从玩具到工具，3D打印迎来“iPhone时刻”

Core Viewpoint - The consumer-grade 3D printing market is experiencing a significant transformation, moving from a niche hobbyist tool to a mainstream creative platform, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer demands [6][12][30]. Market Dynamics - The production of 3D printing equipment has seen substantial growth, with a year-on-year increase of 44.9% in Q1, 60.7% in April, and 40% in May, surpassing growth rates of industrial robots (35.5%) and new energy vehicles (31.7%) [8]. - In the first eleven months of 2025, China exported 4.48 million 3D printers, marking a 29.6% increase, with over 99% being desktop models, establishing China as the largest producer of desktop 3D printers globally [9]. Demand Shift - The demand for 3D printers has shifted from functional manufacturing tools to new production tools that cater to personalized creative expression, as exemplified by the popularity of the "LABUBU" toy, which led consumers to turn to 3D printing for customization [12][15]. - The emergence of "3D printing farms" has facilitated small-batch, customized production, demonstrating the commercial viability and market demand for consumer-grade 3D printing [14][15]. Technological and Capital Drivers - Advances in generative AI have lowered the barrier to entry for 3D printing, allowing users to create models through simple text descriptions or images, significantly reducing the design cycle [17]. - The 3D printing sector has seen a surge in investment, with approximately 100 financing events in 2025, totaling around 8.4 billion yuan, a 115.4% increase year-on-year, indicating a historic turning point for the industry [20][22]. Future Landscape - The competition in the 3D printing industry is shifting from hardware specifications to ecosystem development, where companies must create a closed-loop ecosystem that integrates creativity, design, model sharing, material supply, and user interaction [26][29]. - Companies are transitioning from selling equipment to offering a comprehensive creative experience, which is expected to drive the adoption of 3D printing across various sectors, including consumer electronics, home decor, and personalized fashion [30][31].