If you’re curious about the state of 3D printing in China—whether you’re a business looking to source services, an investor exploring opportunities, or a tech enthusiast tracking global trends—you’ve come to the right place. China isn’t just a player in the global 3D printing industry; it’s a rapidly growing leader, driving innovation, scaling production, and shaping the future of additive manufacturing (AM). In 2024, the Chinese 3D printing market reached an estimated value of 38.5 billion yuan (around $5.4 billion), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3% since 2020, according to data from the China 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance (C3DPI). This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from key technologies to real-world applications and future prospects.
The Current State of China’s 3D Printing Market
To understand 3D printing in China, start with its market size and structure—it’s a story of rapid expansion fueled by demand from key industries and government support. Unlike some Western markets where 3D printing is still niche in certain sectors, China has integrated AM into high-priority areas like aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods at a remarkable pace.
One of the most striking trends is the diversification of the market. In 2023, industrial-grade 3D printing accounted for 62% of China’s total AM market, with consumer and desktop 3D printing making up the remaining 38%, per C3DPI. This split shows that China isn’t just focused on small-scale prototyping; it’s building out large-scale, industrial additive manufacturing capabilities. For example, Avic Heavy Machinery, a major aerospace component supplier, uses metal 3D printing to produce complex turbine parts for commercial jets. In 2024, the company reported that 3D-printed parts reduced production time for these components by 40% and material waste by 60% compared to traditional machining— a game-changer for an industry where precision and efficiency are critical.
Another key feature of China’s 3D printing market is its regional concentration. The industry is clustered in three main hubs: the Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang), the Pearl River Delta (Guangdong), and the Bohai Rim (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei). These regions benefit from dense supply chains, research institutions, and government-backed industrial parks. For instance, Shanghai’s Lingang New Area hosts over 50 3D printing companies, including leading firms like Farsoon Technologies, and offers tax incentives for AM-related R&D. This regional focus helps streamline collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and clients, making China an attractive destination for businesses seeking end-to-end 3D printing solutions.
Key 3D Printing Technologies Dominating China’s Market
China’s 3D printing sector isn’t limited to one technology—it’s a diverse landscape where different methods serve specific industry needs. Below are the most prominent technologies, along with real-world use cases that highlight their impact.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is the most accessible 3D printing technology in China, widely used for consumer products, prototyping, and low-cost industrial parts. Its popularity stems from its affordability—desktop FDM printers made in China can cost as little as $200—and ease of use. For example, Creality 3D, a Shenzhen-based company, is one of the world’s top FDM printer manufacturers, with annual sales exceeding 1 million units. Their Ender series printers are used by hobbyists, schools, and small businesses worldwide to create everything from custom phone cases to mechanical prototypes.
In industrial settings, FDM is used for low-stress parts like packaging inserts and tool holders. A major Chinese automotive supplier, FAW Group, uses FDM to print jigs and fixtures for its assembly lines, cutting tool costs by 30% and reducing lead times from weeks to days.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is favored for high-precision parts, such as dental models, jewelry, and consumer electronics components. Chinese companies like Anycubic have made SLA technology more accessible, with desktop SLA printers priced under $500. In healthcare, SLA is a game-changer: Shanghai 3D Bioprinting Technology Co. uses SLA to produce custom dental aligners for patients. The company reports that SLA-printed aligners are 20% cheaper to produce than traditional methods and can be tailored to a patient’s teeth in just 48 hours.
Industrial SLA systems are also gaining traction. DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, uses large-format SLA printers to prototype drone casings. The technology allows DJI to test multiple design iterations quickly, reducing the time to launch new products by 25%.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
SLM is the backbone of China’s metal 3D printing industry, critical for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications where strength and durability matter. Unlike FDM or SLA, SLM uses a laser to melt metal powders (such as titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel) into complex parts. Farsoon Technologies, a Changsha-based firm, is a global leader in SLM technology, with its metal 3D printers used by companies like Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). COMAC uses Farsoon’s SLM systems to print titanium brackets for the C919, China’s first large jet airliner. These brackets are 35% lighter than traditionally manufactured ones, improving the aircraft’s fuel efficiency.
In healthcare, SLM is used to create custom implants. Beijing Amedica Technology Co. produces 3D-printed titanium hip implants using SLM. The implants have a porous structure that allows bone tissue to grow into them, reducing the risk of rejection and improving patient recovery times. The company reports a 98% success rate with these implants, compared to 92% for traditional implants.
China’s 3D Printing Supply Chain: From Materials to Services
A strong supply chain is essential for any thriving industry, and China’s 3D printing sector has built a robust ecosystem that covers materials, hardware, software, and services. This vertical integration not only reduces costs but also speeds up innovation and delivery times for clients.
Materials: The Foundation of 3D Printing
China has made significant strides in developing high-quality 3D printing materials, reducing its reliance on imports. In 2024, domestic materials accounted for 78% of China’s 3D printing material consumption, up from 62% in 2020, according to C3DPI. Key materials include:
- Plastics: PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are the most common, produced by companies like Jiangsu Polymaker Technology. Polymaker’s PLA filaments are used in 80% of China’s desktop FDM printers and are known for their strength and eco-friendliness (PLA is biodegradable).
- Metals: Titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel powders are produced by firms like Hunan Farsoon High-Tech Material Co.. Farsoon’s titanium powder meets aerospace-grade standards and is used by COMAC and Avic Heavy Machinery.
- Specialty Materials: China is also investing in advanced materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and bioprinting inks. Shenzhen Carbon Fiber Technology produces CFRP filaments for 3D printing, which are used in high-performance parts for drones and racing cars.
Hardware: Manufacturing the Printers
China is the world’s largest producer of 3D printers, with over 60% of global desktop printers manufactured in the country. Leading hardware companies include:
- Creality 3D: Focuses on FDM printers for consumers and small businesses.
- Anycubic: Specializes in SLA and FDM printers, with a strong global presence.
- Farsoon Technologies: A leader in industrial SLM and SLA printers for aerospace and healthcare.
These companies not only sell printers but also offer after-sales support, including maintenance and training—critical for businesses new to 3D printing.
Services: From Prototyping to Mass Production
China’s 3D printing service market is booming, with thousands of companies offering everything from rapid prototyping to mass production. Shapeways China, a branch of the global 3D printing service provider, offers on-demand 3D printing for clients in automotive, consumer goods, and healthcare. For example, a Chinese startup developing smart home devices used Shapeways China to prototype 50 different designs in just two weeks, saving them months of development time.
Government Policies and Support for 3D Printing in China
China’s success in 3D printing isn’t accidental—it’s the result of strategic government support. The Chinese government has identified 3D printing as a key technology in its “Made in China 2025” plan, a national initiative to upgrade the country’s manufacturing sector. This support comes in several forms:
Funding for R&D
The government provides significant funding for 3D printing research. Between 2021 and 2024, the Ministry of Science and Technology allocated over 12 billion yuan (around $1.7 billion) to 3D printing R&D projects. This funding has supported breakthroughs in areas like metal 3D printing for aerospace and bioprinting for healthcare. For example, a research team at Tsinghua University used government funding to develop a new SLM technology that reduces metal powder waste by 50%—a innovation that has since been adopted by Farsoon Technologies.
Tax Incentives and Subsidies
Companies in China’s 3D printing sector enjoy tax breaks and subsidies. For instance, businesses engaged in 3D printing R&D can claim a 75% tax deduction on their R&D expenses (higher than the 50% deduction available to most other industries). Local governments also offer subsidies: in Guangdong Province, companies that invest in 3D printing equipment can receive a subsidy of up to 20% of the equipment’s cost, with a maximum of 5 million yuan ($700,000) per company.
Industrial Parks and Clusters
The government has established over 30 3D printing industrial parks across China to foster collaboration and growth. These parks provide companies with low-cost office and manufacturing space, access to research facilities, and connections to potential clients. The Wuxi 3D Printing Industrial Park in Jiangsu Province is one of the largest, hosting over 80 companies and 10 research institutions. In 2024, the park generated over 5 billion yuan ($700 million) in revenue, up 30% from the previous year.
Challenges and Opportunities in China’s 3D Printing Industry
While China’s 3D printing sector is growing rapidly, it faces challenges that could slow its progress. At the same time, these challenges create opportunities for businesses and investors willing to innovate.
Challenges
- Intellectual Property (IP) Concerns: IP protection remains a issue in China’s 3D printing industry. Some small companies copy designs or technologies from larger firms, which discourages innovation. For example, in 2023, Creality 3D filed a lawsuit against a smaller Chinese company for copying its Ender 3 printer design. While Creality won the case, the process took over a year, highlighting the need for stronger IP enforcement.
- High Costs for Industrial-Grade Equipment: While desktop 3D printers are affordable, industrial-grade systems—especially metal 3D printers—are still expensive. A high-end SLM printer can cost over $1 million, making it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt the technology.
- Skilled Labor Shortage: 3D printing requires skilled workers who can operate printers, design parts, and troubleshoot issues. However, China faces a shortage of such workers—according to C3DPI, the country needs over 100,000 more 3D printing professionals by 2025 to meet demand.
Opportunities
- Aerospace and Automotive Growth: China’s aerospace and automotive industries are expanding rapidly, creating huge demand for 3D-printed parts. COMAC plans to increase the use of 3D-printed parts in its C919 jet from 5% to 15% by 2028, which will require billions of yuan in 3D printing equipment and services. Similarly, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers like BYD are using 3D printing to produce custom parts for their cars, and this trend is expected to grow as EV sales rise.
- Healthcare Innovation: China’s aging population is driving demand for personalized healthcare solutions, such as 3D-printed implants and prosthetics. The market for 3D-printed medical devices in China is expected to reach 12 billion yuan (\(1.7 billion) by 2026, up from 5.8 billion yuan (\)820 million) in 2024, per C3DPI. Companies that specialize in medical 3D printing, like Beijing Amedica Technology, are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.
- Export Potential: Chinese 3D printing companies are increasingly expanding into global markets. Creality 3D already sells its printers in over 100 countries, and Farsoon Technologies is partnering with Western aerospace firms to supply 3D-printed parts. As China’s 3D printing technology improves, its export potential will only grow.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on 3D Printing in China
As a player in the global manufacturing and technology space, Yigu Technology recognizes that China’s 3D printing industry is at a critical inflection point—one where innovation, scale, and global collaboration will define its future. We believe China’s strength lies in its ability to integrate 3D printing into existing manufacturing ecosystems, rather than treating it as a standalone technology. For example, the combination of 3D printing with traditional machining (a “hybrid” approach) is a trend we’re closely watching; it allows manufacturers to leverage the precision of 3D printing for complex parts while using machining for high-stress surfaces.
We also see significant potential in China’s focus on sustainable 3D printing. With the government pushing for carbon neutrality, companies that develop eco-friendly materials (like biodegradable PLA) or energy-efficient printers will have a competitive edge. At Yigu Technology, we’re exploring partnerships with Chinese 3D printing firms to integrate their technologies into our supply chain, helping us reduce waste and improve efficiency.
However, we also caution that IP protection and skilled labor remain key hurdles. To fully realize its potential, China needs to strengthen IP laws and invest in vocational training programs for 3D printing professionals. Overall, we’re optimistic about China’s role in shaping the global 3D printing industry—and we’re excited to be part of that journey.
FAQ About 3D Printing in China
1. Is China a leading country in 3D printing?
Yes, China is one of the world’s leading countries in 3D printing. It has the largest market for desktop 3D printers, a fast-growing industrial 3D printing sector, and significant government support for R&D. In 2024, China’s 3D printing market was valued at $5.4 billion, second only to the United States, and it’s growing at a faster rate (25.3% CAGR vs. 18% in the U.S.).
2. What industries in China use 3D printing the most?
The top industries using 3D printing in China are aerospace (e.g., COMAC), automotive (e.g., BYD), healthcare (e.g., dental implants), and consumer goods (e.g., DJI drones). Aerospace and automotive account for over 50% of China’s industrial 3D printing demand, thanks to their need for complex, lightweight parts.
3. How much does a 3D printer cost in China?
Costs vary by technology and size:
- Desktop FDM printers: \(200–\)1,000 (e.g., Creality Ender series)
- Desktop SLA printers: \(500–\)2,000 (e.g., Anycubic Photon series)
- Industrial SLM (metal) printers: \(100,000–\)1.5 million (e.g., Farsoon FS271M)
4. Are there risks to doing 3D printing business in China?
The main risks are IP protection issues and a shortage of skilled labor. However, these risks are mitigated by government efforts to strengthen IP laws and invest in training programs. Many foreign companies successfully partner with Chinese 3D printing firms by using clear contracts and focusing on joint R&D.