Jetting Technology in Additive Manufacturing 2025: Unleashing Precision, Speed, and Market Expansion. Explore How Jetting is Shaping the Next Era of 3D Printing Innovation and Industrial Adoption.

• Executive Summary: Key Findings and Market Highlights
• Technology Overview: Jetting Methods and Material Advancements
• Market Size and Growth Forecasts (2025–2030)
• Competitive Landscape: Leading Players and Strategic Initiatives
• Industrial Applications: Aerospace, Automotive, Healthcare, and Beyond
• Innovation Drivers: R&D, Patents, and Emerging Startups
• Challenges and Barriers: Technical, Regulatory, and Supply Chain
• Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World
• Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Jetting Technologies
• Future Outlook: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategic Recommendations
• Sources & References

Executive Summary: Key Findings and Market Highlights

Jetting technology for additive manufacturing (AM) is experiencing accelerated innovation and adoption as of 2025, driven by its unique ability to deliver high-resolution, multi-material, and full-color parts. This technology, which includes material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is being leveraged across industries such as aerospace, automotive, dental, medical, and consumer goods. Key players are expanding their portfolios and production capabilities, while new entrants and partnerships are shaping the competitive landscape.

• Market Growth and Adoption: The jetting segment is among the fastest-growing in the AM sector, with leading manufacturers such as Stratasys and 3D Systems reporting increased demand for their PolyJet and MultiJet Printing platforms, respectively. These systems are favored for prototyping, tooling, and end-use parts requiring fine detail and surface finish.
• Technological Advancements: Recent years have seen significant improvements in printhead technology, material formulations, and process control. Stratasys has introduced new photopolymer materials with enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility, while voxeljet continues to scale up binder jetting for large-format sand and polymer parts. XJet is advancing NPJ for high-density metal and ceramic components, targeting medical and electronics applications.
• Industrialization and Production: The transition from prototyping to production is accelerating. HP has expanded its Metal Jet platform, enabling cost-effective batch production of stainless steel parts for automotive and industrial customers. Desktop Metal and ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) are also scaling binder jetting for metals, ceramics, and composites, with a focus on throughput and part quality.
• Material and Application Expansion: The range of printable materials is broadening, with new polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites entering the market. Dental and medical sectors are adopting jetting for custom implants, prosthetics, and surgical guides, while consumer goods companies are exploring full-color and multi-material capabilities for product development and personalization.
• Outlook: Over the next few years, jetting technology is expected to further penetrate end-use part production, supported by ongoing R&D, material innovation, and digital workflow integration. Strategic collaborations between OEMs, material suppliers, and end-users will likely accelerate qualification and adoption in regulated industries.

In summary, jetting technology is poised for robust growth and technological advancement through 2025 and beyond, with established leaders and innovative newcomers driving its evolution toward industrial-scale additive manufacturing.

Technology Overview: Jetting Methods and Material Advancements

Jetting technology, a cornerstone of additive manufacturing (AM), continues to evolve rapidly as we enter 2025. This family of processes—encompassing material jetting, binder jetting, and nanoparticle jetting—relies on the precise deposition of droplets to build parts layer by layer. The technology’s versatility, high resolution, and expanding material palette are driving its adoption across industries, from prototyping to end-use part production.

Material jetting, typified by the use of printheads similar to those in 2D inkjet printers, has seen significant advancements in printhead design and material formulation. Leading manufacturers such as Stratasys and 3D Systems have introduced multi-material and full-color capabilities, enabling the production of complex, functional prototypes and medical models. In 2024, Stratasys launched new photopolymer resins with improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility, targeting dental and healthcare applications. Their PolyJet technology now supports simultaneous jetting of up to eight materials, allowing for intricate part geometries and tailored material properties within a single build.

Binder jetting, another prominent jetting method, has gained traction for its scalability and ability to process metals and ceramics. Companies like ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) and HP have expanded their portfolios to include systems capable of producing dense, end-use metal parts. In 2023, HP announced the commercial availability of its Metal Jet S100 solution, which leverages binder jetting for high-throughput production of stainless steel components, targeting automotive and industrial sectors. The process involves jetting a liquid binder onto a powder bed, followed by sintering, enabling the creation of complex geometries with reduced material waste.

Material advancements are central to jetting’s progress. The introduction of new photopolymers, ceramics, and metal powders has broadened application possibilities. voxeljet has pioneered large-format binder jetting for sand and ceramics, supporting foundry and architectural applications. Meanwhile, XJet has commercialized nanoparticle jetting, enabling the production of high-density metal and ceramic parts with exceptional surface finish and detail.

Looking ahead, the outlook for jetting technology in additive manufacturing is robust. Ongoing R&D is focused on expanding the range of printable materials, improving printhead reliability, and increasing throughput. Industry leaders are investing in automation and post-processing integration to streamline workflows. As jetting methods mature, their role in digital manufacturing ecosystems is expected to grow, particularly in sectors demanding high precision, customization, and multi-material functionality.

Market Size and Growth Forecasts (2025–2030)

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is a rapidly evolving segment within the additive manufacturing (AM) industry. As of 2025, the market for jetting-based AM is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing adoption in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, dental, and consumer products. The technology’s ability to deliver high-resolution, multi-material, and full-color parts is a key differentiator compared to other AM processes.

Major industry players such as Stratasys, 3D Systems, and voxeljet are at the forefront of jetting technology development. Stratasys continues to expand its PolyJet platform, targeting prototyping and end-use applications with enhanced material capabilities and throughput. 3D Systems leverages its MultiJet Printing (MJP) for high-precision applications, while voxeljet focuses on large-format binder jetting for industrial-scale production, particularly in sand casting and investment casting patterns.

In 2025, the global market for jetting-based additive manufacturing is estimated to be in the low single-digit billions (USD), with annual growth rates projected in the range of 15–20% through 2030. This expansion is underpinned by ongoing advancements in printhead technology, material diversity, and post-processing automation. For example, Stratasys has introduced new photopolymers and composite materials, broadening the range of functional applications, while 3D Systems is investing in workflow automation to reduce labor costs and improve scalability.

Emerging players such as XJet are also contributing to market momentum, particularly with their NPJ technology, which enables the production of high-density metal and ceramic parts with fine feature resolution. XJet’s systems are gaining traction in medical and electronics applications, where precision and material properties are critical.

Looking ahead to 2030, the jetting technology segment is expected to benefit from increased industrialization, with more manufacturers integrating jetting-based AM into serial production lines. The expansion of compatible materials—including metals, ceramics, and advanced polymers—will further drive adoption. Additionally, collaborations between printer manufacturers and material suppliers are anticipated to accelerate the development of application-specific solutions, supporting the technology’s penetration into new markets.

Overall, the outlook for jetting technology in additive manufacturing remains highly positive, with sustained double-digit growth forecasted as the technology matures and its value proposition becomes increasingly recognized across industries.

Competitive Landscape: Leading Players and Strategic Initiatives

The competitive landscape for jetting technology in additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly evolving as established players and innovative startups intensify their focus on high-speed, multi-material, and industrial-scale solutions. As of 2025, the sector is characterized by a mix of global corporations, specialized AM companies, and technology-driven entrants, each leveraging proprietary printhead designs, material portfolios, and software ecosystems to differentiate their offerings.

Among the most prominent companies, Stratasys continues to lead with its PolyJet technology, which enables multi-material and full-color 3D printing. Stratasys has expanded its industrial applications, targeting sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods, and has recently announced collaborations with material suppliers to broaden its compatible resin range. The company’s focus on workflow automation and software integration is expected to further solidify its position in the coming years.

Another key player, 3D Systems, offers MultiJet Printing (MJP) solutions, emphasizing high-resolution part production and post-processing automation. In 2024 and 2025, 3D Systems has invested in expanding its material capabilities, particularly for dental and medical applications, and has formed strategic partnerships with healthcare providers to accelerate adoption in regulated environments.

In the industrial inkjet segment, Xaar and Konica Minolta are notable for their advanced printhead technologies, which are increasingly being integrated into third-party AM systems. Xaar’s open architecture approach has enabled collaborations with machine builders to develop bespoke jetting platforms for ceramics, electronics, and advanced polymers. Konica Minolta, leveraging its expertise in precision inkjet, is expanding its reach into functional materials and electronics printing, with new product launches anticipated through 2026.

Emerging companies such as voxeljet are pushing the boundaries of binder jetting for large-format and high-throughput applications, particularly in sand casting and architectural components. Voxeljet’s modular machine concepts and focus on digital manufacturing ecosystems are positioning it as a key innovator in scalable AM solutions.

Strategic initiatives across the sector include increased investment in R&D for high-viscosity and functional material jetting, the development of closed-loop process monitoring, and the integration of AI-driven print optimization. Collaborations between hardware manufacturers, material suppliers, and end-users are expected to accelerate, with a focus on qualifying new materials and certifying parts for critical industries. As jetting technology matures, the competitive landscape will likely see further consolidation, with leading players seeking to expand their portfolios through acquisitions and technology partnerships.

Industrial Applications: Aerospace, Automotive, Healthcare, and Beyond

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is rapidly advancing as a key additive manufacturing (AM) method for industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. As of 2025, the technology is being adopted for its precision, scalability, and ability to process a diverse range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.

In aerospace, jetting-based AM is increasingly used for lightweight, complex components and tooling. Companies like Stratasys and voxeljet are supplying jetting systems capable of producing intricate parts with high dimensional accuracy. For example, voxeljet’s binder jetting platforms are utilized for sand casting molds and cores, streamlining the production of engine components and reducing lead times. The ability to print with high-performance polymers and metals is also enabling the manufacture of functional prototypes and end-use parts for aircraft interiors and propulsion systems.

In the automotive sector, jetting technology is being leveraged for rapid prototyping, tooling, and even direct part production. Stratasys’s PolyJet systems are widely used for multi-material and full-color prototypes, supporting design validation and customization. Meanwhile, voxeljet’s large-format binder jetting machines are employed for producing sand molds for casting engine blocks and other critical components, significantly accelerating development cycles and reducing costs.

Healthcare is another area witnessing significant adoption of jetting-based AM. Stratasys’s PolyJet technology is extensively used for anatomical models, surgical guides, and dental applications, offering high resolution and biocompatible materials. The ability to print multi-material, patient-specific models is enhancing pre-surgical planning and medical device development. Additionally, companies like XJet are pioneering nanoparticle jetting for the production of complex ceramic and metal implants, with applications in orthopedics and dentistry.

Looking ahead, the outlook for jetting technology in industrial AM is robust. Ongoing advancements in printhead design, material formulations, and process automation are expected to further expand its industrial footprint. The integration of jetting systems into digital manufacturing workflows, coupled with increasing material options, will likely drive broader adoption across sectors. As companies such as Stratasys, voxeljet, and XJet continue to innovate, jetting technology is poised to play a pivotal role in the next generation of industrial additive manufacturing.

Innovation Drivers: R&D, Patents, and Emerging Startups

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is a rapidly evolving segment within additive manufacturing (AM). The innovation landscape in 2025 is shaped by robust R&D investments, a dynamic patent environment, and the emergence of agile startups targeting new applications and materials.

Major industry players are intensifying R&D to enhance printhead precision, material compatibility, and throughput. Stratasys, a pioneer in material jetting, continues to expand its PolyJet platform, focusing on multi-material and full-color capabilities for prototyping and end-use parts. Their recent collaborations with material suppliers aim to broaden the palette of printable photopolymers and elastomers. Similarly, HP Inc. is advancing its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, with ongoing research into new thermoplastics and the integration of AI-driven process controls to improve part consistency and reduce waste.

In binder jetting, ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) and Desktop Metal are leading efforts to scale metal and sand binder jetting for industrial production. Their R&D focuses on increasing build speeds, optimizing binder formulations, and developing post-processing solutions to achieve near-wrought material properties. Notably, Desktop Metal’s recent patent filings emphasize innovations in powder handling and sintering, aiming to lower costs and expand the range of printable metals and ceramics.

The patent landscape in jetting AM is highly active, with filings related to printhead design, droplet control, and novel material chemistries. Stratasys and HP Inc. consistently rank among the top patent holders, while new entrants are targeting niche applications such as electronics and bioprinting. For example, Voxel8 (acquired by Kornit Digital) has developed proprietary jetting systems for multi-material electronics printing, reflecting the sector’s diversification.

Emerging startups are driving innovation by leveraging jetting’s unique capabilities. Companies like XJet are commercializing nanoparticle jetting for high-resolution ceramic and metal parts, with a focus on medical and dental applications. Meanwhile, Digital Alloys is developing new approaches to metal jetting, aiming for faster, more energy-efficient production. These startups often collaborate with established manufacturers to accelerate technology transfer and market adoption.

Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see continued growth in jetting AM, fueled by cross-industry partnerships, expanding material portfolios, and the maturation of digital workflow integration. The sector’s innovation drivers—R&D, patents, and startups—will remain central to unlocking new applications in aerospace, healthcare, and electronics, positioning jetting technology as a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing.

Challenges and Barriers: Technical, Regulatory, and Supply Chain

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is a rapidly evolving segment within additive manufacturing (AM). As the sector matures into 2025, several technical, regulatory, and supply chain challenges persist, shaping the pace and direction of adoption.

Technical Challenges remain a primary barrier. Material compatibility is a significant issue: while jetting excels with photopolymers and certain metals, the range of printable materials is still limited compared to other AM processes. For example, Stratasys—a leader in PolyJet technology—continues to expand its material portfolio, but achieving robust mechanical properties and multi-material integration at scale is ongoing work. Binder jetting, as advanced by companies like ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal), faces hurdles in post-processing, such as sintering-induced distortion and porosity, which can limit part performance and repeatability. Printhead reliability and maintenance, especially for high-viscosity or abrasive materials, also remain technical bottlenecks, as noted by HP in its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) platform development.

Regulatory Barriers are increasingly relevant as jetting technologies move from prototyping to end-use part production. Certification for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications requires rigorous process control and traceability. Organizations such as GE (through GE Additive) are working to standardize jetting-based processes, but regulatory frameworks often lag behind technological advances. The lack of harmonized international standards for jetting AM complicates cross-border manufacturing and supply chain integration, particularly for critical components.

Supply Chain Constraints are evident in both hardware and materials. The global supply of high-precision printheads—dominated by a few manufacturers—creates vulnerability to disruptions. For instance, Ricoh and Konica Minolta are key suppliers of industrial inkjet heads, and any bottleneck in their production can ripple through the AM ecosystem. Material supply chains, especially for specialty binders and metal powders, are also subject to volatility in raw material markets and geopolitical factors. Companies like voxeljet and Digital Metal are investing in vertical integration and local sourcing to mitigate these risks.

Looking ahead, overcoming these challenges will require coordinated efforts between technology developers, standards bodies, and supply chain partners. Advances in printhead durability, broader material qualification, and clearer regulatory pathways are expected to gradually reduce barriers, but significant progress is likely to unfold over the next several years rather than immediately in 2025.

Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World

Jetting technology for additive manufacturing (AM), encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is experiencing dynamic regional growth as of 2025. The technology’s adoption is shaped by industrial maturity, R&D investment, and sector-specific demand across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of World.

North America remains a global leader in jetting-based AM, driven by robust aerospace, automotive, and healthcare sectors. Major players such as Stratasys and 3D Systems are headquartered in the United States, with both companies expanding their material jetting portfolios and collaborating with OEMs for end-use part production. The region benefits from strong university-industry partnerships and government-backed initiatives supporting advanced manufacturing. In 2024–2025, the U.S. market has seen increased adoption of binder jetting for metal and sand casting applications, with ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) and HP (with its Metal Jet platform) scaling up production capabilities. The focus is on accelerating digital supply chains and on-demand manufacturing, particularly in defense and medical device sectors.

Europe is characterized by a strong emphasis on industrialization and sustainability in AM. Germany, the UK, and France are at the forefront, with companies like voxeljet (Germany) and Arcam (Sweden, part of GE Additive) advancing binder jetting and electron beam melting technologies. European manufacturers are leveraging jetting for lightweight automotive and aerospace components, as well as for tooling and casting. The European Union’s focus on circular economy and digital manufacturing is fostering R&D in recyclable materials and process efficiency. In 2025, collaborations between research institutes and industry are expected to yield new material formulations and multi-material jetting capabilities.

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid expansion, led by China, Japan, and South Korea. Chinese firms are investing heavily in binder jetting for metal and ceramic parts, with government support for domestic AM ecosystem development. Japanese companies, such as Ricoh, are innovating in material jetting for electronics and healthcare. The region’s manufacturing base and focus on cost-effective production are driving adoption, particularly in consumer electronics and automotive prototyping. In 2025 and beyond, Asia-Pacific is expected to close the technology gap with Western markets, with increased local production of jetting systems and materials.

Rest of World regions, including the Middle East and Latin America, are in earlier stages of jetting technology adoption. However, there is growing interest in sand binder jetting for construction and infrastructure projects, as well as in medical applications. Partnerships with established AM companies and technology transfer initiatives are likely to accelerate regional uptake in the coming years.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Jetting Technologies

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and related inkjet-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes, is increasingly scrutinized for its sustainability and environmental impact as adoption accelerates in 2025 and beyond. The sector’s environmental profile is shaped by material choices, energy consumption, waste generation, and recyclability, with leading manufacturers and industry bodies actively pursuing improvements.

A key sustainability advantage of jetting technologies is their inherent material efficiency. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, jetting processes deposit material only where needed, minimizing waste. For example, Stratasys, a major player in material jetting, highlights up to 90% material utilization in its PolyJet systems, reducing scrap compared to traditional methods. Similarly, voxeljet and ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) emphasize the recyclability of unused powders and binders in their binder jetting platforms, with some systems achieving near-zero waste rates.

Material sustainability is also advancing. Companies are developing bio-based and recyclable resins for jetting. Stratasys and 3D Systems have introduced photopolymers with lower environmental impact, while voxeljet is piloting sand and PMMA-based binders that are easier to reclaim and reuse. The use of water-based binders, as promoted by ExOne, further reduces hazardous emissions and simplifies post-processing.

Energy consumption remains a concern, particularly for high-throughput industrial jetting systems. However, the sector is making progress: Stratasys reports ongoing efforts to optimize printhead efficiency and reduce curing energy in its PolyJet lines. Binder jetting, which typically operates at lower temperatures than powder bed fusion, is positioned as a more energy-efficient alternative for metal and sand part production, as noted by Desktop Metal.

Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) are becoming more common, with industry groups such as Additive Manufacturing UK and America Makes supporting research into the full environmental footprint of jetting technologies. Early LCA data suggest that, when combined with digital inventory and distributed manufacturing models, jetting can significantly reduce transportation emissions and enable on-demand, localized production.

Looking ahead, the outlook for sustainability in jetting-based AM is positive. Ongoing R&D into greener materials, closed-loop recycling, and energy-efficient hardware is expected to further reduce environmental impact. As regulatory and customer pressures mount, leading manufacturers are likely to accelerate transparency and eco-innovation, positioning jetting as a key enabler of sustainable industrial production in the coming years.

Future Outlook: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategic Recommendations

Jetting technology, encompassing material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), and nanoparticle jetting (NPJ), is poised for significant evolution in additive manufacturing (AM) through 2025 and the following years. The sector is witnessing rapid advancements in printhead design, material compatibility, and process automation, driven by the demand for higher throughput, finer resolution, and expanded application domains.

Key industry players are intensifying R&D to address the limitations of current jetting systems. Stratasys, a pioneer in PolyJet technology, continues to refine multi-material and full-color printing capabilities, targeting sectors such as healthcare, dental, and consumer goods. Their recent focus is on improving print speed and material properties, with new photopolymers and software enhancements expected to reach the market by 2025. Similarly, 3D Systems is investing in expanding its MultiJet Printing (MJP) portfolio, emphasizing precision and surface finish for industrial prototyping and end-use parts.

Binder jetting is gaining momentum for metal and ceramic part production. ExOne (now part of Desktop Metal) and Desktop Metal are scaling up their platforms to enable mass production of complex metal components. These companies are focusing on process repeatability, powder recycling, and post-processing automation, aiming to reduce per-part costs and accelerate adoption in automotive and aerospace supply chains. HP is also expanding its Metal Jet technology, with new installations and partnerships anticipated in 2025 to support high-volume manufacturing.

Material innovation remains a central trend. Companies are developing new jettable materials, including high-performance polymers, ceramics, and metal alloys, to broaden the application scope. voxeljet is notable for its large-format binder jetting systems, targeting foundry and architectural markets with new sand and PMMA materials. The push for sustainable manufacturing is prompting research into recyclable and bio-based binders, with several pilot projects expected to transition to commercial use in the near term.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI-driven process monitoring, closed-loop quality control, and digital workflow automation is set to enhance reliability and scalability. Strategic recommendations for stakeholders include investing in multi-material and high-speed jetting platforms, forming partnerships for material development, and prioritizing end-to-end digitalization. As jetting technology matures, its role in distributed manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and on-demand production is expected to expand, positioning it as a cornerstone of next-generation additive manufacturing.

Sources & References

• Stratasys
• 3D Systems
• voxeljet
• XJet
• Desktop Metal
• ExOne
• Xaar
• Konica Minolta
• Stratasys
• voxeljet
• XJet
• Digital Alloys
• Ricoh
• ExOne
• Desktop Metal
• 3D Systems