中国企业寻求全球合作伙伴关系 拓展3D打印技术

A wave of affordable 3D printing emerged on the scene several years ago. And since that time, many of the large companies touting the technology have seen their stocks rise dramatically while numerous startups have also entered the industry. It’s now a global phenomenon with Chinese companies and technologists eager to play a role.

It has the potential to transform manufacturing - whether that be for medicine, automotive parts or fashion.

The Beijing-headquartered 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance is bringing together experts from around the globe for the World 3D printing technology American Summit in San Francisco.

Annie Wang’s company Senvol has created an algorithm that advises manufactures whether it’s cost-effective to switch to 3D printing.

"Eight-percent of the time it may be more expensive to make it via 3D printing. Only a small fraction of parts should be made via 3D printing. But the parts that you find that you should make via 3D printing, could you save you millions of dollars," Wang said.

The key factors in the economics are the cost of 3D printing machines and the cost of the printing materials, which are different from traditional printing.

One company that’s positioned in all areas of the market is 3D systems, which makes both consumer and production level 3D printers as well as scanners and design software.

3D systems has also recently teamed with Google on project Ara, which seeks to print out modular phones composed of replaceable and upgradable parts.

"No one else has done this before where we’re building this complete system where components of the phone move through this machine are printed on demand based on what the customer has asked for in terms of color, in terms of function of that component. Printed on demand at high speeds. This is really a next generation step," said Tom Charro, vice president of Product Marketing, 3D Systems.

Right now, the United States and Germany are considered the leaders in 3D printing.

Drexel University professor Jack Zhou says in China support for 3D Printing from the government, industry and investors is all there, but that global partnerships would speed up the process.

"They need to learn from abroad. 3D printing is basically a new technology, needs a lot of new development, innovation. If China can catch on that part and then they develop their own technology, that would be very strong for them," Zhou said.

Zhou believes strides still need to be made in improving printing speed, reducing cost and simplifying design software before 3D Printing will move beyond prototyping and truly catch on with home users.