The renowned Wohlers Report is finally available: the 2026 edition marks its 31st anniversary and remains a key benchmark for the additive manufacturing market. More than 1,200 responses were collected from 570 companies worldwide. According to this international study, AM revenues reached $24.231 billion in 2025, representing a 10.9% increase compared to 2024. Good news for the sector, right? The reality is a bit more complex, and here’s why.
Although revenues are rising, a sense of caution and neutrality appears to dominate the market. Companies remain relatively hesitant to invest in new machines. The study shows that many are instead turning to qualified service providers better suited to their specific market needs. In fact, the printing services segment recorded the strongest growth (15.5%, compared to just 3.6% for machine sales) and now accounts for 48% of total market share.
Revenues from additive manufacturing
If companies are not turning to external service providers, they are instead relying on their existing capabilities, with the goal of maximizing the use of their 3D printers. The Wohlers Report 2026 highlights increased utilization of installed systems rather than a surge in new machine sales. In addition, material sales are rising, further supporting this trend. Dr. Mahdi Jamshid, Director of Market Intelligence at Wohlers Associates, explains:
Additive manufacturing is no longer advancing on a single, uniform growth curve. What we see in Wohlers Report 2026 is an industry adjusting to tighter capital conditions, more selective investment, and higher expectations for utilization and return. Growth continues, but it is more uneven, more regional, and more closely tied to real production outcomes.
The Wohlers Report 2026 Provides Market-Level Insights
The 31st edition also highlights sharply contrasting regional trends. Companies in the Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest growth at 19.8%, compared to 9% in both Europe and the Americas. Just look at the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers in recent months. This momentum has significantly reshaped the additive manufacturing landscape, especially in the desktop 3D printing segment. Much of the conversation centers around Bambu Lab, which has quickly emerged as a new benchmark in the 3D printer market. The brand has disrupted industry norms, challenged established pricing structures, and introduced a new level of performance. It remains to be seen how long this momentum will last and how competitors in the U.S. and Europe will respond.
Finally, from an industry perspective, it comes as no surprise that defense remains the leading revenue-generating sector, followed by aerospace, medical, and research.
One thing is certain: growth is present, and the indicators are generally positive. Of course, that alone is not enough. It may take some time before full confidence returns to the additive manufacturing market, or at least before the current sense of caution begins to fade. In the meantime, you can download the full report by clicking HERE.
What do you think of the Wohlers Report 2026? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn or Facebook pages! Plus, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter to get the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox. You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*All Photo Credits : ASTM