Global 3D Printing in Eyewear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material, By Technology, By Application, By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Global 3D Printing in Eyewear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material, By Technology, By Application, By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Global 3D Printing in Eyewear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material, By Technology, By Application, By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030

The Global 3D Printing in Eyewear Market was valued at around US $621 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US $1187 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 12.78% during the forecast period.

3D printing in eyewear refers to the use of 3D printing technology to design and manufacture glasses and sunglasses. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve cutting and assembling materials, 3D printing builds eyewear frames layer by layer from digital models. This allows for greater customization, faster production, and more complex designs. 3D printing in eyewear is a transformative innovation that’s reshaping the way glasses and sunglasses are designed, manufactured, and customized.

3D printing is the process of transforming a digital model into an actual, three-dimensional item with a variety of forms. Different materials are layered one on top of the other to make the final product. This invention pertains to the field of eyeglasses and includes the production of frames and glasses. 3D printing technology can benefit the entire range of eyewear, including sports goggles, reading glasses, sunglasses, and protective eyewear.

The increasing scope of 3D printing applications is driving a rapid expansion of the global market for 3D printing in the eyewear industry. This technique has developed to include the manufacturing of final goods, such as reading glasses, sunglasses, and protective eyewear, in addition to its original use in prototyping.

“Nylon (Polyamide) segment, by material type, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

The market is segmented into nylon (polyamide), metal, resin, and other materials (such as wood, carbon, etc.) based on material. The global market for 3D printed eyewear was led by nylon (polyamide) in 2022, and this trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period. Over the course of the projection period, this category is anticipated to develop at the fastest rate. A flexible material utilised in additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is nylon. Because nylon is a lightweight material, it is perfect for eyeglass frames. Long-term wear of lightweight eyeglasses is more comfortable and less likely to result in headaches or neck pain. Nylon is a resilient substance that can tolerate normal wear and tear. Because of this, nylon is a good material to utilise for eyewear intended for active environments like sports or outdoor activities. Nylon is also commonly used in the production of 3D printed eyewear, which is predicted to fuel the segment's growth.

“Selective laser sintering (SLS) segment, by technology, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

The market is segmented into five categories based on technology: digital light processing (FDM), multi-jet fusion, stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and other (binder jetting, etc.). The global 3D printing market for eyeglasses was led by selective laser sintering (SLS) in 2022, and this trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period. In the production of eyewear, the most common 3D printing process is selective laser sintering (SLS). Compared to other 3D printing technologies, it has a number of benefits, such as strength, cost-effectiveness, precision, and design freedom. Apart from these benefits, SLS is a somewhat speedy 3D printing process, which might be useful for companies who have a deadline for producing eyeglass frames. Due to the growing demand for 3D printing in eyeglasses globally, stereolithography (SLA) is expected to increase at the fastest rate during the projection period. SLA is a 3D printing technique that cures liquid resin with a laser. This procedure increases market share by producing parts with polished, flat surfaces that are perfect for eyeglass frames.

“Optical glasses segment, by application, to be dominating market from 2023 to 2030.”

The market is segmented into sunglasses, safety glasses, optical glasses, and other categories (sports glasses, etc.) based on applications. In 2022, optical glasses topped the global 3D printing market for eyewear, and this trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period. Those who are short-sighted, or myopic, have trouble seeing distant objects well. With over 2.6 billion cases worldwide, it is the most prevalent eye disease. Increased screen time and urbanisation are two variables that are projected to contribute to the growing prevalence of myopia in the upcoming years, which will have a substantial impact on the market. Throughout the projection period, sunglasses will expand at the quickest rate because 3D printing makes it possible to create bespoke sunglasses that are precisely matched to each wearer's preferred style and face shape. In contrast, traditional sunglasses contribute to the market share because they are usually mass-produced and might not fit everyone exactly.

“North America to be largest region in 3D printing in the eyewear market.”

Geographically, the market is split into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. In 2022, North America held the largest market share for 3D printing in the eyewear industry. The main reason for the large market share of the North American region is the significant presence of the major important players in the United States.

Due to the rising demand for personalised eyeglasses and the anticipated increase in consumer spending on fashion accessories, APAC is predicted to develop at the quickest rate during the forecast period.

3D printing in the eyewear Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the 3D printing in the eyewear market involves assessing the competitive landscape to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the industry. Key industry players have recognized that the adoption of 3D printing in the eyewear technology holds the potential for further growth. The growing desire among producers to optimize their production costs has spurred collaborative efforts among companies to scale up their production capacity. This strategic collaboration not only aims to increase revenue but also seeks to establish dominance in the market.

The 3D printing in the eyewear market is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for market share. Prominent companies in the 3D printing in the eyewear Market include:

Major Players:

Formlabs Inc.

MonoQool Eyewear

Carbon, Inc.

Fuel 3D

Hoya Corporation

Materialise

Sculpteo

Seiko Epson Corporation

Formlabs, Inc.: Having introduced its 3D-printed eyewear collection in 2019, Formlabs has grown to become one of the most well-known 3D-printed eyewear companies. With the range of 3D-printed eyeglasses, lenses, and accessories that Formlabs provides, consumers can personalise their eyewear to meet their particular needs. Customer service, pro service plan, technical services, premium service plan, standard services plan, enterprise service plan, medical services plan (MSP), and dental service plan (DSP) are among the other services it offers.

MonoQool eyeglasses: Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a technique used to create nylon eyeglasses. MonoQool is able to produce eyeglass frames with intricate designs and exact tolerances because to this method. In addition to being strong and lightweight, MonoQool eyewear is a great option for those who lead active lives or reside in cold locations. A range of 3D-printed eyeglass frames, such as reading glasses, prescription glasses, and sunglasses, are available from MonoQool. Additionally, the business allows clients to build their own eyewear using its bespoke eyewear service.

Due to its recent authorisation and limited availability to Indonesia, Europe, the UK, and Brazil, it now holds a very small market share of only 10–12%.

Recent Developments:

May 31, 2023: Materialise and Vuzix announced a partnership to introduce innovative 3D-printed smart eyewear. The goal of this partnership is to quickly advance ideas for business applications, such as operating rooms and warehouses.

November 19, 2023: Made from water and powdered castor beans, the Substance glasses series is a plant-based creation by Austrian eyewear company Rolf.

December 29, 2022: Luxexcel, a 3D printed lens manufacturer located in the Netherlands, was acquired by Meta. The acquisition will allow Meta to use Luxexcel's patented 3D printing technology to make lenses for prescription augmented reality (AR) glasses.