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 to Drive the Market Tremendously

3D printing in eyewear is gaining traction with the increased adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) across various industry verticals. The new trend of tailor-made eyewear that is comfortable to customer needs is expected to boom the market size in the coming decade. 3D printing technology can manufacture complex shapes that cannot be produced with conventional manufacturing technologies. These factors are expected to drive the market in the near future. 

On the other hand, the global 3D printing in the eyewear market is expected to be obstructed by several factors holding back its adoption. Current AM technologies produce a rough and porous surface finish compared to conventional production technology. Applying the finishing process also increases production costs, affecting the adoption at a higher level. In addition, current AM technologies are unsuitable for bulk manufacturing 3D eyewear and require further research and advancement. Moreover, only nylon is considered ideal for final part production. Alternative materials are not widely implemented and require deep research and testing for using it for final part production. In spite of all these hindrances, the market is poised to grow beyond US$ 2.56 Bn by 2027 with a CAGR of 24.42% from 2019 to 2027.

Market Snapshot

Material Type Analysis

Nylon-12 Emerge as the Best Material for 3D Printing in Eyewear

Nylon-12 is abrasion resistant, tough, and possesses great strength and durability. These properties make nylon-12 an ideal choice for 3D printing eyewear. In addition, nylon can be reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber for manufacturing lighter parts with excellent mechanical properties. Also, the final product gives a good surface finish, ultimately requiring less post-processing. In all, nylon-12 is expected to keep its dominant position throughout the forecast period. However, companies are investing in R&D to develop new materials that are superior to nylon-12.

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific to Register the Highest Growth Rate during the forecast period

The Asia Pacific is already a major parent market for eyewear and is growing at approximately 14% annually. With the advent of 3D printing in eyewear, the region is expected to show similar growth during the forecast period. A large millennial population and their changing fashion trends will be the major driver for the market. Additionally, the region is also home to a large number of the ageing population. By 2030, some 60% of the total population over 65 will live in Asia. As the elderlies have a high demand for glasses, it is expected to drive the market growth further. It is estimated that the region will capture over 30% of the global 3D printing market in the eyewear market by 2027.

New Technological Development is keeping the Market Competitive

The overall 3D printing in the eyewear market is fragmented, and market players are focusing on partnership and improving capital investment to bolster their market position. For instance, in June 2019, Carbon, Inc. announced that it had raised over US$ 260 Mn from Madrone Capital Partners and Baillie Gifford. With this fresh capital, the company aims to expand its R&D efforts and grow in Asia and Europe. Further, in May 2019, EnvisionTEC, Inc., and Henkel partnered to further drive the adoption of 3D printed parts from prototyping to the final product. 

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 Development:

• In June 2019, Carbon, Inc. announced that it had raised over US$ 260 million from Madrone Capital Partners and Baillie Gifford. The company wants to expand its R&D efforts and grow in Asia and Europe with this fresh capital.
• In May 2019, EnvisionTEC, Inc., and Henkel partnered to further drive the adoption of 3D printed parts from prototyping to the final product. 

Historical & Forecast Period

The research report presents the analysis of each segment from 2017 to 2027, considering 2018 as the base year for the research. Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each respective segment calculated for the forecast period from 2019 to 2027.

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.

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