SLS Application Becomes the Growth Engine for the Prototyping industury: Major Firms Like Kohan, Superior 3D, and Shanghai Achwisdom Heavily Invest in Expansion
Source: NanjiXiong
The traditional hand model industry has long been mature, primarily dominated by CNC machining techniques. Over the past decade, however, SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing technology has been widely adopted, with many hand model factories equipping themselves with SLA devices—some even exceeding 500 machines—resulting in intense competition. Recently, a new trend has emerged as hand model factories are increasingly investing in SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printers, offering hand model printing services with high-performance materials suchas nylon.
As a laser-based additive manufacturing technique built on a powder bed, SLS works by fusing powder materials layer by layer with a high-energy laser. The technique’s main advantage is that it requires no support structures, enabling the efficient production of complex geometries and functional parts. With a broad range of materials, including polymers and metal powders, SLS technology holds significant promise in the hand model industry, particularly in scenarios requiring functional verification and small-batch production. Compared to traditional SLA and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technologies, SLS delivers higher precision and durability and can produce stronger parts, making it suitable for complex structures and high-performance applications. This versatility has led to the widespread use of SLS in producing hand models for industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices, and cultural and creative sectors—especially during product development phases that demand high material performance and complexity.
As the global share of polymer powder materials in the 3D printing market continues to rise, SLS technology has become an essential tool in manufacturing. Its ability to support rapid design iteration and lower production costs has propelled 3D printing from prototyping to small-batch production. TPM 3D, a seasoned domestic SLS company, has introduced novel technical solutions to the hand model industry, driving widespread application of SLS in the global market.
Fohan Tech: Entering SLS 3D Printing Services in 2018, Unlocking New Growth Potential
Established in 2008, Fohan Technology Co., Ltd. is a leader in the hand model industry, boasting over 800 3D printing devices and producing more than 20 million parts annually. It is one of the largest hand model enterprises in China and among the domestic firms with the most SLA equipment. The company first introduced SLS 3D printing equipment in 2018. Prior to this, it relied mainly on SLA and FDM technologies to meet customer demands for aesthetic components. However, with the automotive and consumer electronics sectors increasing their demand for functional parts, Kohon’s Chairman, Wen Binghua, quickly recognized the importance of SLS technology. He recalls, “In 2018, we decided to invest in SLS equipment as market demand was surging, especially in the automotive and consumer electronics fields.”
△Fohan installed TPM3D SLS industrial 3D printer
This decision allowed Kohon to stay ahead of market demand and unlocked a new growth avenue. In recent years, with the expansion of the polymer powder market, SLS technology has become a primary driver of Kohon’s business growth. The introduction of TPM’s SLS equipment enabled Kohon to make breakthroughs in hand model production, enhancing its competitive edge in rapid product iteration.
Nanjing Superior 3D: Focused on SLS, Achieving 50% Annual Growth
Since its inception, Nanjing Superior 3D Technology Co., Ltd. has focused exclusively on SLS printing technology. The company's General Manager, Mr. Wu Cao, shared that from 2019 to 2024, the company has maintained an annual growth rate of 50% and now possesses nearly 20 SLS machines. He highlighted various applications of SLS technology across different industries, including a notable case in the production of complex components for nuclear power plants. SLS printing effortlessly handles the intricate internal structure of such parts, which poses significant challenges for traditional manufacturing methods.
Mr. Wu stated, “SLS technology has enormous application potential across industries, particularly in manufacturing complex components. Moving forward, SLS will continue to evolve, further strengthening our collaboration with TPM.” Nanjing Superior 3D success reflects the rapid growth of domestic SLS technology and serves as a typical case of TPM equipment’s application in the hand model industry.
Shanghai Achwisdom information Tech: Precisely Seizing Market Opportunities in SLS
Founded in 2013, Shanghai Achwisdom information Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in industrial-grade 3D printing services. In recent years, Ruixian Technology has significantly enhanced its competitiveness in the hand model market by introducing TPM’s SLS equipment. The company’s General Manager, Mr. Shi Yadong, shared, “In 2016, we made our first purchase of TPM’s SLS equipment. With growing market demand, the SLS process has gradually become our second growth curve, accounting for nearly 70% of our business.”
Achwisdom’s success story illustrates how SLS 3D printing technology is gradually replacing traditional manufacturing methods in the hand model industry and has become a core driver of company growth. Mr. Shi believes that SLS technology has vast application prospects, and the company is well-prepared for future market expansion.
TPM3D: Advancing the Application of SLS Technology Across Industries
As a long-standing domestic leader in SLS 3D printing since its establishment in 1999, TPM 3D has consistently focused on the development and promotion of SLS technology over the past two decades. In 2007, TPM introduced the first domestically developed SLS device in Asia, bridging a significant technology gap. Since then, TPM has continuously invested in R&D, pushing advancements in material selection, print accuracy, and production efficiency. In 2014, the company received investment from industry giant Stratasys and formed a joint venture. In 2022, TPM successfully developed and delivered two large-format SLS printing systems and, in 2023, launched an economical industrial-grade SLS system. TPM not only provides domestic companies with efficient SLS equipment but also serves hand model manufacturers worldwide through its global expansion. TPM’s products are widely used in multiple industries, including industrial, consumer goods, medical, and cultural and creative sectors, meeting the rapidly growing market demand.
For three consecutive years, polymer powder materials have surpassed photosensitive resin in global market share within the 3D printing materials market, demonstrating SLS technology’s dominant position. SLS can quickly respond to market demands for functional parts and complex structures and enables batch production, driving 3D printing from prototyping toward final product manufacturing.
Conclusion
Through the experiences of them, it is evident that SLS 3D printing technology has not only improved production efficiency in hand model factories but also opened up new growth opportunities. With the growing market demand for complex functional components, even in end-use part scenarios, SLS 3D printing technology is likely to experience renewed growth opportunities in the coming years.
