Sangmin "Simon" Lee
Zhejiang’s Strategic Push in Advanced Manufacturing: 2027 Vision
On December 3, 2024, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Economics and Informatization unveiled an implementation plan aimed at high-quality development in the industrial machinery sector by 2027. This initiative spans…
Asian Manufacturing at Formnext 2024: 3D Printing Evolution and Impact
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…
Sun Metalon Secures $21M to Accelerate Circular Economy in Metal Manufacturing
In a significant development for the metal manufacturing and 3D printing industries, Japanese-American startup Sun Metalon has successfully closed a $21 million Series A funding round. This latest investment marks…
Redefining Manufacturing in Asia: Embracing Personalization and the Long Tail
Asia stands at a pivotal crossroads in the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing. Long renowned as the world’s factory, the region now faces the challenge of adapting to an increasingly…
Navigating China’s 3D Printing Industry in 2024
China’s 2024 economic landscape presents a complex matrix of challenges and opportunities, deeply influenced by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory adjustments, and the global economic environment. Amid these…
Startup Accelerator: FITme Revolutionizes Cosmetic Surgery with 3D Printing
In additive manufacturing (AM), the personalized medical implant market is burgeoning, presenting an unprecedented opportunity within the aesthetic sector. This niche is ripe for disruption, with 3D printing offering tailored…
Solize Debuts on the Tokyo Stock Exchange: A Milestone for Japan’s 3D Printing Industry
In the dynamic landscape of Japan’s engineering and manufacturing sectors, Solize Corporation has emerged as a beacon of innovation, particularly in the realm of 3D printing technologies. On February 7,…
Startup Accelerator: Pioneering Digital Dentistry at LuxCreo
As we enter 2024, I am excited to commence a fascinating journey of exploring the stories of innovative startups in the additive manufacturing (AM) field through exclusive interviews. With a…
The AI Transformation in Additive Manufacturing
In our previous article, “Amplifying Additive Manufacturing with Artificial Intelligence,” we delved into the synergy between artificial intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing (AM). We highlighted AI’s role in driving design…
The Rise of 3D Printing in South Korea
South Korea has been steadily increasing its involvement in additive manufacturing (AM), particularly in the post-2010s, with the government’s “Manufacturing Innovation 3.0” strategy placing AM at the forefront. This initiative,…
The Asian Equation: AM Evolution Over Revolution
The Paradox of Progress in Asian Additive Manufacturing The additive manufacturing (AM) landscape in Asia presents a unique paradox. Despite being home to some of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs,…
Nanjixiong Launches ¥200M Fund for Chinese 3D Printing Startups
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…
Amplifying Additive Manufacturing with Artificial Intelligence
Additive manufacturing (AM) continues to evolve in the dynamic manufacturing landscape, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven to be transformative. Both have independently made waves, redefining what’s possible in…
3D Printing in India: Tracing the Journey and Envisioning the Future
Although countries like the US, Germany, and China have extensively adopted additive manufacturing (AM), India has been slower to do so. Nonetheless, the potential of AM to propel socio-economic growth…
The Current Market Landscape of Metal 3D Printing in Japan
Japan’s metal additive manufacturing (AM) sector is at a crossroads, caught between a ‘wait-and-see’ approach and the potential for widespread adoption. This article is the second in a series that…
The History of 3D Printing in Japan
Japan has long held a leading position in global manufacturing and is celebrated for its unparalleled quality control and cutting-edge technologies. Although its achievements in traditional manufacturing are widely acknowledged,…
The Evolution and Global Influence of NTT DATA XAM Technologies in Japan
In Japan’s fast-paced world of additive manufacturing (AM), NTT DATA XAM Technologies (XAM) emerges as a beacon of innovation and quality. With a history of over four decades and a…
Entering Asia with Your 3D Printing Business
Asia, a diverse and dynamic market, has emerged as a fertile ground for additive manufacturing (AM). With a market size that continues to expand, the region offers unparalleled opportunities for…
Why 3D Printing? Human Needs and Industrial Transformation
I sometimes find myself more intrigued by “know-why” than “know-how.” As a believer in the burgeoning role of additive manufacturing (AM) in future production, I’ve spent time exploring ‘how’—how to…
Analyzing True Sustainability in 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the production landscape, enabling unprecedented levels of customization and complex design. However, with its rise, the focus on sustainability within AM has become essential. This…
Farsoon Technologies: Transforming 3D Printing via Openness
In recent years, the additive manufacturing (AM) industry has seen significant advancements, with China emerging as one of the leading countries in the global AM sector. One company at the…
Funding for China’s 3D Printing Sector Grows Amid Global Uncertainty
As things return to a state of semi-normalcy from COVID-19, we are experiencing a contraction in market liquidity. We witnessed excessive currency issuance during the pandemic and several SPAC mergers…
BLT: A Pioneering Force in Chinese Metal 3D Printing
In the rapidly evolving landscape of additive manufacturing (AM), Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd. (BLT) has emerged as a trailblazer, offering comprehensive solutions for metal additive manufacturing technology. Established…
Why We Need to Reexamine the Chinese 3D Printing Market Now
The Chinese additive manufacturing (AM) market has emerged as a formidable force in the global 3D printing industry, witnessing exponential growth and remarkable success stories in the past decade. Today,…