3D Printing Overview

In recent years, 3D printing technology has developed rapidly and has gradually become an indispensable part of modern manufacturing. According to the latest data from the "2024 3D Printing Trend Report" by Protolabs, the global 3D printing market size reached US$22.14 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$57.1 billion by 2028.

China's 3D printing industry is also experiencing strong development momentum, demonstrating huge market potential and broad application prospects. According to the "2024-2029 China 3D Printing Industry Market Competition Analysis and Development Prospect Forecast Report" released by the China Industry Research Institute, China's 3D printing market is projected to reach 41.5 billion yuan in 2024.

So what is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing technology, is a technology that manufactures physical parts by adding materials layer by layer based on 3D CAD models. It is a general term that includes a variety of 3D printing processes. Although these processes are very different, the key steps are the same. All 3D printing begins with creating a digital model using computer-aided design (CAD) software, making the technology inherently digital. The model is then sliced into layers by specialized software to guide the printer in layer-by-layer fabrication.

The types of 3D printing can be categorized according to the end products or the types of materials they use. According to the international standard ISO/ASTM 52900:2015 published by the ISO/TC261 Additive Manufacturing Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization in 2015, the 3D printing process principles can be divided into seven categories: material extrusion, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, material jetting, sheet lamination, directed energy deposition, and stereolithography.

3D printing technology is widely used in diverse fields, including jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, automobiles, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, etc. Especially in the medical field, 3D printing technology is used to manufacture customized dentures, bones, joints and other medical devices, showing great potential. With the continuous maturity of technology and the expansion of application scenarios, 3D printing is poised to be applied in more fields.