3D Knitting Machines Market

3D Knitting Machines Market Size

The global 3D knitting machines market size was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2034. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The market is evolving significantly due to automation technology, sustainability, and increased consumer interest in personalized clothing. 3D knitting machines minimize steps such as waste and production by knitting complex, seamless garments directly from yarn through computerized programming. To achieve efficiency, reduced material usage, and enhanced sustainability, the fashion industry, sportswear, medical textiles, and automotive interiors are increasingly adopting 3D knitting technologies.

In addition, the rising popularity of on-demand manufacturing and zero-waste production is pushing brands and manufacturers to adopt new technologies. AI, robotics, and IoT integration into 3D knitting systems is also improving design as well as expanding precision. North America is steadily growing towards sustainable initiatives and innovation while the Asia-Pacific and Europe are leading the market due to high investment in the textile industry and adoption of new technologies.

For instance, in its 2024 performance assessment, Adidas revealed that China and Indonesia accounted for 16% and 19% of its overall production volume, respectively. Vietnam stood as a major country, contributing 27% of the production volume. The company also stated that it generated a majority (92%) of its production volume from Asia.

Small players generally face the impact of supply chain challenges, high initial investments, skilled operators, and other expenditure challenges. 3D knitting machines are advanced technologies that frequently have one or more yarn feeders, computer-controlled systems, and sophisticated programming interfaces. The procurement and purchase of a single machine can be expensive, depending on the complexity and brand. Additionally, operating 3D knitting machines requires proprietary design and control software. This software is not limited to license and training fees; it may also incur custom development for specific product lines or applications, sometimes even for the internals or casing of the machine.

The 3D knitted fabric manufacturers need to upgrade their facilities or alter the production lines set up in their plants. The potential expenditure and efficiency improvements over time might not justify these investments for many small or mid-sized producers, despite the long-term benefits.

3D Knitting Machines Market Trends

• The market is witnessing an evolving phase, owing to several factors such as technological advances, sustainability efforts, and shifts in consumer behavior. The advanced 3D knitting machine incorporates AI and IoT for automation, monitoring, and predictive maintenance, which makes the knitting process more sophisticated. These advancements allow for efficiency in production, along with improvement of quality parameters as the machines can self-adjust and identify defects in a timely manner.
  
• The incorporation of smart textiles into 3D knitting is enabling garments embedded with sensors and adaptive functions. These emerging technologies support the escalating demand for wearables in various fields such as medicine, athletics, and fashion. Moreover, the manufacturers are also prioritizing the need to minimize the environmental footprint of the textile production. Therefore, producers adopt energy-efficient machines and utilize recycled or biodegradable yarns.
  

3D Knitting Machines Market Analysis

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Based on material, the market is segmented into synthetic fiber, cotton, wool, elastomers and others. Synthetic fiber held the major market share in 2024, generating a revenue of USD 398.5 million.

• Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic are durable and resistant to wear, compared to natural fibers. This characteristic makes these materials perfect for manufacturing long-lasting products such as sportswear, outerwear, or industrial grade textiles. Additionally, synthetic fibers are cheaper to produce in comparison to natural fibers such as wool or cotton. The low price of synthetic fibers make them ideal for mass production, especially in the fast fashion and performance apparel industries. Furthermore, most synthetic fibers have moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchable features, widely preferred in activewear and sportswear industries.
  
• Acrylic, polyester, and nylon are easily tailored to include additional functionalities such as antimicrobial, UV protection, or flame retardancy. This increases the range of industries that can utilize fibers including healthcare, military, and fashion. Therefore, synthetic fibers hold the largest share in the market, owing to their properties such as durability, cost and functional performance.

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Based on production capacity, the 3D knitting machines market is segmented into small and med-scale, and large scale. The large scale segment dominated the market in 2024, accounting for 60.7% market share in the market.

• The large-scale segment dominates the market due to its ability to meet high-volume demands efficiently and cost-effectively. Economies of scale, or the cost per unit decreases as production volume increases, enables large-scale manufacturers to invest in advanced 3D knitting machines and automation technologies. They can rapidly produce a significant quantity of garments or textile components to fulfill bulk orders for global fashion brands, retailers, or industrial clients. Smaller producers often lack this output capacity.
  
• Large-scale companies typically have high access to capital, enabling investment in cutting-edge 3D knitting machines and automation technologies as well as hiring skilled personnel. This improves their competitive edge in efficiency, quality, and innovation. Many large-scale players control various stages of the supply chain, from designing, producing, and distributing the products. This further facilitates quick turnaround to fully leverage the potential of 3D knitting machines for on-demand and mass customization.

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Asia Pacific held the largest share in the global 3D knitting machines market, generating a revenue of USD 475.4 million, accounting for 36% market share in 2024.

• Asia Pacific contributes significantly to market growth, due to its dense concentration of textile manufacturing hubs and ongoing investments in advanced technologies. Asia Pacific is home to some of the world’s largest textile-producing countries, including China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These countries have long-standing garment and textile ecosystems which provide a strong base for the adoption of 3D knitting technology. Moreover, countries like China, Japan and South Korea are making aggressive strides towards smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. These countries are integrating AI, robotics, and digital technologies into their textile industries, which later facilitates the use of 3D knitting machines.
  
• 3D whole garment knitting is becoming increasingly popular due to opportunities offered by various governments in East Asia. These governments are providing subsidies, tax incentives, and special industrial policies to foster innovations in the textile industry. For instance, the “Made in China 2025” initiative promotes increased automation in factories. Asia Pacific is also one of the largest exporters of textile and garment products to North America, Europe and the Middle East. Thus, 3D knitting enables manufacturers to respond faster to global demand while reducing waste and production time.
  

3D Knitting Machines Market Shares

The top companies in the market include Shima Seiki, Stoll, Santoni and Steiger and they collectively hold a share of 25-30% in the market. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broader customer base, and strengthen their market position.

3D Knitting Machines Market Companies

Major players operating in the 3D knitting machines industry are:

1. Brother Industries
2. Groz-Beckert
3. Jiangsu Gomor Textile Technology Co Ltd
4. Karl Mayer
5. Santoni
6. Shima Seiki
7. Steiger
8. Stoll
9. Tongxiang Qianglong Machinery Co Ltd
10. Zhejiang Tongtai Intelligent Technology Co Ltd

Shima Seiki is well known for developing computerized flat knitting machines. The company specializes in WHOLEGARMENT machines that knit entire garments seamlessly, thus reducing waste achieved by eliminating sewing. Shima Seiki's focuses on hardware and software integration, providing comprehensive solutions that include design systems and automatic fabric cutting machines.

Stoll designs and manufactures high-performing industrial flat knitting machines in Reutlingen, Germany. The company introduced advanced features such as Flex Ply technology for better fabric characteristics and ADF yarn guides which improve operational efficiency.

 3D Knitting Machines Industry News

• In February 2024, SHIMA SEIKI Mfg. Ltd announced exhibition of the latest computerized flat knitting equipment, at the Knit-Tech 2024 Exhibition in Tiruppur, India.
  
• In May 2023, researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) established a new approach for additively manufacturing soft robotics, using a 3D knitting method.
  

The 3D knitting machines market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Material

• Synthetic fiber
• Cotton
• Wool
• Elastomers
• Others

Market, By Production Capacity

• Small and med-scale
• Large scale

Market, By Application

• Apparel & fashion
• Medical textiles
• Automotive
• Sports and outdoor gear
• Industrial textiles
• Footwear
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea  
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE