When Formnext opens its doors in Frankfurt this November, the event will showcase how the additive manufacturing (AM) industry has matured globally. Among the 850+ exhibitors gathering at this premier AM event, 145 companies from Asia will present their latest innovations and technologies. This significant presence offers an interesting window into how Asian manufacturers are developing their capabilities and approaching different market segments.

A Closer Look at Asian Participation

The numbers paint an interesting picture of Asian involvement in global AM. Chinese companies make up the largest contingent with 101 exhibitors, while Japan brings 20 companies and Korea 14, complemented by participants from India, Taiwan, and Singapore. But beyond these numbers lies a more nuanced story of how different regions are approaching AM technology development.

Chinese manufacturers are demonstrating growing capabilities in metal 3D printing systems and materials. EPlus3D’s recent production of a 1.3-meter single-piece rocket thruster shows how far these capabilities have come. Companies like Bright Laser Technologies are expanding their industrial AM systems portfolio, while materials manufacturers such as CNPC POWDER are developing specialized metal powders for demanding applications. In the polymer sector, firms including Creality and ELEGOO continue to make AM technology more accessible while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with consumer and professional systems.

Japanese participants are taking a characteristically focused approach. Companies like Asahi Kasei and DAICEL are concentrating on developing high-performance materials, while JEOL and Mitsui Mining & Smelting bring their expertise to bear on specialized manufacturing processes. This focus on precision and quality reflects Japan’s traditional manufacturing strengths, now adapted for the AM industry.

Korean manufacturers are carving out their own space, particularly in specialized applications. InssTek‘s development of the Clogged Vibration Method for metal printing addresses specific technical challenges in multi-material manufacturing. Meanwhile, companies such as Graphy and CARIMA are making significant strides in medical and dental applications, areas where Korean manufacturers have built substantial expertise.

Image Courtesy: Formnext Asia Shenzhen

Market Dynamics and Technology Development

Recent visitor data from Formnext shows strong interest in research and development, mechanical engineering, and automotive applications. Asian manufacturers are aligning their offerings with these market demands, but each region brings its own approach. Chinese companies often emphasize comprehensive product lines and scalability, while Japanese manufacturers focus on precision and reliability. Korean companies tend to target specific technical challenges and applications.

The development of metal AM capabilities particularly stands out. Asian manufacturers are increasingly focused on industrial applications, with growing emphasis on quality control and standardization. This evolution reflects broader changes in the global AM landscape, where the focus has shifted from prototyping to production applications.

The Path Forward

The AM industry continues to evolve, with manufacturers worldwide contributing to its development. Asian companies are playing an increasingly important role in this evolution, bringing new approaches and capabilities to the market. Their presence at Formnext 2024 reflects not just growing participation in the global AM industry, but also the development of distinct technological approaches and market strategies.

As the industry matures, success will continue to depend on fundamental factors: technical capability, application development, and customer support. The diversity of approaches seen among Asian manufacturers – from broad market coverage to specialized solutions – adds to the industry’s overall development and provides users with more options for their specific needs.

Formnext 2024 offers an opportunity to see these developments firsthand and understand how different manufacturers are approaching the challenges and opportunities in additive manufacturing. As the industry continues to grow, this diversity of approaches and solutions will likely prove crucial to its continued development and adoption across various sectors.

Appendix

Chinese Exhibitors at Formnext 2024

Japanese Exhibitors at Formnext 2024

Korean Exhibitors at Formnext 2024

Categories:

• Industrial Systems: Metal AM, Large format, Production systems
• Desktop Systems: Consumer/prosumer printers
• Materials: Powders, Filaments, Resins, Chemicals
• Components: Parts, Subsystems, Electronics
• Software: Control, Design, Process solutions

Notes:

• Innovation Mark (✓): Companies presenting new developments
• Location: Hall and booth number at Formnext 2024
• Some companies may operate in multiple categories; primary focus listed