Asia's AM Sector Sees Private Rocket Launch, Major Investments
The latter half of July showcased significant advancements in Asia's additive manufacturing landscape, highlighted by India's inaugural private orbital launch utilizing 3D-printed engines and substantial financial backing for several companies.
India's Skyroot Aerospace achieved a milestone on July 18 with the successful orbital launch of its Vikram-1 rocket. This mission marked the first time a privately held Indian company reached orbit, carrying two CubeSats. The rocket's orbital stage is propelled by Skyroot's indigenously developed 3D-printed Raman engines.
In China, Chaozhuo Aviation Technology, a Shanghai-listed firm specializing in cold-spray additive manufacturing and aviation repair, is undergoing a significant ownership change. The founding family will transfer a 26.58% controlling stake to Shanghai Taiyang Technology for approximately US$140 million. Separately, HeyGears launched its G1 Series, described as the first desktop full-color 3D and UV printer, on Kickstarter, quickly surpassing US$7 million in funding within its initial days. This modular device combines full-color 3D printing with UV surface printing, starting at US$1,999.
Further developments include Xihe Additive, a Shenzhen-based developer of green-laser metal 3D printers, bringing its second-phase manufacturing plant online, aiming for an output of 50 machines monthly by the end of the third quarter. These systems are designed for high-reflectivity metals like copper. In Japan, defense-grade additive manufacturing provider MadeHere successfully delivered 3D-printed vehicle parts to the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) within a two-week timeframe, addressing a critical spare parts shortage.
South Korea's AM Solutions received the Korean Register's first certification for additive manufacturing repair technology on July 28, covering laser wire-directed energy deposition for metal structure restoration. This expands the approved use of AM beyond new part production to maintenance applications. In the consumer sector, Swiss running brand On expanded its Busan factory, significantly increasing its production capacity for 3D-printed shoes ahead of a new product launch.
This period highlights the maturation of additive manufacturing across diverse applications. India's private space launch underscores the critical role of AM in advanced propulsion systems, pushing the boundaries of aerospace. The focus on metal powder production, repair certifications, and localized defense supply chains signifies AM's growing impact on industrial resilience and critical infrastructure.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.