Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
When Professor Yan Yongnian of Qinghua University, China's premier technical uni-
versity, studied in USA in the 80s, he came across 3D printing when browsing an industry
[iii]
fair catalogue
. He returned to Beijing in 1988 and began conducting research of this
new technology. He sat up a rapid prototyping center at Qinghua University. But things
progressed slowly: it was not until 1994 that they managed to get the first 3D printer in-
stalled at the center by help from a Hong Kong company. This company was also 3D Sys-
tem's agent in Hong Kong. Qinghua University and the Hong Kong company set up a joint
venture together: Beijing Yinhua Laser Rapid Prototypes Making and Mould Technology
Co., Ltd. This company is now called Beijing Tiertime Technology Co., Ltd and produces,
among other products, the inexpensive fused deposition modeling printer UP!, suited for
the “Makers” market overseas.
At the same time in Wuhan, Professor Wang Yungan of Huazhong University of Science
and Technology invented China's first 3D printer using Laminated Object Manufacturing
(LOM) technology with paper as process material. The company Wuhan Binhu Mechanical
& Electrical Co., Ltd. was established but the LOM machines did not have any commercial
[iv]
success initially
.
Yet another pioneer Professor Lu Bingheng of Xian Jiaotong University discovered 3D
printing as a visiting scholar in USA 1992. Two years later he sat up the Institute of
Advanced Manufacturing Technology focusing on additive manufacturing. Lu Bingheng
also raised capital for a company: Shaanxi Hengtong Intelligent Machine Co., Ltd. which
launched China's first stereolithography machine in 1997.
Recent 3D printing progress in China is connected to the aerospace industry. In January
2013 a team led by Wang Huaming from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronaut-
ics was awarded the prestigious State Technical Invention Award (
国家技术发明一等奖
)
for laser forming of titanium alloys. The technology is used in 3D printing titanium air-
[v]
plane parts with a LENS technique
.
The 3D printed parts are used in China's J15, J20
and J31 fighter planes. Xian Northwestern Polytechnical University is also involved in the
aerospace effort. The school hosts the State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing
which is headed by Professor Huang Weidong. This institution has produced a five meter
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long titanium alloy wing spar, the world's largest 3d printed aircraft part, so far
. The part
will be used in the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) C919 commercial
aircraft. This project is a high-profile attempt by China to catch up with Boeing and Airbus.
