The 3D printing software market is projected to triple to $6.8 billion by 2033, driven by AI and integrated platforms, despite stagnant hardware sales.
As mentioned previously 3D printing software will be at its most useful and advanced during the next decade, as described in a report by Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research). It is approximate that the revenue will rise from $2.4 billion in 2023 to a remarkable $6.8 billion in by 2033. Almost tripling at this. Meanwhile hardware sales are at a standstill, further deepening the industry’s existing concentration on software designed to enhance workflows using advanced AI.
The study, AM Software Markets 2025: Analysis, Data and Forecast, highlights a pivotal shift in the sector. Once-niche software applications, such as specialized CAD tools, are now mainstream, while developers pivot to all-in-one platforms that manage the entire production process—from design to final output. AI is a key driver, enhancing both core workflow software for basic 3D printing tasks and specialized process software for complex manufacturing needs.
“The market is splitting into two lanes: foundational tools and hyper-specialized solutions, with AI accelerating innovation in both,” the report states. It identifies four critical areas shaping the industry: current market dynamics, expanding applications for additive manufacturing, AI integration, and long-term growth opportunities.
Unlike the stagnant sales for 3D printer hardware which remains flat, there is an increase in business streaming software sales as they seek to optimize the performance of their equipment. As per the software demand, AM Research notes growing needs for precision automation and scalable operations in aerospace, healthcare, and automotive manufacturing as prime contributors.
This particular report which includes incisive market forecasts, tailored Excel market size generators, and outlooks relevant to executives and investors comes at the price of $2,850. Individual user licenses cost the same amount. As much as effective underlying algorithms are tailored to sophisticated hardware, analysts still call software utilization to fill the gaps left by hardware a “strategic necessity” for competition-focused industries.
