On October 12–13, 2026, TPM3D hosted the second discussion meeting on two national standards for additive manufacturing at its manufacturing facility in Hefei, China. Organized by the National Technical Committee on Additive Manufacturing Standardization, the meeting brought together experts from relevant committee member organizations and the standards drafting working groups to review and refine the draft standards.
As a member organization of the National Technical Committee on Additive Manufacturing Standardization, TPM3D supports standardization efforts in the additive manufacturing industry. Hosting the meeting provided an opportunity for industry experts to exchange technical perspectives and advance the development of standards for polymer additive manufacturing.
Two National Standards Under Discussion
The meeting focused on two draft national standards:
- Additive Manufacturing of Polymers — Qualification Principles — Part Performance Classification
- Additive Manufacturing — Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Composite Powders for Powder Bed Fusion
Over the two-day meeting, participating experts reviewed the draft provisions in detail, exchanged views on key technical issues, and discussed the next steps in the standards development process.
The discussions addressed both the classification and qualification of polymer additive manufacturing parts and the specifications for PEEK and composite powders used in powder bed fusion. These topics are relevant to the development of consistent technical frameworks for polymer additive manufacturing materials and applications.
At the opening session, Xue Lian, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Technical Committee on Additive Manufacturing Standardization, introduced the participating experts and meeting agenda. Lucy Zhai, CEO of TPM3D, welcomed the attendees and introduced the company’s experience in selective laser sintering (SLS) and polymer additive manufacturing.
Experts Visit TPM3D’s Manufacturing Facility
During the meeting, participants toured TPM3D’s Hefei manufacturing facility, including its production workshop and application showroom. The visit offered an opportunity to learn about the manufacturing of industrial SLS 3D printers, polymer processing technologies, and applications across sectors including automotive, drones, medical rehabilitation, and cultural and creative products.
The visit also connected the standards discussions with industrial practice, providing participants with insight into the equipment, materials, and processes used in polymer SLS production.
Advancing PEEK 3D Printing with High-Temperature SLS
One draft standard focuses on PEEK and composite powders for powder bed fusion, a field closely related to TPM3D’s work in high-temperature SLS technology.
PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its mechanical strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. Processing it through SLS requires specialized equipment and precise control of printing conditions. TPM3D has developed capabilities across equipment, materials, and process optimization to support the processing of high-performance polymers.
The company’s high-temperature SLS portfolio includes the S320HT, which supports operating temperatures of up to 350°C, and compatible high-performance PEEK powders.
In 2026, TPM3D expanded its large-format PEEK processing capabilities with the X1100HT. With a build volume of 1,100 × 1,100 × 400 mm, the system enables large components, such as robot chest armor and air intake manifolds, to be produced in a single build.
The X1100HT has also been selected by several key institutions to support research into high-performance polymers and the development of advanced components, including those for aerospace applications.
Supporting the Standardization of Polymer Additive Manufacturing
National standards help establish common technical frameworks and support the consistent development and application of emerging manufacturing technologies. Their development benefits from collaboration among technical experts, standards organizations, equipment manufacturers, and material developers.
As a member organization of the National Technical Committee on Additive Manufacturing Standardization, TPM3D will continue to contribute its experience in SLS equipment, materials, and processing to relevant standardization initiatives, working with industry partners to support the standardized development and broader application of polymer additive manufacturing.
