In my previous article, “Funding for China’s 3D Printing Sector Grows Amid Global Uncertainty”, I briefly mentioned the impressive plan of Nanjixiong, a well-known additive manufacturing (AM) news site in China, to establish a 3D printing-focused fund in China. The company recently confirmed their commitment by making headlines with its initiative to establish a ¥200 million 3D printing industry fund. This decision was borne out of the firm’s extensive research and visits to numerous flourishing 3D printing startups. The group realized that these nascent enterprises, with their distinct market positions and clear applications, were hungry for funds to fuel their growth.
The proposed plan is still awaiting key industry stakeholders’ feedback and engagement, but It’s exciting to anticipate how these stakeholders will access and respond to Nanjixiong’s conviction that the present moment is ideal for galvanizing the Chinese AM startup ecosystem.
Data source: Nanjixiong, CNY converted to USD
The Ideal Moment to Invest
Nanjixiong posits that the current moment signifies a golden age for investments in the 3D printing sector. The future looks promising as the industry transitions from a technology introduction phase to an industrialization development period. With prominent industry players either going public or entering the IPO process, there’s anticipation of a second wave of exponential growth. This presents fertile ground for startups, and we’ll likely witness the emergence of many unexpected market leaders in niche segments.
BLT Metal 3D Printing Facility
Recent 3D Printing Trends in China
Nanjixiong’s comprehensive market analysis reveals some intriguing industry trends:
- Metal 3D Printing Powder: Metal 3D printing powder material manufacturers are witnessing a consistent and significant uptick in orders. The surge in demand for powder materials, notably titanium, and other high-temperature alloys, is remarkable. In particular, titanium alloys are anticipated to see extensive use in the electronics sector, a field brimming with potential.
- Growth in Services: Almost a hundred factories across China now offer metal 3D printing services. These factories are equipped with anywhere from a couple to hundreds of metal printers.
- Advanced Multi-laser Metal 3D Printing: This technology is evolving quickly, allowing a single device to be equipped with almost 30 lasers. This enhancement boosts the printing speed and molding size considerably.
- Support-less Metal 3D Printing: Many local manufacturers are mastering this technology, indicating a potential transformative impact on downstream applications.
- Maturity of Binder Jet 3D Printing: This technology is now mature enough for mass production in industries, with many companies entering the materials and equipment segment.
- Consumer-grade 3D Printers: The era of high-speed consumer-grade 3D printers is here. There’s an evident surge in shipments and market shares of various manufacturers.
- Exports in Consumer-grade Laser Engraving: This sector is flourishing, with top manufacturers entering the market rapidly.
- Innovative Applications: From new energy batteries to medicine and even meat, 3D printing applications are expanding in ways we never imagined.
Capitalizing on the Opportunity
Now may be an exciting moment for those looking to delve into the promising world of 3D printing in China. As highlighted by Nanjixiong, exceptional enterprises and pioneering teams across various niches eagerly await the proper capital injection to propel their innovative visions forward.
China’s 3D printing horizon is poised at the brink of a transformative phase, steered by visionaries like Nanjixiong. We eagerly anticipate further updates on their groundbreaking initiatives.