3D Printing Reaches Mass Production Inflection Point as Apple Adopts Technology for iPhones
Multiple Chinese securities firms report that 3D printing has entered mass production, driven by AI tools, falling titanium powder costs (from 3,000 yuan/kg to ~200 yuan/kg), and adoption by Apple for foldable iPhone hinges and Apple Watch cases. China's market is forecast to reach 700-862 billion yuan by 2025-2026. Equipment and services account for over 70% of industry value.
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AI Drives 3D Printing Breakout as Apple, Aerospace Adopt Mass Production
This analysis from Guolonghui Research argues that 3D printing is transitioning from a niche prototyping tool to a mainstream manufacturing infrastructure, driven primarily by generative AI. AI tools like Tencent Hunyuan3D and Tripo AI now allow users to generate printable 3D models from text or images, lowering the modeling barrier that previously limited adoption. On the demand side, Apple is using 3D printing for foldable iPhone titanium hinge covers, while commercial aerospace firms like LandSpace and Galactic Energy adopt it for rocket thrust chambers, cutting costs by 15-70% and production time by over 60%. Guolian Securities forecasts China's 3D printing market will reach 862 billion yuan in 2026, up 23.1% year-on-year. The report notes a business model shift from one-time equipment sales to recurring revenue from services, consumables, and subscriptions. In the consumer segment, global entry-level 3D printer shipments rose 39% year-on-year in Q1 2026. The analysis identifies three investment themes: leading equipment makers (Bambu Lab, Bright Laser Technologies, Farsoon Technologies), upstream materials and components suppliers benefiting from industry growth, and vertical-specific printing service providers in consumer electronics and aerospace. Risks include slower application adoption, technology iteration, price competition, and raw material price fluctuations.
Sinolink Securities: 3C Market Penetration Triggers Inflection Point for 3D Printing Industrialization
Sinolink Securities published a research report stating that the 3D printing industry is transitioning from a 'black technology' to a 'default option in the supply chain,' with increasing penetration in the 3C (consumer electronics) and commercial aerospace sectors. The firm maintains a 'buy' investment rating for the 3D printing industry, favoring equipment and service providers such as Huagao (688433.SH), Bright Laser Technologies (688333.SH), and Han's Laser (002008.SZ). Key drivers include technological, material, and supply chain advancements, notably a reduction in titanium powder costs from 3,000 yuan/kg to around 200 yuan/kg. The report identifies a penetration inflection point in consumer electronics, citing Apple's use of 3D-printed titanium components in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo. Commercial aerospace is also scaling up, while humanoid robots and medical implants offer long-term growth. The report notes that printing services (48.3%) and equipment (25.6%) together account for over 70% of the industry's value chain. Risks include slower-than-expected downstream adoption, technological substitution, competition, and supply chain issues.
Read sourceGuojin Securities: 3D Printing Enters Mass Production, Sees Equipment and Services as Dual Engines
Guojin Securities research indicates that 3D printing has entered mass production, with titanium powder costs dropping from 3,000 yuan/kg to approximately 200 yuan. The firm forecasts China's domestic market size will reach about 700 billion yuan by 2025, with full supply chain localization completed. Key inflection points include consumer electronics, where Apple's foldable screen hinge is adopting 3D printing, potentially driving penetration into core components like mid-frames; commercial aerospace with batch adoption of thrust chambers; and long-term potential from humanoid robots and medical implants. Equipment and services together account for over 70% of the industry value chain, with a 'selling results' model that ties to downstream production volumes and creates high barriers. Guojin Securities is bullish on the equipment and services dual-engine model. Risks include slower-than-expected downstream volume growth, technology iteration and process substitution, intensifying competition, raw material and core component supply issues, and overseas expansion and geopolitical policy risks.
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3D Printing Industry Research: 3C Market Penetration Rise Triggers Industrialization Inflection Point
A research report from Guojin Securities argues that the 3D printing industry is experiencing rapid development due to a confluence of advances in technology, materials, and the supply chain. The report highlights that the penetration of 3D printing in consumer electronics (3C) and commercial aerospace is accelerating, marking an inflection point for industrialization. Key catalysts include Apple's adoption of 3D-printed titanium components for the Apple Watch Ultra and the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo, which the report says signals official supply chain recognition of additive manufacturing. In commercial aerospace, 3D printing is being used for rocket engine parts to meet cost-reduction needs for reusable rockets. The report forecasts China's 3D printing market will reach approximately 700 billion yuan in 2025. It recommends a 'buy' rating and favors equipment and service providers such as Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), Farsoon Technologies, and Han's Laser, while also noting risks including slower-than-expected adoption, technological substitution, and supply chain issues.
Read source3D Printing Industry Research: 3C Market Penetration Triggers Industrialization Inflection Point
A research report from Guojin Securities analyzes the rapid development of the 3D printing industry, citing a confluence of advancements in technology, materials, and the supply chain. The report notes that the price of imported titanium powder has dropped from 3,000 yuan per kg in 2018 to around 200 yuan per kg due to process improvements. It forecasts China's 3D printing market will reach approximately 700 billion yuan in 2025, with full localization of the supply chain. The report identifies consumer electronics and commercial aerospace as key sectors driving initial volume growth, citing Apple's use of 3D printing for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 titanium case and the upcoming iPhone Duo's 100% recycled titanium hinge. It argues this represents a formal endorsement of additive manufacturing by Apple's supply chain. The report also sees long-term potential in humanoid robots and medical implants. It recommends a 'buy' rating for the industry, favoring equipment and service providers like Huake Gaoke, Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), and Han's Laser, and suggests monitoring machine vision company OPT.