3D Printing in Eyewear Market By Product (Sunglasses/Goggles, Spectacles, Others), By Technology (Polymer Powder Bed Fusion, Material Jetting, Vat Photopolymerization, Filament Extrusion), By Material (Nylon-12, Titanium, Others) – Growth, Future Prospects, and Competitive Analysis, 2019 – 2027

Mass Customization and Personalized Eyewear: Key Drivers for Market Growth

The eyewear industry is increasingly embracing 3D printing, as seen by the rising adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) across various sectors. The growing trend of custom-made eyewear, tailored to individual preferences, is anticipated to significantly boost the market in the upcoming years. 3D printing technology offers the capability to create intricate shapes that traditional manufacturing methods can’t achieve. These elements are set to propel the market forward.

However, certain challenges might hinder the global growth of 3D printing in the eyewear sector. Present AM technologies often result in a coarser, more porous finish compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Implementing the necessary finishing processes also escalates the production costs, which could hamper widespread adoption. Moreover, current AM technologies are not optimized for large-scale production of 3D eyewear and necessitate further innovations. While nylon remains the primary choice for final production, alternatives haven’t been widely adopted and necessitate extensive research and validation. Despite these obstacles, the market is projected to exceed US$ 2.56 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 24.42% from 2019 to 2027.

Market Overview

Material Type Insights 

Nylon-12 Stands Out as the Premier Material for 3D Printed Eyewear

Nylon-12 boasts attributes such as abrasion resistance, toughness, and exceptional durability, making it a top pick for 3D printing eyewear. Further, nylon can be combined with carbon fiber or glass fiber, leading to lighter components with enhanced mechanical characteristics. The end product often has a superior surface finish, reducing the need for extensive post-processing. Although Nylon-12 is anticipated to maintain its leading role, companies are channeling funds into R&D to discover materials that might surpass its qualities.

Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific Set to Showcase Prominent Growth

The Asia Pacific, already a significant hub for the eyewear market, is expanding at roughly 14% annually. The introduction of 3D printing to this sector suggests the region will maintain this momentum. Factors like a substantial millennial demographic and evolving fashion trends are primary growth drivers. Additionally, the Asia Pacific houses a significant portion of the world’s aging population. By 2030, an estimated 60% of individuals aged 65 and above will reside in Asia. Given that this age group frequently requires eyewear, their demands will further amplify market growth. Projections indicate that by 2027, the region will account for over 30% of the global 3D printed eyewear market.

Market Dynamics 

Innovations Ensure a Competitive Market Landscape

The 3D printed eyewear sector is diverse, with industry leaders prioritizing partnerships and bolstering capital investments to fortify their market standings. For instance, in June 2019, Carbon, Inc. publicized a funding influx of over US$ 260 million from entities like Madrone Capital Partners and Baillie Gifford. This capital injection is intended to enhance their R&D initiatives and facilitate expansion into Asian and European markets. Similarly, in May 2019, EnvisionTEC, Inc. and Henkel collaborated to promote the transition of 3D printed items from mere prototypes to finalized products.

List of Companies Covered:

• Carbon, Inc.
• EnvisionTEC, Inc.
• Luxexcel Group
• Netlook, Inc.
• MONOQOOL
• Protos Eyewear
• Boulton Eyewear
• JINS Eyewear U.S., Inc.
• Materialise
• LUXOTTICA GROUP

Key Industry Developments:

• In June 2019, Carbon, Inc. secured over US$ 260 million in funding from Madrone Capital Partners and Baillie Gifford. With this capital injection, the company aims to bolster its R&D initiatives and expand its presence in Asia and Europe.
• EnvisionTEC, Inc. and Henkel formed a partnership in May 2019 to enhance the transition of 3D printed parts from prototypes to finished products.
• In July 2021, Adidas America, Inc. introduced matte black performance frames crafted using the latest generation of 3D printers, which employ a flexible nylon structure. This product was a collaborative effort with the company ‘Marcolin’.
• September 2021 saw a collaboration between Optiswiss, a Swiss lens manufacturer, and Luxexcel to debut commercial 3D printed lenses in the market. Popular in both regular eyewear and smart glasses, the alliance entails Luxexcel offering its 3D lens printing technology, while Optiswiss is poised to produce 3D printed prescription lenses tailored for the smart eyewear segment.

Market Trends:

Product Launch and Development

The 3D printing eyewear sector is witnessing manufacturers actively launching new products, a move that not only expands their offerings but also establishes a competitive edge. Investments often come through strategic partnerships and funding rounds. For instance, Wires Glasses Ltd., a company specializing in 3D printed eyewear, announced that True Ventures has invested in the debut of its innovative modular eyewear series.

Modern 3D printing technologies predominantly utilize nylon 12 for crafting eyewear components, prized for its durability, flexibility, and adaptability. However, there’s also a growing interest in materials like fiber composites and durable resins. Brands like Carbon are extending their portfolio of luxury glasses, granting consumers a broader range of choices, thereby amplifying the market share of 3D printed eyewear.

Rise in Demand for Customized 3D Printed Eyewear

Finding the perfect pair of glasses that merge comfort with design can be challenging, often leaving consumers settling for one over the other. However, the advent of additive manufacturing has ushered in a new era, enhancing design choices and operational efficiency. 3D printing also offers eyewear producers a distinctive opportunity to differentiate themselves and venture into relatively uncharted territories of personalized products. This evolution suggests that manufacturers will persist in leveraging 3D printing advantages, ensuring consumers access to more tailored and distinctive 3D printed eyewear options.

Historical & Forecast Period:

This research report offers an analysis of each segment from 2017 to 2027, taking 2018 as the foundational year for insights. The forecast period, spanning from 2019 to 2027, uses the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for every segment to project growth..

Segmentation Product Segment (2017–2027; US$ Bn)

• Sunglasses/Goggles
• Spectacles (Frames & Lenses)
• Others (AR/VR Visors, Sports Visors, etc.)

 Technology Segment (2017-2027; US$ Bn)

• Polymer Powder Bed Fusion
• Material Jetting
• Vat Photopolymerization
• Filament Extrusion

 Material (2017-2027; US$ Bn)

• Nylon-12
• Titanium
• Others (Alumide, Photo-polymer, etc.)

 Geography Segment (2017–2027; US$ Bn)

• North America (U.S. and Rest of North America)
• Europe (U.K., Germany, France, and Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific)
• Rest of World (Middle East & Africa (MEA), Latin America)

The current report also comprehends qualitative market valuation factors such as key market drivers, market trends, restraints, and opportunities that better understand the global 3D printing in the eyewear market. In addition, the global report also represents the competitive landscape based on market initiatives and strategies, product portfolio, and business strengths.

1. Preface
1.1. Report Description
1.1.1. Purpose of the Report
1.1.2. Target Audience
1.1.3. USP and Key Offerings
1.2. Research Scope
1.3. Research Methodology
1.3.1. Phase I – Secondary Research
1.3.2. Phase II – Primary Research
1.3.3. Phase III – Expert Panel Review
1.3.4. Approach Adopted
1.3.4.1. Top-Down Approach
1.3.4.2. Bottom-Up Approach
1.3.5. Assumptions
1.4. Market Segmentation

2. Executive Summary
2.1. Market Snapshot: Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market
2.2. Global 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2018 (US$ Bn)
2.3. Global 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2018 (US$ Bn)
2.4. Global 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2018 (US$ Bn)
2.5. Global 3DPiE Market, by Geography, 2018 (US$ Bn)

3. Market Dynamics
3.1. Introduction
3.1.1. Global 3D Printing in Eyewear Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
3.2. Market Dynamics
3.2.1. Market Drivers
3.2.2. Market Restraints
3.3. Attractive Investment Proposition, by Geography, 2018
3.4. Market Positioning of Key Players, 2018
3.4.1. Major Strategies Adopted by Key Players

4. Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market, by Product , 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
4.1. Overview
4.2. Sunglasses/Goggles
4.3. Spectacles (Frames & Lenses)
4.4. Others (AR/VR Visors, Sports Visors, etc.)

5. Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
5.1. Overview
5.2. Polymer Powder Bed Fusion
5.3. Material Jetting
5.4. Vat Photopolymerization
5.5. Filament Extrusion

6. Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
6.1. Overview
6.2. Nylon-12
6.3. Titanium
6.4. Others (Alumide, Photo-polymer, etc.)

7. North America 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market Analysis, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
7.1. Overview
7.1.1. North America 3DPiE Market Value and Growth, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
7.2. North America 3DPiE Market Value, By Product, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
7.2.1. Market Analysis
7.3. North America 3DPiE Market Value, By Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
7.3.1. Market Analysis
7.4. North America 3DPiE Market Value, By Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
7.4.1. Market Analysis
7.5. North America 3DPiE Market Value, By Region/Country, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
7.5.1. Market Analysis
7.5.2. U.S.
7.5.3. Rest of North America

8. Europe 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market Analysis, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
8.1. Overview
8.1.1. Europe 3DPiE Market Value and Growth, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
8.2. Europe 3DPiE Market Value, By Product, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
8.2.1. Market Analysis
8.3. Europe 3DPiE Market Value, By Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
8.3.1. Market Analysis
8.4. Europe 3DPiE Market Value, By Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
8.4.1. Market Analysis
8.5. Europe 3DPiE Market Value, By Region/Country, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
8.5.1. Market Analysis
8.5.2. U.K.
8.5.3. Germany
8.5.4. France
8.5.5. Rest of Europe

9. Asia Pacific 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market Analysis, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
9.1. Overview
9.1.1. Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value and Growth, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
9.2. Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, By Product, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
9.2.1. Market Analysis
9.3. Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, By Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
9.3.1. Market Analysis
9.4. Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, By Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
9.4.1. Market Analysis
9.5. Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, By Region/Country, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
9.5.1. Market Analysis
9.5.2. Japan
9.5.3. China
9.5.4. India
9.5.5. Rest of Asia Pacific

10. Rest of the World 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market Analysis, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
10.1. Overview
10.1.1. Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value and Growth, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
10.2. Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, By Product, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
10.2.1. Market Analysis
10.3. Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, By Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
10.3.1. Market Analysis
10.4. Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, By Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
10.4.1. Market Analysis
10.5. Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, By Region, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
10.5.1. Market Analysis
10.5.2. Middle East & Africa
10.5.3. Latin America

11. Company Profiles
11.1. Carbon, Inc.,
11.2. EnvisionTEC, Inc.,
11.3. Luxexcel Group,
11.4. Netlook, Inc.,
11.5. MONOQOOL,
11.6. Protos Eyewear,
11.7. Boulton Eyewear,
11.8. JINS Eyewear US, Inc.,
11.9. Materialise,
11.10. LUXOTTICA GROUP

List of Figures

FIG. 1 Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market: Research Methodology
FIG. 2 Market Size Estimation – Top Down & Bottom up Approach
FIG. 3 Global 3DPiE Market Segmentation
FIG. 4 Global 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2018, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 5 Global 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2018, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 6 Global 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2018, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 7 Global 3DPiE Market, by Geography, 2018 (US$ Bn)
FIG. 8 Global 3DPiE Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 9 Attractive Investment Proposition, by Geography, 2018
FIG. 10 Global Market Positioning of Key 3DPiE Manufacturers, 2018
FIG. 11 Global 3DPiE Market Value Share, by Product, 2018 & 2027 (Value %)
FIG. 12 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Sunglasses/Goggles, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 13 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Spectacles, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 14 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Others, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 15 Global 3DPiE Market Value Share by Technology, 2018 & 2027 (Value %)
FIG. 16 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Polymer Powder Bed Fusion, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 17 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Material Jetting, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 18 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Vat Photopolymerization, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 19 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Filament Extrusion, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 20 Global 3DPiE Market Value Share, by Material, 2018 & 2027 (Value %)
FIG. 21 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Nylon-12, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 22 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Titanium, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 23 Global 3DPiE Market Value for Others, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 24 North America 3DPiE Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 25 Europe 3DPiE Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 26 Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
FIG. 27 Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)

List of Tables

TABLE 1 Market Snapshot: Global 3D Printing in Eyewear (3DPiE) Market Value
TABLE 2 Impact Indicators
TABLE 3 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints
TABLE 4 Global 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2017-2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 5 Global 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 6 Global 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 7 Global 3DPiE Market Value, by Region/Country, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 8 North America 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2017-2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 9 North America 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 10 North America 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 11 North America 3DPiE Market Value, by Region/Country, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 12 Europe 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2017-2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 13 Europe 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 14 Europe 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 15 Europe 3DPiE Market Value, by Region/Country, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 16 Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2017-2027 (US$ Bn)
TABLE 17 Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
TABLE 18 Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027 (US$ Bn)
TABLE 19 Asia Pacific 3DPiE Market Value, by Region/Country, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 20 Rest of the World 3DPiE Market, by Product, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 21 Rest of the World 3DPiE Market, by Technology, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 22 Rest of the World 3DPiE Market, by Material, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 23 Rest of the World 3DPiE Market Value, by Region, 2017 – 2027, (US$ Bn)
TABLE 24 Carbon, Inc.: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 25 EnvisionTEC, Inc.: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 26 Luxexcel Group: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 27 Netlook, Inc.: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 28 MONOQOOL: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 29 Protos Eyewear: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 30 Boulton Eyewear: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 31 JINS Eyewear US, Inc.: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 32 Materialise: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)
TABLE 33 LUXOTTICA GROUP: Company Snapshot (Business Description; Technology Portfolio; Financial Information; Business Overview and Recent Development)