Materials

The High-Performance Polymer Market: An Opportunity for 3D Printing?

Research and Markets recently released its latest report on the Global High-Performance Materials in Additive Manufacturing Market. Entitled ‘The Global 3D Printing High-Performance Plastic Market’, it analyzes the place and evolution of high-performance polymers such

high performance polymers
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Research and Markets recently released its latest report on the Global High-Performance Materials in Additive Manufacturing Market. Entitled ‘The Global 3D Printing High-Performance Plastic Market’, it analyzes the place and evolution of high-performance polymers such as PA, PEEK, PEKK, PEI and reinforced high-performance materials. The study predicts 22.9% growth between 2020 and 2025, with an estimated market of $ 202 million in 4 years. A real opportunity for the 3D printing sector which is increasingly looking for thermoplastics with high added value, some in competition with metals due to their chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The report covers filaments, powders and granules as well as all the regions of the world and the different applications possible today.

High-performance polymers have been popular with the additive manufacturing market for a few years now because they offer very good properties and characteristics: high resistance to heat, chemicals and solvents, high strength, etc. Often used in sectors such as aeronautics, railways, medical or even automotive, they require demanding printing parameters, particularly in terms of extrusion temperatures and are compatible with some industrial machines.

The high performance polymers market is expected to register an annual growth of 22.9% (credits: Research and Markets)

The high-performance polymers market is expected to register an annual growth of 22.9% (Photo Credit: Research and Markets)

The most used polymers and technologies

The published report reveals that PEEK and PEKK, two materials belonging to the PAEK family, are the high-performance polymers that represent the fastest growth in both volume and value. It should also be noted that PEEK is more widely used in the medical sector. As a sterilizable material, it is particularly interesting in the production of personalized implants, especially since its properties are similar to those of human bone, accelerating osseointegration. The report also specifies that certain polymers could replace metal spinal implants and orthopedic implants.