The 3D printing industry is still in the early stage of development in China, with executives from Wuhan Golden Laser and Guangdong Silver Age Sci & Tech advocating joint development especially in the application of the 3D printing in industrial, medical and cultural areas.
The high costs of 3D printing machines was a hot topic at the event, with many visitors surprised to know that the machines cost around 9,000 yuan (US$1,450).
Replying to the price concerns, Luo Jun, secretary general of the World 3D Printing Alliance, said that the price of a 3D printer could fall below 3,000 yuan (US$480) in the next five years, but for now it is impossible for the price to fall to the level of a normal inkjet printer.
Luo projected the global scale of the 3D printing industry to surpass US$6 billion this year, with China’s revenues reaching US$600 million. By 2016, the global scale will break above US$10 billion, with China taking US$1.5 billion, he said.
Although many related companies joined the expo, including listed companies Golden Laser and Silver Age, they currently only offer a handful of 3D printing products, which still account for a very small portion of their revenues. … (Read more)
Source: WantChinaTimes.com