China is witnessing rapid growth in the adoption of 3D printing technology, as it moves from industrial manufacturing into medical treatment, urban construction, and everyday cultural and creative applications. This expanding footprint is accelerating industrial upgrading, improving public services, and creating new opportunities across multiple sectors.
In the medical field, 3D printing is reshaping traditional treatment methods through greater precision and customization. At Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, dentists are now using ultra-thin zirconia veneers produced through advanced 3D printing techniques. These veneers measure only 80 micrometers in thickness, enabling minimal or even no tooth grinding during restoration and significantly reducing damage to natural enamel. By comparison, traditional mechanical processing methods could only achieve veneer thicknesses of around 300 micrometers.
This breakthrough was achieved through collaboration between medical institutions and high-tech manufacturers. BMF Precision Tech Inc. partnered with the hospital to develop 3D-printed dental veneers, a project supported under China’s national key research and development programs during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). After more than 1,000 experimental trials, the research team successfully produced ultra-thin veneers suitable for clinical use. Today, more than 100 dental hospitals and clinics across China have adopted the technology, and over 10,000 veneer units were exported overseas in 2025 alone. Beyond dentistry, 3D printing is also enabling innovations such as micro-scale magnetic robots for thrombosis treatment and customized drainage devices for glaucoma surgery, further expanding its role in healthcare.
Large-scale 3D printing is also transforming China’s construction sector. In Xiong’an New Area, a new cultural landmark known as Xiong’an Wings is being built using industrial 3D printers. Inspired by classical Chinese poetry depicting an egret in flight, the building features complex double-curved surfaces that would have been difficult to realize using conventional construction techniques. To achieve this design, the project employs thousands of 3D-printed components produced by robotic-arm printers operating both on-site and at off-site manufacturing bases.
These components are made from modified, recyclable plastic materials and are customized individually, with each piece differing in size and curvature. Selected as a national demonstration project under key R&D programs, Xiong’an Wings is scheduled for completion later this year and is expected to serve as a model for intelligent, green, and sustainable construction while enhancing public cultural life.
In the creative and cultural sector, 3D printing is opening new possibilities for artistic production and commercialization. In Jingdezhen, China’s historic porcelain capital, companies such as Micro Ceramic Technology (Jiangxi) Co., Ltd. are using 3D printing to produce ceramic fashion accessories, art pieces, and designer collectibles. Unlike traditional ceramic manufacturing, which requires molds and large minimum order quantities, 3D printing allows designers to directly turn digital concepts into physical products, enabling small-batch production and rapid market testing at lower cost.
The company also collaborates closely with universities and art academies, providing training, research support, and prototyping services. This integration of industry, education, and research is helping young designers become familiar with digital manufacturing tools early in their careers, expanding the application boundaries of ceramic art and design.
Across healthcare, construction, and creative industries, 3D printing is becoming an important driver of China’s transition toward high-quality, innovation-led development. By improving production efficiency, enabling complex designs, reducing material waste, and supporting personalized solutions, the technology is not only reshaping industries but also increasingly influencing daily life. As China continues to invest in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, 3D printing is expected to play an even more central role in economic growth and public welfare in the years ahead.
