In July 2026, in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, the second-phase plant of Xihe Additive Technology was receiving equipment.
After production starts by the end of the month, the plant is expected to reach a monthly output of 50 machines by the third quarter. The company’s confidence comes from its parent firm, Gongda Laser, which has deep expertise in high‑power green fiber lasers.
Compared with traditional infrared lasers, copper, aluminum, and other highly reflective metals absorb green light much better. This reduces spatter during printing, improves forming stability, and boosts both precision and efficiency. These are exactly the breakthroughs needed in commercial spaceflight, advanced thermal management, and precision manufacturing. Currently, China has fewer than 10,000 metal 3D printing machines in operation, but that number is expected to exceed 50,000 within five years. The industry is on the verge of rapid expansion.
In Jiujiang, at Jinshi Additive Manufacturing’s workshop, printheads move layer by layer, quietly building products. The showroom is filled with examples from industrial molds, footwear, sculptures, and decorative art. Chief Engineer Zhong Gongfu noted that industrial‑grade sand printing and lost‑foam rapid casting have seen growth of over 60%, while large‑sized, irregular cultural and creative components have become a company specialty. He picked up a honeycomb‑structured shoe made entirely by 3D printing. “From materials to design. The sole and upper are printed as one piece—no cutting, sewing, or glue—and it’s very breathable,” he said. Launched last year, the shoe’s sales surged in the first half of this year.
From a mere prototyping tool to a full‑fledged production instrument, 3D printing is penetrating the very fabric of manufacturing. Li Fangzheng, of the Industry and Equipment Research Institute, observed: “As technology matures and costs fall, it is shifting from an option to a necessity.” Application scenarios worth over 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) are emerging, and the overall industry scale is moving toward 100 billion yuan (around $14 billion). From high‑end manufacturing to creative consumer goods, this technology is becoming an indispensable tool for more and more industries.
