On March 19, the eleventh edition of TCT Asia 2025 closed its doors at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. With more than 450 exhibitors and after three days of intense activity in halls 7.1 and 8.1, the trade show reaffirmed its position as one of the most important in additive manufacturing in Asia, reflecting a clear growth of Chinese companies in the 3D printing sector. Through its various exhibitors, thematic areas and conference program, the event highlighted key industry trends and China’s increasingly important role in additive manufacturing.
Hundreds of 3D printing companies, both solution manufacturers and manufacturing services, were present at this latest edition of TCT Asia. Some of the most recognized brands showed their latest developments to the thousands of attendees who came to the event. However, the absence of some of the most popular Chinese brands in the sector, such as Bambu Lab or Anycubic, was striking. Although they were present through distributors, the truth is that none of them had their own stand. This is especially notable considering Bambu Lab will be releasing its H2D printer on March 25.
What Did We See at the Eleventh Edition of TCT Asia?
To facilitate the visitors’ experience and highlight the different applications of 3D printing, the trade show was divided into several defined zones. Specifically, we found an entire area dedicated to metals, with companies dedicated to this material family compatible with different additive manufacturing technologies. Additionally, there was an area dedicated to non-metals, including polymers, resins and advanced composites, where innovations in more resistant, sustainable and optimized materials for high-speed printing were presented.
The Enabling Process Area consisted of a key area where ancillary processes in additive manufacturing, such as post-processing, quality inspection and optimization software, are encompassed. This focus showed the growing importance of automation and efficiency in 3D printed production. There was also an area for service providers, from prototyping to mass production, showing how additive manufacturing is becoming a viable alternative to traditional methods. Finally, the 3D Genius Hub, a corner more oriented to makers, startups and experimental projects, where we saw creative 3D printing applications in various sectors.
TCT Asia 2025 Highlights Boom in Metal 3D Printing
One of the most notable aspects of TCT Asia 2025 was the clear presence of metal at the event. Major companies such as BLT, LIM Laser, Farsoon, HBD, Eplus3D and UnionTech, among others, occupied some of the most eye-catching booths, showcasing innovative metal 3D printing solutions. This growth is not purely coincidental. The truth is that the Chinese market is betting heavily on the industrialization of additive manufacturing, with increasingly advanced and accessible technologies.
Heat exchanger on display at LIM Laser’s booth (photo credits: 3Dnatives)
The presence of Asian players with large stands and demonstrations of high production capacity confirms a trend that had already been seen in previous events. Companies such as Farsoon, which has expanded its portfolio of L-PBF machines, or BLT, with its large-format printers, are positioning themselves in the sector. This poses a direct challenge for European and North American manufacturers, who will have to find new strategies to compete in a market where China is gaining ground by leaps and bounds.
Promoting Adoption and Moving Toward a Promising Future
In addition to the exhibitors, TCT Asia 2025 offered a conference program with topics ranging from the adoption of AM to its application in sectors such as automotive, consumer goods and healthcare. Divided into three different stages (Main Stage, Tech Stage and TCT Introducing), the presentations made it clear that the global industry, and specifically Asia, is in a phase of slow consolidation, with a more pragmatic and mass-production oriented approach. 3D printing is no longer just a tool for prototyping, but a mature technology that is looking to be fully integrated into supply chains.
China is taking the lead in 3D printing, and specifically in metal processes, pushing technologies that challenge Western manufacturers. However, beyond the growth of the Chinese market, the big question remains: are we entering a stabilization phase or will we see a new disruptive leap in the industry? The answer will come as additive manufacturing continues to evolve and redefine production processes. What is certain is that TCT Asia has established itself as a key event in the global 3D printing calendar, and future editions will be crucial to seeing where this sector is heading.
Example of 3D scanning on display at the Insvision booth (photo credits: 3Dnatives)
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*Cover Photo Credits: 3Dnatives