BEIJING,June 20(Xinhuanet) -- 3D printing technology has been around for nearly three decades, but industry professionals estimate that its worldwide market accounts for just 20 billion yuan. That’s less than what a global Internet company such as Google makes in a year. Industry professionals from 11 countries are in Qingdao now to discuss 3D printing and what’s hindering its market growth.
With no concrete and no steel, one Qingdao company is making a bold move -- using 3D technology to print an actual house. It will take six months for the world’s largest 3D printer to complete the project.
Even for smaller items such as toys, it usually takes hours or days for the objects to emerge from a 3D printer. And the cost of material is usually calculated per gram.
There’s no doubt that the 3D technology can print a variety of items but if some, such as this yellow duck, can be produced much cheaper and more quickly in a traditional factory, why bother use 3D printing?
"Although 3D technology can produce anything traditional manufacturing makes, many products we produce are not functional. Traditional manufacturing’s economy of scale is clearly not the strength of 3D printing." Luo Jun, Secretary General, China 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance said.
While most 3D printing businesses in China are profiting from making and selling 3D printers, some are already spotting the real strength of 3D printing technology.
"Nowadays young people like individualized things, so we think this is going to provide us with huge business opportunities." Cheng Yongli, Manager of Hechuang Manufacturing said.
"What we need to do is to make things traditional manufacturing can’t make or doesn’t make economically." Zhang Liuyang, Planning Manager of Magic firm said.
Industry insiders say determining exactly how 3D printing technology can be applied and turned into profit is key to expanding the market. They estimate the Chinese market will reach 4 billion yuan by the end of 2014.
|
