Review | Chinese 3D Printing Companies with Overseas Business

"3D printing," also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing method based on three-dimensional model data that directly creates three-dimensional physical models identical to the digital models. This method is completely opposite to traditional manufacturing methods, which typically use subtractive manufacturing techniques by removing and cutting raw materials before assembling. In contrast, 3D printing involves designing first and then layering materials.

Currently, 3D printing has a wide range of applications. The core in the 3D printing industry chain is the 3D printing equipment, which can be classified into metal printing equipment and non-metal printing equipment based on the materials used for printing. Metal 3D printing equipment primarily utilizes metal powder as the main material and is mainly applied in high-end manufacturing fields. Non-metal 3D printing mainly uses materials such as resin, rubber, and plastic. Based on application domains, 3D printing can be categorized as consumer-grade and industrial-grade printing, with main applications in aerospace, biomedicine, automotive transportation, consumer electronics, construction, food, education and training, and footwear modeling, among others. According to analysis from West Securities, the aerospace industry, medical/dental, automotive industry, and consumer electronics are the broadest markets for 3D printing applications.

EqualOcean discovered that many Chinese 3D production and sales companies have had an international focus since their establishment. Compared to foreign markets, the consumer-grade 3D printer market in China is not yet mature enough. Leading 3D printer manufacturer and distributor, Anycubi, told EqualOcean that currently, overseas 3D printing enthusiast communities are more mature, and some experienced hobbyists enjoy disassembling and modifying printers, showcasing a more "geeky" side. In this article, EqualOcean will take stock and analyze companies targeting the international market.

Chamlian Technology (铖联科技)

Chamlian Technology is a well-known Chinese company in the field of 3D printing for dentistry. It was established in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province in 2017. According to their official website, Chamlian Technology has independently developed dental-specific 3D printers, intelligent dental design software, and post-processing equipment, achieving digitalization across the entire dental industry chain. Currently, Chamlian Technology has over 260 cloud factories worldwide, covering 27 countries including the United States, Canada, Italy, and more.

Anycubic (纵维立方)

Anycubic has been focused on the overseas market since its inception. In 2016, Anycubic introduced the Anycubic Mega, which gained wide attention in the international market. Today, Anycubic has users in over 200 countries and regions around the world, with a primary concentration in the United States and Europe. Compared to domestic users, users in these regions show higher enthusiasm and attention towards 3D printers, and consumer-grade 3D printers have a wider range of applications and a large user base in these areas.

FARSOON TECHNOLOGY（华曙高科）

FARSOON TECHNOLOGY, established in 2009 and headquartered in Changsha, Hunan Province, is an industrial-grade 3D printing company. It provides integrated solutions with 3D printing equipment, materials, and software. Public information shows that FARSOON TECHNOLOGY went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's Sci-Tech Innovation Board (STAR Market) on April 17, 2023. The company has research and development centers in North America and Europe, and it collaborates with companies such as Daimler, BASF, Lehmann & Voss, Oerlikon, Autodesk, AMT, and other European and American enterprises.

UnionTech（联泰科技）

UnionTech is one of the earliest 3D printing companies in China. Founded in 2000, its technology is widely applied in aerospace, electronics, dental medical, culture and creativity, education, footwear, construction, and other industries. According to the latest data from China Commercial Intelligence Network, UnionTech currently holds a 16.4% market share, ranking first in the Chinese 3D printing equipment market. UnionTech has marketing regions in China, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, with its market covering over 50 countries and regions and serving more than 3,000 customers.

E-Plus-3D（易加三维）

E-Plus-3D was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Beijing. It specializes in the manufacturing of 3D printing equipment and process development, with metal printing technology as its core. According to their official website, E-Plus-3D's 3D printing equipment is sold in over 40 countries and regions, including Europe, the Americas, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

HBD Technology（汉邦科技）

HBD Technology entered the 3D printing field in 2007 and is an industrial-grade metal 3D printing company. Its business covers research and development, manufacturing, sales, application, and technical services for 3D printing equipment. HBD Technology has branches in Shanghai and Guangdong. According to a report by The Paper, HBD Technology's sales and installations cover nearly 40 countries worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and others.

HeyGears（黑格科技）

HeyGears, also known as HeyGears Intelligent, was established in July 2015. It is a technology-driven company focused on 3D printing applications and digital intelligent manufacturing. Headquartered in Guangzhou, HeyGears has subsidiaries in Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Taipei, and California, USA. Their solutions currently cover fields such as dentistry, consumer electronics, orthopedics/rehabilitation, industrial, cultural and creative industries.

INTAMSYS（远铸智能）

INTAMSYS is a high-tech company that provides high-performance material 3D printing and industrial additive manufacturing solutions. Their technology focuses on industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics manufacturing, consumer goods, medical, and scientific research. Founded in 2016, INTAMSYS is headquartered in Shanghai and has marketing and 3D printing technology service centers in Germany and the United States, providing localized services for overseas customers.

King's 3D Printing（金石三维）

King's 3D Printing, established in 2015 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong, is a national high-tech enterprise dedicated to 3D printing technology research, application, and innovation. In 2022, King's 3D Printing acquired Guangzhou Leijia Additive Technology Co., Ltd., a leader in metal 3D printing, becoming one of the few domestic companies engaged in both metal and non-metal 3D printing businesses. Its market applications cover fields such as rapid prototyping, footwear, sculpture, medical, dentistry, automotive, ceramics, machinery, and construction. It has a market presence in various Asian countries, Europe, America, Australia, and more.

RAYSHAPE（铼赛智能）

RAYSHAPE is a provider of digital production solutions based on 3D printing. Their main focus areas include industrial design, electronics, digital dentistry, and science education and creativity. The company's main business includes the development, production, and sales of 3D printing equipment, software, materials, and technological solutions. RAYSHAPE has established two subsidiaries worldwide, and its products are sold in more than 30 countries and regions.

LOTMAXX（胜马优创）

LOTMAXX, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a technology company focused on 3D printing. In September 2021, LOTMAXX officially became a part of Xiaomi's ecosystem. With a commitment to product excellence, its market is mainly distributed in Europe and the Americas, with the largest market share in the United States and Germany.

LuxCreo（清锋科技）

LuxCreo, founded in 2018, is a digital 3D manufacturing company headquartered in Beijing. It specializes in the research and development of 3D printing equipment, software, and materials, aiming to revolutionize product development and production methods. LuxCreo's team has independently developed the Lux series printers and supporting software, providing solutions for industries such as footwear, dentistry, medical, consumer goods, and automotive. In 2019, LuxCreo completed a multi-million-dollar Series B financing round and established its headquarters in Silicon Valley, USA. In 2021, they established a subsidiary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Triastek（三迭纪）

Triastek is the only 3D printing pharmaceutical company in China, founded in 2015. According to their official website, Triastek is dedicated to building a new 3D printing pharmaceutical technology platform, covering the entire chain from drug formulation design and digital development to continuous production. Triastek has completed six rounds of financing and its market coverage includes major pharmaceutical markets in China, the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others.

Boston Macro Fabrication (摩方精密)

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chongqing, Boston Macro Fabrication is a pioneer and leader in micro/nano 3D printing with rich experience in three-dimensional complex structure microprocessing. Their printing equipment is among the few in the industry capable of achieving ultra-high printing precision and high-tolerance processing. According to their official website, Boston Macro Fabrication has branches in Shenzhen (China), Boston (USA), London (UK), Frankfurt (Germany), and Tokyo (Japan). They have collaborated with over 1,400 clients from more than 33 countries worldwide.

It is not difficult to see that 3D printing companies with an international market presence are generally established before 2020. According to EqualOcean's analysis, the following characteristics can be observed among 3D printing companies with overseas operations:

Firstly, in terms of products and services, 3D printing equipment is undoubtedly the core component of the entire 3D printing process. However, no company solely focuses on manufacturing 3D printing hardware. Many companies strive to expand into upstream, downstream, and surrounding areas while developing and manufacturing hardware. Numerous companies also engage in businesses related to 3D printing accessories, 3D printing design software, and 3D printing materials (consumables). EqualOcean has found that in the field of 3D printing, the more complete the product chain, the greater the possibility of transforming into an integrated solution provider.

Secondly, regarding the distribution in the international market, Europe and North America remain the main markets. Most companies have branches or marketing agencies in the United States and Germany, which is closely related to the advanced 3D printing industry and related applications in these two countries. According to the Wohlers Associates report, the United States has the largest share in the 3D printing industry and market, followed by China, Japan, and Germany. EqualOcean believes that the strong demand for 3D printing is closely related to the past or present manufacturing capabilities, reflecting the high market share of industrial-grade 3D printing.

Lastly, as the advanced manufacturing industry emerges worldwide, the future application prospects for 3D printing are vast. Traditional subtractive manufacturing has many issues at the industrial production level, such as resource waste and significant recycling costs. Additive manufacturing maximizes the utilization of raw materials, aligning with global energy-saving and emission reduction goals, thus attracting more attention and support.