Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

ADDITIVE manufacturing (AM), an emerging technology that constructs objects layer by layer, is helping businesses drastically cut costs and timelines.

While AM technically encompasses any process that builds up a product — such as molding — it is most commonly associated with 3D printing. Initially used for prototyping in the 1980s, AM has evolved significantly and, by the early 2000s, began producing functional end-use products.

A key event in the field, Formnext Asia Shenzhen, will return to the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center in Bao’an District from Aug. 26-28. Modeled after Germany’s Formnext Frankfurt, the annual expo debuted in 2021 and showcases the entire AM process chain — from pre-production to finishing solutions. Alongside AM equipment, the event brings together global suppliers of raw materials, post-processing technologies, inspection equipment, software, and services.

At a Tuesday press conference, organizers announced an 80% year-on-year increase in AM exhibitors, with leading brands like BLT, Farsoon, HBD, and HP confirmed to participate. New exhibitors from France, Germany, Singapore, Spain, and the U.S. will showcase their innovations, while buyer delegations from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore will attend.

Richard Li, chairman of Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co. Ltd., the event organizer, emphasized Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA)’s strategic role in the AM market. “We built this platform for industry leaders to present cutting-edge technology, connect with partners, and exchange research,” he said, adding that the expo aims to bridge local and international AM communities and foster an open, collaborative ecosystem.

China’s AM sector has grown at an average annual rate of 30% from 2015 to 2022, driven by industries like automotive, aerospace, and mold manufacturing. The market is projected to reach 63 billion yuan (US$8.8 billion) by year-end, creating vast opportunities for regional manufacturers and tech developers.

Edmond Lai, chief digital officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), revealed that the HKPC will debut a pavilion featuring advanced materials and emerging AM applications. “We’ll showcase key innovations from our HKPC-HP 3D Printing Technology Center, equipped with HP’s research-grade metal and polymer platforms,” he said. The HKPC will also offer support for businesses expanding globally, including guidance on international standards, product localization, IP management, and compliance.

The Hong Kong 3D Printing Association will host a pavilion with technologies from over 20 members and facilitate B2B matchmaking sessions, according to vice chairman Alex Ng.

Guangdong, home to 400 AM-related enterprises, is a hub for the technology, with cities specializing in different segments: Guangzhou in R&D and incubation, Shenzhen in high-end equipment and services, Dongguan and Foshan in large-scale production, and Zhongshan in custom medical devices.

Liu Yihua, chairman of the Guangdong Mechanical Engineering Society, credits this success to public-private collaboration, including government initiatives like a laser and AM industry cluster plan. The society will host a forum at Formnext, featuring 18 presentations on laser-based AM applications.

Other forums will cater to industries like EVs, 3C electronics, mold making, footwear, and 3D print farms. This September, Formnext will also organize an AM forum in Tokyo, Japan.