Hello everyone, I'm Lu Qi, a speaker at YiKe Talks, and I work as a 3D printing designer.
What Can 3D Printing Do?
Lu Qi
Beijing SCRAT3D Technology Co., Ltd.
Co-founder / 3D Printing Product Application Expert
Member of the Additive Manufacturing Alliance, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
Outstanding Scientific and Technological Worker of Beijing
Head of the Additive Manufacturing Project Working Group, Secretariat of Beijing Design Society
Guest Lecturer at Tsinghua University
Master's Supervisor at Northeast Forestry University
Winner of Prestigious International Design Awards (including iF, Red Dot, K-DESIGN, G-Mark, Red Star, Golden Pin)
I Create with "Light"
Hello everyone, I'm Lu Qi, a speaker at Moment talks, and a 3D printing designer.
After graduating from the Sculpture Department of Tsinghua University, I transitioned into digital design and began exploring the integration of "technology and art." In the blink of an eye, I've been exploring this field for eleven years.
As a woman and a cross-disciplinary designer, I infuse a unique sense of care between products and people into the fusion of "technology and art."
From being a traditional sculpture artisan to a 3D printing designer, I now create with "light." This "light" is the indispensable protagonist in the 3D printing process—the light source.
So, what can 3D printing do?
On October 1, 2019, during the National Day parade, the "Innovation-Driven" float designed by our team marked a historic moment. As one of the designers, I take great pride in this achievement. At the same time, as a professional in 3D printing, it was particularly fitting for me to apply 3D printing technology to this float, which represents "innovation."
The float consists of three sections, symbolizing land, air, and sea, respectively. These three aspects demonstrate China's scientific and technological innovation capabilities since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, featuring achievements such as the "Tianhe-2 Supercomputer," "Yutu-2 Rover," "BeiDou Navigation Satellite System," "Long March Series Rockets," "C919 Passenger Aircraft," "Haima Unmanned Remotely Operated Vehicle," and the "Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST)." All these technological elements are arranged around the "Fuxing Hao Bullet Train," symbolizing the revival and rise of China's technology. Multiple components of the float were manufactured using 3D printing, and we also leveraged the advantages of 3D printing technology for initial prototype validation during the design phase.
3D printing was considered a disruptive technology from the outset.
In the 1980s, Charles Hull was one of the earliest inventors to engage in commercial 3D printing manufacturing technology. He founded 3D Systems Corporation, focusing on the development of 3D printing. Due to its relevance to smart manufacturing and carbon emissions, countries around the world have placed great emphasis on 3D printing research and development. Over the following thirty years, China has become the world's second-largest market in the 3D printing industry after the United States, accounting for over 10.8% of the global market share. Many people have long heard of the term "3D printing," but it often seems intangible and distant from their daily lives.
To what extent has current 3D printing technology advanced, and in which fields can it be applied? In reality, it is already happening right around us.
Five Major Areas Impacting Human Lifestyles
Eating
3D-Printed Food
Food is the paramount necessity of the people. We can observe that 3D printing technology is already being applied to a variety of desserts, chocolates, cookies, and snacks. Particularly in recent years, driven by dietary principles emphasizing sustainability, health, safety, and efficiency, stacking deposition printing methods have been adopted by food retailers like Starbucks and KFC for functional foods such as artificial meat and plant-based beverages. This signals the rapid rise of innovative 3D-printed foods.
Many young people today have fitness and weight management needs. To cater to healthier diets while aligning with Chinese taste preferences, food engineers have developed 3D-printed foods that better suit local palates. Since Chinese dietary habits often center around carbohydrate-rich textures and cannot be entirely constrained by light meals, 3D printing has proven highly functional in this context. It simulates the mouthfeel of carbohydrates using plant-based ingredients and proteins, maintaining healthy, organic compositions while creating unique shapes.
Several food printing companies have emerged as unicorns in the industry. For instance, China’s MOODLES uses 3D printing technology to offer “super staples” tailored for different needs such as muscle building, fat reduction, sugar control, and child nutrition. Spain’s Novameat has created a 3D-printed plant-based steak, with its blue color derived from phycocyanin. Israel’s MeaTech currently leads the market in 3D-printed animal and plant-based meat products.
Wearing
3D-Printed Apparel
3D printing has truly shone in the realm of "wearing," benefiting from its diverse forms and wide range of materials.
The visionary designer Iris van Herpen combines traditional sewing techniques with rapid prototyping. She cuts plastic materials into strips, uses the "3D laser sintering" process from mechanical engineering to create three-dimensional effects, and then adds hand-stitching. When haute couture meets high technology, the collision of classical art and futuristic innovation is truly remarkable.
Today, many cutting-edge designers and trendy fashion brands have begun venturing into the field of 3D-printed footwear. Whether at Paris Fashion Week or the World Footwear Museum, the presence of 3D-printed shoes is increasingly evident.
It all started with Nike's exclusive 3D-printed soccer shoes, bags, and accessories designed for Ronaldo, Neymar, and Rooney for the 2014 World Cup. This soccer collection utilized 3D printing for mass-producing components such as shoe soles, uppers, and bag bodies. The studs on these soccer shoes feature a highly unique design: by capturing biomechanical data from various movement angles, the placement and orientation of the studs were optimized using parametric modeling technology to create a digital model, which was then manufactured via 3D printing. The resulting soccer collection can be considered entirely custom-made.
Another example is Adidas. The German sportswear giant has been a pioneer in 3D-printed footwear. It has successfully revolutionized shoe manufacturing, as evidenced by the successful launch of product lines such as Futurecraft 4D, AlphaEdge 4D, and 4D Run 1.0 in recent years.
We've been focusing on adult shoes, so now let's talk about a baby's first pair of shoes—infant toddler walkers. Songshu Beibei has introduced innovations in this area. The 3D-printed lattice structure of the sole provides a noise-reducing effect, while ensuring breathability from the sole to the upper. The strategically arranged lattice pattern prevents sharp objects from piercing through. Additionally, the design offers extensive support around the sole, heel, and instep to stabilize foot bones and protect against impact injuries.
Beyond footwear, many items such as sports backpacks, knee and ankle braces, and protective helmets are also being produced using 3D printing.
For example, the climbing helmets by Kailas focus on weight reduction and improved ventilation. Their inner liners utilize multi-layer lattice structures, which not only differentiate the product visually but also enhance its functional performance.
Additionally, at the recently concluded Beijing International Film Festival, numerous props for films like Moon Man and Warriors of Future were created using 3D printing. In the movie Once Upon a Time, the armor worn by leads Liu Yifei and Yang Yang, as well as props like swords and the Soul-Gathering Lamp, were all produced with 3D printing technology. The intricate, hollowed-out armor pieces achieved through this method were both exquisitely detailed and richly textured.
I was honored to be involved in the production of 3D-printed props for the film. Once Upon a Time was shot in 2015, when 3D printing materials were still limited to rigid nylon. To achieve the intricate three-dimensional aesthetic, the physical props ended up being quite heavy, which made it rather challenging for the actors. By 2017, flexible materials like TPU had become available for 3D printing. This allowed for larger and more elaborate armor designs that could cover more of the body while enabling greater creative expression.
Now, in 2022, with the advent of 3D-printed fabrics, even lighter and more vibrantly colored costumes are being used not only in film but also in high-end fashion.
Housing
3D-Printed Dwellings
In the field of architecture, extensive research and application of 3D-printed buildings are being carried out both domestically and internationally. Not only can houses be printed on Earth, but personnel from the Chinese Academy of Sciences involved in the lunar exploration project have also revealed that China plans to adapt 3D printing technology to construct a lunar base.
In the Czech Republic, 3D-printed houses are designed with the concept of portability—they can be freely relocated to rural or urban areas, or even placed on water by mounting them on a floating base. Additionally, a community consisting of 52 such houses represents the largest 3D-printed affordable housing project in Africa.
During the 2022 Beijing-Zhangjiakou Winter Olympics, athletes from around the world participated in the events. In the Zhangjiakou competition zone, a concrete 3D-printed rural house was constructed. This project, led by Professor Xu Weiguo and his team from Tsinghua University, has now become a popular check-in “attraction,” receiving numerous visitors every day.
Beyond the printing of structural building exteriors, interior soft furnishings are also flourishing with diverse innovations, further reflecting homeowners' unique artistic tastes.
In the field of furniture, many renowned designers and teams are fully dedicated to integrating 3D printing with art, design, craftsmanship, and sustainability to create astonishing furniture pieces. For instance, the Spanish design company Nagami has developed uniquely shaped 3D-printed chairs.
Use
On 3D-Printed "Utility"
Everything can be printed—all products can be reimagined and upgraded through 3D printing.
Imagine the future: from the moment we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night, every product around us could be created using 3D printing. What would such a world look like?
We live in a 3D-printed house, waking up each morning on a mattress and pillow customized to our body's unique skeletal structure. We slip into noise-reducing 3D-printed slippers and use 3D-printed breakfast makers and coffee machines to prepare our pre-set morning meals. At the洗漱台, we pick up personalized 3D-printed toothbrushes or razors to freshen up for the day. Then we carry breathable 3D-printed backpacks and wear 3D-printed shoes as we begin our daily work. When fatigue sets in, we relax our muscles with 3D-printed massagers. In the evening, 3D-printed night lights provide gentle illumination as we browse through 3D-printed gadgets on our phones. This complete daily routine represents the ultimate expression of personalized and customized living.
While this may have once been just an idea, many of these products have already become a reality today.
The 3D-printed razor is a real-world consumer product application. The entire handle is completely produced using 3D printing and stereolithography technology. A single print plate can yield dozens of razor handles at once. Breakthroughs have also been made in material performance, with the product demonstrating high-grade reliability in tests for water resistance, antibacterial properties, thermal shock resistance, and drop impact.
Take this foldable night light, for example. It's easy to pack when traveling, and you can even customize the surface pattern. Styles like this Chinese-inspired bedside lamp or small candle holder are also beautifully designed.
It is reported that Mercedes-Benz generates $1 billion in defective parts annually during production, with car wheels being the most significantly affected. As large metal components, these wheels have a considerable environmental impact. Against this backdrop, we collaborated with Mercedes-Benz on the LAB1886 project, aiming to contribute to the world through sustainable design solutions.
For instance, we created a rattan-wrapped coffee table by weaving natural vine around a repurposed wheel hub, secured with a custom frame. To ensure authentic craftsmanship, we traveled to Huaizhou Town in Sichuan's Chongzhou region to study local techniques and facilitate project implementation. We also transformed wheels into floor-standing Bluetooth speakers, designed to blend into home environments for long-term use. Several elements integrated 3D printing—such as the speaker's front grille metal strips, which feature a 3D-printed electroplated finish.
The final products were exhibited at Mercedes-Benz's headquarters in Germany and received widespread acclaim. Most importantly, as designers, we were able to make a tangible contribution to our planet through this initiative.
In the cultural and creative sector, 3D printing is also involved in the restoration of cultural relics and the creation of products related to intangible cultural heritage.
This was a previous collaboration between myself and Zhang Lijun, a inheritor of Beijing-style paper-cutting, an intangible cultural heritage art. We transformed the two-dimensional art of paper-cutting into a three-dimensional form. It was crafted into a piece of jewelry for women to wear daily, aiming to pass this intangible cultural heritage on to younger generations and revitalize the vitality of traditional art.
Another innovative project involves a series of trendy lattice-armored action figures. Unlike conventional commercial collectibles, these pieces feature a breakthrough in structural design. The hollow lattice framework gives the characters a unique visual identity, resulting in a more technological and futuristic appearance—as if bringing sci-fi concepts into reality.
In addition to the mecha warrior series, we have previously developed IP-based collectibles for clients such as Little Swan and MeLike. 3D printing was utilized for rapid prototyping, significantly accelerating the product development process.
We also place strong emphasis on applications in the health sector.
With over 200 million people in China experiencing cervical spine issues to varying degrees, the 3D-printed massage pillow introduces innovative parametric design in its massage nodes. Compared to traditional massage pillows, it provides more targeted acupressure stimulation for better relaxation. Each small massage node features five contact points, and a single set contains eighty contacts in total, allowing for more precise stimulation of acupressure points and helping more people across the country address cervical spine problems.
Designers are increasingly focusing on consumer-grade 3D-printed products, recognizing that the future will see a growing number of products and categories incorporating 3D printing technology.
Beyond external therapeutic devices, the health sector is also exploring internal applications—many pharmaceutical companies are actively researching 3D-printed medications. 3D printing technology enables small-batch drug production by layering ink containing excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients to create finished pills. By adjusting printing parameters, it's possible to personalize drug dosage, combine multiple medications, control release profiles, and even customize flavor.
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals stands as the first and only FDA-approved commercial manufacturer of 3D-printed medicines. Their goal is to make medication easier to take while reducing the number of pills a patient requires. These tablets can carry up to 1000 mg of active ingredient and feature a porous structure that allows rapid dissolution upon ingestion, significantly improving ease of swallowing.
In the field of clear aligners, 3D printing technology is extensively utilized. During the treatment process, doctors use 3D printing to produce a full set of orthodontic models based on the patient’s customized correction plan. These models are then used to thermoform the entire series of clear aligners, enabling rapid prototyping and precise fitting.
In dental implant technology, we have also begun to adopt 3D-printed pure titanium implants and zirconia crowns. The entire procedure, whether for a single tooth or multiple teeth, is typically completed in three surgical stages. Leading companies in this field include Invisalign, MeLike, and AngelAlign.
Additionally, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can be treated using 3D-printed braces. The treatment process consists of three main steps: First, the patient’s torso is scanned using 3D scanning technology to create a digital model. Next, orthotists combine this model with X-ray images to design a customized scoliosis correction brace in the software. Finally, the brace is 3D printed based on the digital design. Thanks to the design freedom offered by 3D printing, the brace can incorporate customized lattice patterns, reducing weight, improving ventilation, and enhancing aesthetics. This approach minimizes the impact on the daily life of adolescents undergoing treatment.
According to recent scientific news, for the first time in history, a human has been successfully implanted with a 3D-printed ear made from the patient's own cells. This achievement is still in the experimental stage.
The 3D printing of human organs requires proprietary therapeutic-grade bio-inks and clinical-grade 3D printers. The printed ear must be sent to a hospital for surgical implantation by doctors. The news report states that in June of this year, the company 3DBio Therapeutics officially announced the successful integration of the 3D-printed ear into the patient's body. The company stated that this successful case lays the foundation for next-stage goals, including the treatment of nasal and spinal defects, breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, and even organ transplantation.
Additionally, the protection and care of animals have also benefited from 3D printing. Specialized organizations abroad, such as animal conservation associations, are using 3D printing to create customized prosthetics for injured animals, providing replacements for lost limbs.
When discussing health, we cannot overlook sports.
In this regard, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased the application of 3D printing in the field of sports.
This Swiss skiing equipment company utilizes AI to design prototypes and 3D printing to manufacture ski bindings. By leveraging optimization algorithms and large-scale customization, they provide unique, tailor-made products that meet the diverse and specific needs of consumers.
The skiing helmets used by the Chinese team were developed by a research team led by Associate Professor Li Nan from Dongguan University of Technology. By collecting data from each athlete and integrating 3D scanning, design, and printing technologies, the team created personalized helmets tailored to the specific needs of each competitor. The inner liner features a parametric lattice design, enhancing both comfort and safety for the athletes. These liners were produced using laser sintering 3D printing technology with TPU material.
Transportation
On 3D Printing in Mobility
3D printing is increasingly being applied in strategic national projects, including aerospace, maritime, and automotive sectors. The era of 3D-printed cars is no longer a distant concept—it is already becoming a reality around us.
In the future, each of us may be able to visit a 4S dealership or even print a car part at home in our desired color or specific design.
In April 2019, German automaker BMW launched a project aimed at using Additive Manufacturing (AM) for the continuous production of automotive components. That same year, Audi, Volkswagen, and even the Renault F1 team announced plans to expand the production of 3D-printed parts.
In China, the lightweight electric vehicle XEV-YOYO, developed by Hefei XEV Limited, became the world's first mass-produced electric car with both interior and exterior components manufactured using 3D printing technology.
In the aerospace sector, satellites, rockets, and other related fields heavily utilize 3D printing technology. This area is also a focal point of technological competition between China and the United States. Elon Musk’s SpaceX, for instance, relies on 3D-printed components for its rocket engines, making Musk a strong advocate of the technology.
The C919, China’s first large passenger aircraft with fully independent intellectual property rights, incorporates titanium alloy parts produced using metal 3D printing technology. This achievement was led by the team of Academician Wang Huaming. The use of 3D-printed components has effectively reduced the aircraft’s structural weight and extended its service life. Beyond civil aviation, Wang’s laser additive manufacturing technology has also contributed to the production of key load-bearing components for large domestic aircraft like the Y-20 and advanced fighter jets such as the J-15, playing an indispensable role in their development.
China's three aircraft carriers, the Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. Micro-intelligent machines equipped with 3D-printed "aircraft carrier" technology for environmental restoration have already been applied on China's three aircraft carriers.
The Chemical Biology Laboratory at Nanyang Technological University and the State Key Laboratory at Wuhan University of Technology have used 3D printing methods to create large-scale motors. The 3D-printed motor consists of a conical head and a tubular body.
Summary
After sharing so many cases, it’s clear that many products can be produced through the amazing technology of 3D printing, and many enthusiasts can handle DIY projects without issue. However, these are not necessarily ready for commercial use. Beyond the printing process itself, there is a series of post-processing techniques that require us, as professionals in the 3D printing field, to collaborate more with traditional manufacturers to integrate and refine the entire industry. This is a gradual process of development and improvement. Therefore, I’d like to remind everyone: "3D printing is not a cure-all; it has its own technical limitations. Additive manufacturing is a powerful complement to traditional manufacturing."
Understanding 3D Printing
I believe many viewers still think of 3D printing as merely the early FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) process, where high temperatures melt materials. In fact, over the past decade, 3D printing has seen significant upgrades in both equipment and materials. I hope today I can change some of the misconceptions everyone has about 3D printing!
3D printing first requires a three-dimensional model of the product. This can be achieved by converting physical objects into digital models through 3D scanning or by generating digital models using computer-aided design. Depending on the required materials, corresponding printing methods and equipment are used. The produced items can then be applied across various fields.
Among the three mainstream 3D printing technologies, the first is Fused Deposition Modeling, abbreviated as FDM. This technique operates similarly to the coiling method used in pottery-making, where material is deposited layer by layer, much like squeezing icing onto a cake, to gradually build up the final form.
FDM currently boasts the widest range of applicable materials. These include ceramics, metals, PLA (polylactic acid), cementitious mixtures for construction, specialized bio-inks for biological applications, and even food printing—all achievable through FDM technology.
The second mainstream 3D printing technology is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This process utilizes powdered materials such as nylon, glass fiber, TPU, and various metals. A high-temperature laser sinters or melts the powder layer by layer, gradually building up the final product.
Laser sintering is carried out in a powder-filled chamber. After several hours of cooling, workers retrieve the solid parts from a container resembling a flour bin. The advantage of SLS technology is that it does not require additional support structures, allowing complex geometries to be easily produced.
The third type is stereolithography, abbreviated as SLA. Due to differences in light sources, there are also technologies such as DLP and LCD. Their raw material is a liquid photosensitive resin. Resin materials also come in various compositions, including flexible, tough, or rigid types, as well as some bio-based materials. The liquid resin is cured layer by layer using ultraviolet light to build up the desired product.
Currently, it is widely used in the industrial design sector for creating industrial prototypes. Additionally, as we mentioned earlier, applications include dentistry, trendy collectibles and figurines, flexible helmet liners, shoes, bags, and many other consumer-grade products, most of which utilize stereolithography 3D printing technology.
【Advantages of 3D Printing】
It enables the creation of "metamaterials" with complex structures.
Manufacturing special structures can reduce weight, lower costs, and conserve the use of expensive materials.
It requires low initial investment for high-end manufacturing, as it eliminates the need for molds and allows for customized production of individual parts.
It has short processing cycles, enabling faster market response and accelerating product development progress.
Of course, compared to the centuries-long development history of traditional manufacturing, 3D printing's mere thirty years can only be considered the initial stage of the industry. Material options are still relatively limited, the surface precision of finished products often requires further post-processing, and compared to traditional assembly lines, the mass production speed of 3D printing is slower, with the cost per unit part generally being higher.
【The Future】
China Central Television's Finance and Economics Channel once reported that Academician Lu Bingheng, recognized as the father of 3D printing in China, stated: "3D printing technology creates a competitive edge for high-end manufacturing. While virtually anything can be 3D printed, it is essential to rationally utilize different manufacturing methods and leverage their respective strengths in our product production."
With the gradual advancement of 3D printing technology, material performance will continue to improve. Broader product applications are being developed to create what the public truly needs. As a co-founder of Beijing SCLATER, we firmly believe in the unique production capabilities of 3D printing. Combined with innovative structural model design, it can undoubtedly elevate both aesthetics and performance to new heights. We hope designers will create more outstanding 3D printed products!
At the same time, many Chinese manufacturing companies are actively adopting 3D printing technology to replace or enhance existing production methods, increase the level of intelligent manufacturing, and meet the government’s demands for the transformation and upgrading of "Made in China" products.
I am Lu Qi.
What can 3D printing do?
My answer is:
Every product can be reinvented with 3D printing!
3D printing can upgrade our quality of life!
