Breakthrough 3D printer catches eye at Shanghai Expo

At the 22nd China International Foundry Expo in Shanghai, the 3DPTEK-J4000, a 4-meter sand 3D printer developed by Beijing 3D Printing Technology Co Ltd, or 3DPTEK, drew widespread attention for pushing the boundaries of industrial manufacturing.

The J4000 solves a long-standing challenge in producing giant castings such as ship engines and turbine housings. Traditionally, these molds required multiple sections to be built, aligned, and assembled — a time-consuming process prone to defects and high costs.

Leveraging container-free flexible zone forming technology, the J4000 can print 4-meter single-piece sand molds, reducing assembly and cutting delivery times by 50 to 70 percent.

Breaking industry norms, the J4000 offers its 4-meter system at a cost comparable to standard 2.5-meter printers. Its open-source material compatibility further reduces operating costs, making large-scale casting more affordable.

According to its producer, the applications span aerospace, marine, energy, automotive and heavy machinery.

For example, in the aerospace and marine fields, 3DPTEK's technology enables production of spacecraft and submarine parts with ultra-thin 5.5-millimeter walls and complex curved, hollow structures, achievable in 45 days or less, which is much quicker than traditional methods. This advancement also supports the lightweighting of critical components.

With orders for J4000 exceeding over 40 million yuan ($5.5 million) and a 7-meter system also in development, 3DPTEK said it aims to facilitate China's shift from prototyping to production-ready additive manufacturing.

"The core of manufacturing advancement lies in marrying efficiency with affordability, this is where 3D casting delivers," said Garrison Zong, chairman and CEO of 3DPTEK.