The global military 4D printing market size was US$ 16.1 million in 2021. The global military 4D printing market size is estimated to reach US$ 461.8 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.2% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030.
4D printing technology is the process that allows printed objects to self-transform over time. It is also known as additive manufacturing technology which allows nanoscale manipulation and programming during the production process to ultimately create eco-friendly products.
The printed object can change shape due to many factors such as air, heat, pressure, and magnetism. It is an improvement of 3D printing technology, which can be created using smart materials and software programs in a 3D printing machine. Therefore, it is a new technology and is on the point of commercialization.

Factors Affecting Marketing Growth

The rise in military applications to boost product demand, growing investments by armed forces into technology, and the increase in the adoption of lightweight components are expected to drive the growth of the global market.
The complex design of both the hardware & software section and the lack of standardization in the process are some of the factors that hinder the growth of the global market.
Technological advancements and the increase in demand for Industry 4.0 and the emergence of Industry 5.0 are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for global military 4D printing market growth.

Impact on COVID-19 Analysis

COVID-19 had a negative impact on the global military 4D printing industry. Governments of different regions have already announced a total lockdown and temporary shutdown of industries, thereby adversely affecting overall production and sales. Countries around the globe have posed stringent restrictions ranging from days to months of lockdown periods. Due to this pandemic, many businesses are halted and are waiting for market conditions to improve. The majority of the developing facilities & research centers have been shut down during the pandemic due to commute workforce unavailability, restrictions, and supply chain disturbance. Private and commercial security industries were one of the most severely affected industries by the pandemic and observed a decline in investments initially.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific holds the highest share in 2021 due to the increase in demand for industry 4.0 and the emergence of industry 5.0. In addition, the growing defense expenditure across the region to tackle increasing terrorism and regional disputes in countries such as India, South Korea, and China drive the market growth in the region.

Leading Competitors
The prominent players in the global military 4D printing market are:
Dassault Systemes SA
Materialise NV
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Optomec Inc
Hewlett Packard Corp.
Autodesk, Inc.
3D Systems Corp.
Arcam AB
Hoganas AB
Stratasys Ltd.
Others
Segmentation Analysis
The global military 4D printing market segmentation focuses on Technique, Material, Properties, Application, and Region.
Segmentation on the basis of Technique

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Others

Segmentation on the basis of Material

Electro & Magneto Responsive
Photo-responsive
Hydrogels
Others

Segmentation on the basis of Properties

Self-Adaptability
Self-Assembly
Self-Repair

Segmentation on the basis of application

Army
Navy
Air Force

Segmentation on the basis of Region
North America
The U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Western Europe
The UK
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Poland
Russia
Rest of Eastern Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia & New Zealand
ASEAN
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa (MEA)
UAE
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of MEA
South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America