Additive manufacturing is experiencing massive growth as one of the key technologies needed for the world to move towards digitalization and Industry 4.0. Despite an increasingly complex global financial context for many industries nowadays, additive manufacturing, which allows parts to be produced directly from a CAD file, is proving to be an attractive option in an environment requiring more and more flexibility and wherein users are working to reduce costs resulting from onerous and unsustainable transportation.
Indeed, a recent report by AMPOWER valued the metal AM market at $3.4B in 2024, with projected double-digit growth, a CARG of 18.5%, and an estimated value of about 8 billion by 2029 that is spread over various geographic markets. These forecasts show America leading the way by 2029, followed by Europe and Asia, which only narrowly comes in after the European market.
Photo Credits: AMPOWER
All this means that the growing global expansion of the Asian 3D printing market and companies should come as no surprise to those in the AM industry. Among them, ZRapid, a Chinese industrial 3D printer manufacturer, is actively expanding its global presence especially in the SLM market, with a focus on Europe and East Asia. We wanted to learn more about the company’s strategy and learn more about its flagship iSLM range of 3D printers.
ZRapid Targets Expansion Into Europe and East Asia
Founded in 2011, ZRapid is one of the leading manufacturers of industrial 3D printing systems in China. The company has more than 5,500 industrial 3D printers installed in China – primarily metal (SLM/LPBF) and SLA – as well as installations in 40 other countries. It is now expanding its presence in Europe, offering local support through a network of partners and a product range tailored to local needs. Outside Europe, ZRapid has also already established itself in the markets of Japan and South Korea.
Currently, the company is actively investing in research and development and new production facilities to achieve high-quality, cost-effective products, help scale up production and deliver clever, innovative design. This includes a growing focus on robotics and artificial intelligence for next generation additive manufacturing.
ZRapid’s iSLM Range of Metal 3D Printers
In its expansion, ZRapid is putting special emphasis on its iSLM range of 3D printers. According to the manufacturer, these SLM machines are designed for seamless, automated operation. ZRapid notes that the iSLM 3D printing solutions are industrial-grade and, thanks to their low prices, affordable even for SMEs. But what are the features of the solutions in ZRapid’s iSLM series?
The iSLM range consists mainly of four machines that differ from each other in terms of print volume: iSLM160 (160mmx160mmx210mm); iSLM280 (280mmx280mmx400mm); iSLM350D (350mmx350mmx500mm); and iSLM420D (420mmx420mmx500mm). The machines are available in various configurations (e.g., number and brand of lasers, etc.) as needed and feature an open material system.
In addition to these, the iSLM600QN has been optimized for automated industrial production of large parts, with a build volume of 600 mm x 600 mm x (600-1,300 mm), which can be configured with four, six, eight or ten lasers to meet high productivity requirements. Finally, an upcoming new product, the iSLM250DH, will feature a dual high-temperature heating system for optimal processing of high-performance alloys such as tungsten and tool steels.
Among other noteworthy solutions, ZRapid offers the iSLM80P, which, according to the manufacturer, stands out for its accuracy (5-25μm) and surface quality, and for the fact that less support is needed while printing. This machine showcases the ability offered by metal 3D printing to produce small, complex, high-precision parts that are ideal for advanced industrial applications. Examples of possible applications include microfluidics, precision engine components for aerospace, microsurgical instruments and implants for the biomedical sector, microcoils and sensors for electronics, or precision molds with complex cooling channels.
Applications for the iSLM Industrial Metal 3D Printers
Metal 3D printing is currently used in industries as varied as research, automotive, aerospace, medical and beyond. Not to mention, ZRapid seems to be determined to reach even more sectors. How? By offering great flexibility and customization in its solutions.
The iSLM160, for example, equipped with the BVR module (which reduces build volume to D50x50), is particularly suitable for material research. It is a solution designed for research institutes and universities to test new powders or printing parameters for new materials, while offering the ability to use the printer for actual production later.
As mentioned, ZRapid’s solutions are now available in Europe, specifically under the ZRapid Europe and ANiMA brands, based in Greece. The company offers on-site support and has a warehouse and demonstration center in Athens. You can find more information on ZRapid’s SLM 3D printing solutions HERE.
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*All Photo Credits (unless otherwise stated): ZRapid