The southern Chinese city of Changsha launched an industrial park which poised to play a key role in the growth of Chinese technology. The development is China's first hub for 3D printing technology, and was established with an immediate goal to produce 100 3D printers, and to triple the number of devices by 2016. Taking Changsha's lead, the cities of Wuhan and Zhuhai have announced plans to develop similar industry hubs. Other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also focusing on this fast-growing technology.
As 3D printing becomes increasingly accessible and affordable to consumers, the technology is making it possible for products to quickly reach the market with less labor-intensive production required. But these benefits are also a cause for concern. As 3D printing allows for the quick and easy copying of products, it is, in turn, presenting fresh challenges for regulators that have yet to adapt to the technology and companies seeking to protect their intellectual property (IP). Once prohibitively expensive, the technology that makes 3D printing possible has evolved substantially.
China lags behind other countries in the research and development of 3D printers for industrial or biological use. "Our advantage is that 3D printing has attracted attention and participation of domestic enterprises," said Luo Jun, executive chairman of the Chinese 3D industry alliance China is at an important period of upgrading traditional industries, which provides opportunities for 3D printing technology, he added. 3D printing is limited in its application market and materials, said Luo. "It still has a long way to go."
