Item | Machining Company | Year Founded |
1 | TDL mould | 1995 |
2 | Creality 3D | 2014 |
3 | Flashforge | 2011 |
4 | TierTime | 2009 |
5 | INTAMSYS | 2016 |
6 | BLT | 2011 |
7 | Farsoon | 2009 |
8 | Falcontech | 2012 |
9 | Eplus3D | 2014 |
10 | SHINING3D | 2004 |
I. Introduction
In recent years, China has become a dominant force in 3D printing, significantly transforming traditional manufacturing and setting new innovation standards. With its solid technological expertise, robust research and development infrastructure, and supportive government policies, the 3D printing industry in China has experienced tremendous growth. This remarkable progress has established China as a frontrunner on the global stage and has also triggered transformative advancements across various sectors. 3D printing technology represents a profound shift in manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the creation of complex and customized objects with unmatched precision. This additive manufacturing process opens up endless possibilities across industries such as aerospace, automotive engineering, healthcare, architecture, and consumer goods. This article explores the landscape of China’s 3D printing industry highlighting the top players and the technological advancements in this sector.
1. TDLmould Company
TDLmould is a leading mold manufacturer and 3D printing company in China that was established in 1995. The company’s main clients are in the field of plastic mold creation, industrial design, robotics and automation. TDLmould uses a clearly planned 3D printing process that involves four main steps. The first step is mold design where the company uses advanced modeling software to create a digital model of the component to be printed. The second step involves slicing where the digital model is divided into several layers and translated into a language that the printer can understand. The third step involves the actual printing of the component using the right resin materials. The final step involved post processing activities such as support removal and surface finishing until the component meets the final quality and functional requirements. The company serves a wide range of sectors with its 3D printing services including jewelry, footwear design, industrial design, aerospace, automotive, medical and the dental sectors among others. TDLmould is popularly known for its cutting-edge technology in the development of Photon LED stereolithography line of resin 3D printers. The services offered by TDLmould are of high quality with the best prices in the Chineses and global market.
Address: 789 Mold Avenue, Shenzhen, China
Contact: +86-769-82288296
Founded in 1995
Website: www.tdlmould.com
Advantages: Known for the price and quality of its 3D printing services.
2. Creality 3D
Since its establishment in 2014, Creality has grown to become a dominant force in the global consumer 3D printer industry. Guided by the mission “3D Printing Evangelists,” Creality actively promotes and advocates for the widespread use of 3D printing technology worldwide. Their innovative business strategy primarily revolves around developing and manufacturing cutting-edge 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser engravers, and the Creality Cloud platform to offer users a seamless printing experience. Creality offers a wide range of 3D printers such as K1 Max series, Ender series and CR 10 series which are known for their ease of use and affordability. With popular brands like Ender, HALOT, and Sermoon falling under their umbrella, the company holds market dominance across more than 100 countries which is a testament to their leadership position in terms of sales volume within the 3D printing industry. Creality’s outstanding accomplishments have been recognized through accolades including the Red Dot Design Award along with securing over 500 patents which demonstrate their substantial influence within the industry.
Address: Longhua Dist., Shenzhen, China
Contact: +86 755 3396 5666
Founded in 2014
Advantages: Leading manufacturer of entry-level filament extrusion systems worldwide.
3. FlashForge
Founded in 2011, Flashforge is a pioneer company in China’s professional 3D printing landscape. The company, renowned for its innovative spirit, offers a comprehensive range of 3D printing solutions across 10 product categories. These include 3D printers, filaments, design software, and related services. Flashforge specializes in the manufacture of professional 3D printers for both extrusion and polymerization. Their product portfolio features FDM 3D printers, resin 3D printers and MJP 3D printers. Their diverse lineup caters to various needs – from industries and businesses to individual consumers alike. Flashforge’s leadership excels in technological advancements, robust distribution networks, excellent post-sale services, and more. Flashforge’s products have gained popularity worldwide, reaching homes, educational institutions, medical facilities, and various industries in nearly 100 countries. The company has established an extensive network of over 600 brand dealers globally and consistently dominates the sales charts on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Tmall.
Address: Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
Contact: +86-0579-82273989
Founded in 2011
Advantages: One of the “founding fathers” of Chinese 3D printing.
4. TierTime
TierTime was founded by Allen Guo and his Tsinghua University colleagues in 2003 and quickly established itself as one of the first companies in the 3D printing industry, both in China and worldwide. In 2009, TierTime introduced its first 3D printer called the UP Plus. This revolutionary device showcased an independent and proprietary system that set new standards for the time. As the first-ever 3D printer manufacturer in China, TierTime’s Inspire industrial line marked a significant milestone in China’s journey into the additive manufacturing era. With more than two decades of continuous technological advancements, TierTime has established itself as a global leader in manufacturing and prototyping solutions. With its headquarters in Beijing, this company has a strong team of over 200 professionals and an extensive distribution network spanning across 50 countries. Their groundbreaking products, like the revolutionary UP Plus and the cutting-edge BOX+ equipped with advanced HEPA filtration, consistently redefine industry standards. Additionally, their user-friendly UP Studio software streamlines the 3D printing journey for a seamless experience.
Address: Huairou District, Beijing
Contact: +1 888 288 6124
Founded in 2003
Advantages: One of the first Chinese 3D printing companies to target and succeed in Western markets.
5. INTAMSYS
INTAMSYS, an innovative company at the forefront of 3D printing and industrial additive manufacturing solutions, was founded by a distinguished team of engineers experienced in precision equipment development and high-performance materials. Headquartered in the dynamic business hub of Pudong, Shanghai, INTAMSYS has carved out its unique position by merging the worlds of consumer, prosumer, and industrial 3D printing. With a focus on diverse sectors spanning from consumer goods to aerospace, INTAMSYS has built a strong reputation through strategic collaborations with industry giants like Honeywell, Jabil, and Stanford University. What sets INTAMSYS apart is its expertise in working with high-performance plastics such as ULTEM, PEEK, and PSU – making it the top Chinese filament extrusion firm in a market primarily dominated by entry-level systems. The company demonstrates their global presence and ambitions with their EMEA headquarters in Germany and their U.S. base in Minneapolis.
Address: Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
Contact: +86-21-5846 5932
Founded: 2016
Advantages: Specializes in high-performance plastics such as ULTEM, PEEK, and PSU.
6. BLT
Founded in 2011, BLT (originally known as Bright Laser Technologies) is a pioneering force in China’s metal 3D printing industry widely recognized as a leading global player in 3D printing technology. The company competes successfully with well-established Western companies, particularly from Germany. With an impressive workforce of over 1,100 professionals, BLT takes pride in its wealth of intellectual talent. Approximately 22% of its employees hold advanced degrees, and an impressive 30.3% are dedicated to research and development endeavors. Since 2019, BLT has proudly operated as a listed company on the SSE STAR Market exchange. While primarily serving the Chinese market, BLT stands out for being the sole Chinese producer of the groundbreaking 10-laser system called BLT S800. A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 when BLT installed its landmark 200th internal metal AM system, solidifying its position as the world’s largest provider of metal AM services based on volume.
Address: Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China
Contact: +86-029 8848 5673
Founded in 2011
Advantages: A pioneer for metal 3D printing in China.
7. Farsoon
Established in 2009, Farsoon Technologies has become a leading global provider of industrial-grade polymer and metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) systems. With expertise in electrical/mechanical engineering, laser technology, optics, thermal controls, and materials development, the company has solidified its position as China’s premier supplier of industrial additive manufacturing technology. Additionally, their influence extends to international markets due to significant advancements. Grounded in an innovative vision and open industrial systems philosophy, Farsoon is dedicated to offering adaptable additive manufacturing solutions. This encompasses both off-the-shelf 3D printers as well as customized products. Their comprehensive approach integrates top-tier machinery, engineering materials, software proficiency, and personalized customer services which demonstrate their commitment to technological advancement and ensure utmost client satisfaction. By prioritizing continuous innovation and real-world applications, Farsoon strives to provide genuinely accessible production-ready solutions that generate tangible value for their clientele.
Address: Changsha City, Hunan, China
Contact: +86 400 055 2155
Founded in 2009
Advantages: Offers both polymer and metal 3D printing solutions.
8. Falcontech
Falcontech is a Chinese aerospace additive manufacturer that was established in 2012. The company works together with Farsoon Technologies but it specializes in the expansion of metal additive manufacturing. Falcontech has a super AM factory that the company plans to install more than 50 Farsoon large-format metal 3D printers by 2025. As of October 2020, the company has already received and installed its 24th metal AM system from Farsoon. To offer comprehensive metal AM solutions, the company has set up three main business units which are Metal Powder, Metal Additive Solution and Advanced Manufacturing units. These business units have the capabilities of metal powder development and production, application engineering, parts production, material processing, post processing, inspection and standardization. Falcontech uses aerospace grade materials such as titanium alloy to produce high-performance end components.
Address: Xinwu District, Wuxi City, China
Contact: +86 510-6878 9399
Founded: 2012
Advantages: Planning on installing 50 Farsoon 3D printers in its AM Factory.
9. EPlus3D
Established in 2014, Eplus3D has over three decades of additive manufacturing expertise held by its core technical team. The company specializes in industrial-grade Additive Manufacturing systems, excelling in MPBF (Metal Powder Bed Fusion), PPBF (Polymer Powder Bed Fusion), and Stereolithography 3D printing technologies. They offer tailored application solutions to various sectors including aerospace, automotive, health, tooling, and consumer goods. With state-of-the-art facilities located in Beijing and Hangzhou, Eplus3D dedicates a significant portion of its revenue to scientific research. This commitment has resulted in a robust portfolio of invention patents, utility models, software copyrights, and design patents. Their unwavering pursuit of excellence extends to design, equipment, software development, and post-processing methods. As a result of their relentless efforts, Eplus3D is now recognized globally for their cutting-edge equipment, with exports to over 40 countries across Europe,America,and Asia.
Address: Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Contact: +86-0571-8381-9589
Founded in 2014
Advantages: Has more than 25 years of AM technology experience.
10. SHINING3D
SHINING 3D is an industry leader of 3D digitization and printing for over 18 years. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has been driven by its vision of revolutionizing the global adoption and application of 3D digital technology. With an extensive business model that includes Digital Dentistry, Einscan, and Metrology, SHINING 3D offers a comprehensive solution for all aspects of 3D technology. This encompasses everything from scanning to intelligent design and printing. The company takes pride in holding over 360 authorized patents and 140 software copyrights, playing a leading role in defining industry standards like the “Structure light 3D measurement system” in China. Their innovative product range spans handheld and desktop scanners to advanced inspection systems, incorporating proprietary technologies across various scanning methods. Adhering to international excellence, SHINING 3D holds certifications such as ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, and ISO13485 to ensure products that meet global quality and safety benchmarks.
Address: Wenyan, Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,
Contact: +86-571-82999050
Founded: 2004
Advantages: Specializes in 3D scanning and 3D printing technology.
Conclusion
China’s rise in the 3D printing industry is evident through the remarkable advancements and contributions made by its leading companies like TierTime, INTAMSYS, BLT, Farsoon Technologies, Eplus3D, and SHINING 3D. These companies have expanded additive manufacturing by introducing user-friendly solutions, high-precision digitizing technologies, and excelling in metal and resin 3D printing. Their dedication to research and development, combined with their extensive patent portfolios, showcase China’s commitment to staying ahead in this transformative technology. Additionally, their success in Western markets demonstrates China’s ability to compete globally while fostering collaboration. As these Chinese 3D printing enterprises continue to innovate and expand their influence promises to shape the future of the global additive manufacturing sector.