3D Printing Technology Dominated by Domestic Brands

LCD photocuring 3D printing technology, also known as Mask Stereolithography (MSLA), is an emerging additive manufacturing technology. Similar to SLA and DLP technologies, LCD photocuring also solidifies liquid resin via light exposure, but its uniqueness lies in the use of an LCD screen to control the light source. This technology utilizes the imaging principle of liquid crystal displays, where computer programs provide image signals to generate selective transparent regions on the LCD screen. Under UV illumination, the light passing through these transparent areas forms UV image regions, solidifying the liquid resin exposed to them, while areas blocked by the LCD remain uncured. This process is performed layer by layer based on the predefined 3D model, with cured resin layers accumulating to build the final three-dimensional object.

Since its introduction in 2013, LCD photocuring technology has been developed based on DLP technology, significantly reducing costs and thus promoting its widespread adoption. Although the accuracy of LCD technology is comparable to that of DLP, its greatest advantage lies in its open-source nature and the low cost of its core components.

LCD 3D printers are favored for their cost-effectiveness and high resolution. However, the lifespan of LCD screens is relatively short and requires periodic replacement. Compared with SLA and DLP technologies, LCD technology stands out for its lower cost, higher printing speed, and superior printing resolution. The LED parallel matrix light source, which serves as the illumination system in LCD technology, is currently predominantly developed domestically in China, enhancing the nation’s competitiveness in the LCD photocuring 3D printing sector. Market statistics show that LCD photocuring 3D printers manufactured in China hold a significant share of the global market, particularly in the consumer-grade LCD 3D printer segment, where Chinese brands have established a dominant position.

Initially, LCD photocuring 3D printing technology mainly served the consumer market, attracting widespread attention due to its low cost, high efficiency, and high precision. With continuous technological advancements and market expansion, LCD photocuring 3D printing technology has begun entering the industrial market, providing the manufacturing sector with more efficient and high-quality 3D printing solutions.