Metal 3D Printing Materials Manufacturer LPW Expands Presence in Asia

As 3D printing becomes more and more integral to manufacturing and product development, China has started to incorporate the technology into its already substantial industrial and manufacturing infrastructure in earnest. The growing demand for 3D printing materials and technology is providing multiple opportunities for companies from the West to enter an entire new market.

UK-based powdered metal manufacturer LPW Technology is taking full advantage of the expanding metal 3D printing demand in China and recently entered a partnership with 3D printing trading company Shanghai Dream Arising. LPW already has a significant global distribution network in place, but partnering with a Chinese firm allows them to localize their business and to access companies in the Asia-Pacific region that they may not have been able to reach previously.

“Since our incorporation in the region, we plan to build upon the momentum of the positive growth. By working with a number of selected partners in China shows our commitment to our clients and our ability in localising our metal powder offers and services,” said Phil Kilburn, LPW’s recently appointed Commercial Director.

Kilburn will be leading the company into the Asia-Pacific region, which is one of the most rapidly expanding 3D printing markets in the industry. The deal with Shanghai Dream Arising is the eighth global partnership for LPW, and it joins previous partnership deals in North America, Israel, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey.

Metal 3D printing is expected to undergo significant growth in the next few years on a global scale, and LPW’s move into Asia was to ensure that they had a local presence in place in order to meet that demand. LPW is already a leading supplier of metal powder 3D printing materials in the UK, and they intend to trade on that experience globally.

“With a dedication to our core brand vision, to realise an intelligent reliable supply chain of certified powders for AM, LPW continue to develop our support network to our resellers to ensure they are trained effectively and are representing us in the way we would ourselves. Our aim is to trade on quality and customer service. We understand that the most successful model is one of partnership to allow us to adapt to a changing global market, where the ability to act and react quickly is crucial for long-term sustainability,” added Kilburn.

Phil Kilburn (LPW Technology) and Fei Shang (Shanghai Dream Arising) sign agreement for the supply of AM powders in China

As China tries to play catch-up with Europe and North America, industry participants in the country are eager to incorporate modern 3D printing/additive manufacturing technologies to their manufacturing sector and there is a real need for 3D printing materials.

Fei Shang, the Managing Director of Shanghai Dream Arising, explained her company’s reasons for their partnership with LPW.

“We are pleased to confirm our agreement with LPW and fully believe in their vision, culture and outstanding metal powder products,” said Shang. “LPW have a strong commitment to a partner strategy, ensuring that resellers are fully informed as to the technical specs of products as well as advising on process development, alloy development, and powder analysis that delivers unmatched value to customers. Without this type of partnership, new AM technologies would move far more slowly through the adoption cycle and would struggle to realise their business potential. We look forward to achieving customer successes by implementing LPW best practices of service and demonstrating the value that they can bring to our customers.”

How do you feel about the sudden and rapid growth of 3D printing in Asia? Give us your thoughts on the LPW Expands in Asia forum thread over on 3DPB.com.