During Formnext 2024, I had the chance to meet dozens of AM companies from around the world and follow their progress and achievements over the past year. One standout was UnionTech3D, a global leader in developing polymer 3D printing solutions and, in recent years, a provider of metal AM systems as well. What makes this company unique in the AM market? I met the team at the show to learn more.
A True Pioneer in the Additive World
The 3D printing industry emerged in the early 1980s, with companies like 3D Systems, Stratasys, and EOS spearheading the development and commercialization of 3D printing technologies. By the year 2,000, fewer than a dozen AM companies existed globally, most originating in Europe and North America. That same year, UnionTech3D was established in Shanghai, China, with the goal of scaling SLA technology and offering professional, industrial 3D printing solutions.
Recognizing that the successful adoption of AM solutions depends on a deep understanding of customers’ needs and how AM integrates into design and manufacturing processes, UnionTech3D launched a 3D printing service division called Unionfab. This initiative not only created an additional revenue stream but also enabled the company to collaborate closely with customers in developing new applications across various industries.
UnionTech3D HQ and Unionfab facility in China. Image source: UnionTech3D.
Fast Forward to 2024
Over the years, UnionTech3D has successfully positioned itself as a leading AM solution provider, offering a comprehensive ecosystem that includes advanced 3D software, a diverse range of 3D printers, and a variety of materials. To date, the company has sold over 20,000 units worldwide to users across multiple industries—an impressive achievement!
Unionfab, the company’s 3D printing service division, has grown to become the leading 3D printing service provider in China, capturing a remarkable 60% share of the local market. With over 800 3D printers spanning various polymer and metal technologies, Unionfab serves more than 80,000 customers from 174 countries, producing over 2 million parts annually.
Together, UnionTech3D and Unionfab generate annual revenues exceeding $80 million, with the company consistently achieving significant year-over-year growth.
Uniontech3D at Formnext 2024
At Formnext 2024, UnionTech3D showcased its full product line, ranging from versatile 3D printers for general purposes to specialized solutions tailored to specific industries. These solutions were developed based on the company’s extensive experience working with thousands of customers through its 3D printing service division. As a result, every capability and feature reflect real-world customer needs and requirements.
At the booth, three main topics stood out, highlighting the uniqueness of UnionTech3D’s solutions: dedicated applications for the tire industry, impressive achievements in footwear, and large-scale capabilities.
Developing the Next Generation Tires
Faced with the need to push innovation forward, tire manufacturers sought ways to overcome the limitations of traditional design and manufacturing methods. Since tire patterns directly impact performance, designing and manufacturing tire molds remain among the most complex processes in the industry.
To address this challenge, UnionTech3D partnered with Lichond Mould Technology, a high-tech enterprise specializing in the design, research, manufacturing, and sales of tire molds. Together, they developed a customized digital 3D printing solution encompassing specialized 3D printing equipment, advanced materials, manufacturing process packages, post-processing solutions, and Tire ONE—a 3D printing cloud platform system tailored specifically for the tire mold industry.
After extensive joint development and implementation, UnionTech3D unveiled its tailored AM solution for the tire industry at Formnext 2024. The centerpiece was the new RA600 SLA 3D printer, which enables one-click intelligent printing while seamlessly handling data repair, pre-processing, and every stage of 3D printing. This innovation represents a significant step forward in tire mold design and manufacturing.
The RA600 SLA 3D printer for the tire industry. Image source: UnionTech3D.
Footwear Applications
In addition to the well-known advantage of 3D printing for prototyping new shoe designs, one of the fastest-growing applications is producing molds for final use. Instead of relying on CNC machining, UnionTech3D's polymer and metal AM technologies enable the direct 3D printing of shoe molds. These molds are created with materials specifically suited for the shoemaking process, ensuring high precision and superior surface finishes. This advancement significantly enhances efficiency in mold production, saving time and reducing costs.
The FL660 SLA 3D printer for the footwear industry. Image source: UnionTech3D.
By making the shoemaking process more cost-effective, automated, and efficient, UnionTech3D is driving a paradigm shift in an industry eager to adopt innovative technologies in design and manufacturing.
Large-scale SLA 3D printing
Large-scale SLA 3D printing offers dual capabilities: creating exceptionally large elements or enabling mass production of parts. Achieving high precision and superb surface quality in these contexts is a complex challenge that demands mature, reliable technology. Furthermore, the ability to easily switch between different types of resins is crucial, particularly when producing diverse elements for various applications.
UnionTech3D’s RSPro2100 stands out in this category, offering the ability to print elements up to two meters in size while maintaining exceptional accuracy and surface finish. This SLA system combines all the advantages of SLA technology with user-friendly operation and handling.
Applications for large-scale resin 3D printing include producing car dashboards and large props for the film and TV industries. In both cases, the process significantly reduces time and costs compared with traditional manufacturing methods or competing AM technologies.
Looking to the Future
As one of the leading polymer companies in the AM industry, UnionTech3D envisions maintaining its leadership as a comprehensive AM solution provider. To achieve this, the company plans to continue substantial investments in advancing its software capabilities, expanding its materials portfolio, and further developing its range of 3D printers.
What sets UnionTech3D apart is its commitment to optimizing advanced solutions for specific industries and applications. Additionally, the company’s ongoing success in the 3D printing service sector fuels its R&D efforts with valuable user insights, essential for developing next-generation solutions.
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