Core Insights - The 3D printing industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, transitioning from a niche hobbyist market to a more production-oriented sector, with a focus on speed and efficiency [1][2][3] - The company ChaoKuo has positioned itself as a leader in high-speed 3D printing, successfully developing machines that drastically reduce printing times and enhance productivity [3][4][5] Industry Evolution - Ten years ago, 3D printers were primarily seen as novelty items with limited capabilities, dominated by Western manufacturers until Chinese companies entered the market post-patent expiration around 2008 [1] - The industry faced a "green train" phase where products were slow and inefficient, limiting their use in actual production environments [1][2] - By 2025, the global consumer 3D printer shipment volume is expected to exceed 1 million units, marking a 22% year-on-year growth, while professional-grade printer shipments are declining [3][4] Company Strategy - ChaoKuo initially relied on low-cost kits but pivoted to focus on high-speed printing technology, which faced internal skepticism but ultimately proved successful [2][3] - The introduction of the SR series in 2020 marked a significant milestone, achieving speeds of 150 mm/s, followed by the V400 model reaching 600 mm/s in 2022, and the latest model, Xunyingguang S1 Pro, achieving 1200 mm/s in 2024 [2][3][4] - ChaoKuo's strategic emphasis on speed has allowed it to differentiate itself from competitors and establish a strong market presence [5] Market Demand - The demand for 3D printers has shifted from hobbyists to practical applications, with over 80% of devices now used as production tools [4] - The efficiency improvements have led to new business models, such as small-scale farms producing various items, significantly reducing production costs and time [4][5] - The cost of materials has decreased, further enhancing the economic viability of 3D printing for various applications [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and breakthroughs in the 3D printing industry, particularly focusing on a company named ChaoKuo, which has made significant advancements in printing speed and efficiency, positioning itself as a leader in the consumer-grade 3D printing market [4][5][6]. Industry Evolution - Ten years ago, 3D printers were primarily seen as novelty items with limited speed and precision, dominated by Western manufacturers like Stratasys, which held patents that restricted market entry for others [4]. - The expiration of patents around 2008 allowed Chinese manufacturers to enter the market, initially offering low-cost kits that required extensive assembly, resulting in slow production speeds [4][5]. Company Development - ChaoKuo was founded in 2015 by Shen Kang, who identified the potential for breakthroughs in a rapidly growing industry. Initially, the company relied on low-cost kits but later pivoted to focus on high-speed printing technology [5]. - In 2019, ChaoKuo developed its first high-speed prototype, and by 2020, it launched the SR series, achieving speeds of 150 mm/s, marking a significant milestone in the industry [5][6]. - The introduction of the V400 model in 2022 further increased printing speeds to 600 mm/s, leading to a new era in 3D printing efficiency [5][6]. Technological Advancements - By 2024, ChaoKuo released the Xunyingguang S1 Pro, which reached speeds of 1200 mm/s, becoming the fastest consumer-grade FDM 3D printer globally. This advancement reduced printing time for models from two hours to fifty minutes [6]. - The company is also set to launch the Zhuirizuo T1 Max in 2025, targeting agricultural production scenarios and significantly improving efficiency [6]. Market Dynamics - The global consumer-grade 3D printer market saw a 22% year-on-year increase in shipments in Q1 2025, surpassing 1 million units for the first time, while professional-grade printer shipments declined [6]. - In 2024, China exported 3.778 million 3D printers (excluding components), generating 8.16 billion yuan in revenue, a 32.75% increase year-on-year, with the majority being consumer-grade printers [6][7]. Changing Demand - The demand for 3D printers has shifted from hobbyists to practical applications, with over 80% of devices now used as tools rather than toys. This shift has led to the emergence of new business models and industries [7]. - The cost of materials has decreased significantly, enabling lower production costs and unlocking new possibilities for 3D printing applications [7]. Competitive Landscape - ChaoKuo is not the only player in the high-speed 3D printing market, but its early commitment to speed has differentiated it from competitors like TuoZhu and ChuangXiang SanWei, which have taken different approaches [7]. - The company’s focus on speed and efficiency has allowed it to establish a unique position in the market, transitioning from a hardware manufacturer to a technology-driven industry participant [7].