand scenarios such as education, trendy toys, cultural and creative industries, repair parts, small business, and printing farms. Brand communication, user reputation, and digital consumption, along with policies promoting 3D printing in classrooms, are collectively driving this broader adoption. Supply side: Chinese brands dominate the entry-level market, with competitive focus shifting from individual machine parameters to overall system experience. CONTEXT data indicates that in 2025, over 90% of global shipments of entry-level 3D printers will come from Chinese manufacturers, reaching 95% in Q1 2025; in 2024, Toty, CREALITY, Zongwei Cube, and SmartPai together will account for approximately 71% of global consumer-grade shipments. Chinese brands are increasing their market share through supply chains, product iteration, and cross-border channels; North America and Europe are the main demand markets, with the combined personal 3D printer market in these regions expected to account for around 59.8% of the global market by 2024. As basic parameters converge, features such as automatic calibration, multi-color systems, slicing software, model platforms, official consumables, and after-sales service will become key differentiators. Industry chain: Entry points are controlled by complete machines, while consumable repurchases, software content, and channel operations together amplify user lifetime value. FDM/FFF technology, with its low cost, has become the mainstay for households, education, and small business scenarios; complete machines attract users, while model platforms and slicing software enhance user activity and success rates, with consumables, accessories, and upgrade devices generating repeat purchases. CIC data shows that the global GMV for consumer-grade 3D printing consumables is projected to rise from $400 million in 2021 to $1.3 billion in 2025, and expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2030. Online channels are primarily handling conversions, with brand official websites and DTC systems accumulating users and facilitating official consumables and accessory repurchases. The industry is shifting from one-time hardware sales to ongoing operations. Related companies: Focus on leading complete machine manufacturers, publicly listed complete machine platforms, and opportunities for extending the consumables supply chain. BambuLab, under Toty Technology, has become the global leader in consumer-grade complete machines, leveraging high speed, multi-color, automated experiences, and its MakerWorld ecosystem, capturing a 37% share of the global entry-level market by 2025 while extending into light production and printing farms. CREALITY has established a matrix of 3D printers, consumables, scanners, laser engravers, and cloud platforms, with revenues reaching 3.127 billion yuan in 2025, building a scale foundation based on global channels and manufacturing delivery. Ningbo Homelink Eco-iTech is entering the consumables supply chain through material modification, filament extrusion, and overseas capacity, with production release in Thailand, volume growth from key customers, and utilization recovery being key to business contribution and profit improvement. Risk Warning Consumer-grade 3D printing demand penetration may not meet expectations; risks of intensified industry competition and price decline; product safety and overseas compliance risks; new business growth and customer acquisition may fall short of expectations.