Additive Manufacturing Services Revenue Reaches Nearly $2.5 Billion
Written with artificial intelligence.
The additive manufacturing services sector generated approximately $2.50 billion in revenue during Q2 2026, marking a significant increase from $2.19 billion in the previous year. This growth highlights the rising trend of companies outsourcing production rather than investing in their own 3D printing equipment.
Growth in Additive Manufacturing Services
The additive manufacturing (AM) market is witnessing a resurgence, particularly in the services sector, which accounted for nearly $2.50 billion in revenue in the second quarter of 2026. This figure represents an increase from $2.19 billion in Q2 2025, indicating a 14% growth rate, slightly above the overall AM market growth of 12% year-over-year.
Market Insights and Trends
According to the latest report from Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research), services now comprise more than half of the total AM market, which reached $4.48 billion in the same quarter. The report tracks various metrics including vendor performance, print technology, and geographic applications. It highlights a trend where businesses prefer outsourcing their AM needs to service providers, allowing them to avoid the substantial costs of purchasing and maintaining industrial 3D printers.
Implications of Financing Conditions
Scott Dunham, AM Research’s Executive Vice President, noted that while the first half of 2026 saw robust growth, there are concerns that rising interest rates may impact capital expenditures, making it less feasible for companies to invest in new equipment. Nevertheless, the demand for AM services remains strong as firms continue to seek cost-effective solutions through outsourcing.
Historical Revenue Trends
AM Research's historical data indicates a steady increase in services revenue over the past year and a half, growing from approximately $2.18 billion in Q1 2025 to nearly $2.50 billion in Q2 2026. Meanwhile, hardware revenue also rose, but at a slower pace, underscoring the shifting dynamics in the AM industry.
This evolving landscape suggests that as manufacturers increasingly rely on service providers for 3D printed parts, the focus will shift toward optimizing production processes and application-specific solutions, rather than solely on hardware acquisition.