Another Dark Horse in Pellet 3D Printing: Zhejiang CHALLENGE Unveils Desktop-Grade, High-Temperature, and 2.5-Meter-Scale Equipment

Panda3dp.com guide:Following coverage of hundreds of exhibitors at the Formnext 2024 exhibition in Germany, Panda3dp.com couldn't help but exclaim: pellet-based polymer 3D printing (distinct from filament) is booming! Numerous companies showcasing such technologies competed to demonstrate their unique capabilities—be it large-scale production, high-performance composite materials, or versatile 3D printing solutions. The wide array of applications left Panda3dp.com overwhelmed. In China, the pellet 3D printing industry has also gained traction in recent years, with downstream industries starting to see scalable application scenarios.  

In December 2024, Panda3dp.com learned that Zhejiang CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE Co., Ltd. （超领智能）stood out with its innovative pellet 3D printing technology. Specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of pellet-based 3D printing technologies, CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE has not only enhanced product performance and quality through proprietary technological advancements but has also significantly reduced production costs, unlocking new possibilities for the market.

Breaking Traditional Constraints: Achieving High-Efficiency, Low-Cost Printing

While traditional non-metallic filament 3D printing technology (FFF) is widely used across industries, it often struggles with efficiency, cost, and material diversity when faced with complex and variable industrial demands. Pellet-based 3D printing technology, however, uses thermoplastic pellets directly, expanding material options, simplifying material processing, and effectively reducing production costs. This makes the technology particularly well-suited for applications requiring high stability and rapid prototyping.

Proprietary Core Technologies Driving Industrial Transformation

△Patent for Invention, Software Copyright

Within just two years, CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE has secured over 20 domestic and international patents and software copyrights, including:  

- Developing the first closed-loop 3D printing control system integrating multi-axis motion, temperature, and pressure control.  

- Introducing pre-processing software tailored for pellet 3D printing, enabling precise handling of complex surface models.  

- Creating a variety of bio-grade medical materials and fiber-reinforced composites, offering comprehensive solutions for healthcare and high-strength components.  

△Self-developed Particle 3D Printing Pre-processing Software - Surface Slicing

Diverse Product Portfolio: From Desktop to Industrial Applications

CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE has rapidly developed a comprehensive product lineup ranging from desktop-grade to meter-scale equipment, catering to the diverse needs of various fields.  

Desktop-Grade Pellet 3D Printing Equipment

This compact yet powerful device can quickly produce functional thermoplastic components (e.g., conductive, thermally conductive, and electromagnetic shielding materials) and cost-effectively manufacture small parts using soft TPU or metal-binding pellets. It significantly broadens desktop 3D printing applications, lowers costs, and improves production efficiency. Applications range from custom insoles and protective gear in sports health to material performance testing in research labs.

△PLA\PLA+CF

△Metal Models - Printed Samples of Copper and Stainless Steel Particles

△Insoles-TPU\TPE

△Desktop Particle 3D Printing Equipment

Four-Axis Ambient Temperature Pellet 3D Printing Equipment 

Featuring a unique four-axis rotational design, this equipment effortlessly tackles the challenges of printing large overhanging components, ensuring structural integrity and precision. Its applications span high-precision fields like medical devices and high-end footwear, offering innovations such as customized bio-grade medical braces and intricate, aesthetically pleasing shoe sole designs.  

△Four-axis - Medical Braces - Bio-grade Medical Materials

△Four-axis Room Temperature Particle 3D Printing Equipment - Four-axis Rotary Printing

△Four-axis Room Temperature Particle 3D Printing Equipment

High-Temperature Pellet 3D Printing Equipment 

Designed to handle high-performance engineering materials like PEEK, PEI, and PPS, this device also supports printing with metal-binding and ceramic pellets. Its high precision and user-friendly design make it ideal for industries such as aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturing, producing lightweight, heat-resistant engine components or high-performance brake pads.

△High Temperature - Engineering Parts -PEEK+CF\PEEK

△High Temperature - Small Boat Models-PEEK

△High Temperature Particle 3D Printing Equipment

Meter-Scale Pellet 3D Printing Equipment

As a flagship product, this industrial-grade device can produce ultra-large objects up to 2500×2500×1500 mm (customizable) with deposition rates reaching 3.0–7.0 kg/h. It balances efficiency, precision, and cost, making it ideal for producing large-scale parts such as molds, sculptures, and industrial tools.

△Meter-level-ABS+GF

△-ndustrial MoldsPP+GF

△Industrial Molds - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials

△ndustrial Molds - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials

Robotic-Assisted 3D Printing Workstation  

This innovative system integrates a flexible robotic arm to perform complex surface printing without support structures, conserving materials and boosting efficiency. It’s suitable for manufacturing intricate aerospace components like wings and airfoil surfaces, enhancing both structural performance and energy efficiency.

△Industrial Molds - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials

△Robots - Surface Printing

△Robot-assisted 3D Printing Workstation

Grand Debut at the 2024 Advanced Materials and Structures Additive Manufacturing Forum

On November 23, 2024, Zhejiang Normal University and the Zhejiang Composites Association co-hosted the "2024 Advanced Materials and Structures Additive Manufacturing Forum" in Jinhua. The event brought together experts, scholars, and industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements and trends in additive manufacturing. As a major sponsor, CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE not only provided technical and logistical support but also showcased its impressive achievements in pellet 3D printing technology.

△CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE Professor Li Xiping's Speech

During the forum, Dr. Li Xiping, founder of CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE, delivered a keynote speech on the industrial applications of pellet additive manufacturing. Dr. Li highlighted the successful application of composite pellet 3D printing solutions in fields such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and mold production. He emphasized the vast opportunities presented by 3D printing amid technological progress and industrial transformation.  

△Strength Testing of Particle Molds

After the forum, attendees were invited to visit CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE’s exhibition area, which showcased a range of 3D printing equipment—from desktop creative printing devices to large-scale industrial printers. Each piece of equipment highlighted its unique application scenarios and technological innovations. On-site demonstrations by the technical team included strength testing of pellet molds. The sharp, frequent tapping sounds drew the attention of most guests, yet the molds remained visibly undamaged, further underscoring the exceptional strength and durability of CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE’s 3D printing technology.  

△ Neatly arranged small, medium, and large pellet 3D printing devices

Leveraging its strong market adaptability and technological innovation, CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE has gradually established itself as a leader in the domestic fiber pellet 3D printing industry. As technological advancements and manufacturing transformations accelerate, the future of 3D printing holds immense potential. CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE’s pellet 3D printing technology is poised to bring even more surprises and transformative breakthroughs to the manufacturing world!

About Zhejiang CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE Co., Ltd.  

Located in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, CHALLENGE&INTELLIGENCE specializes in providing comprehensive industrial 3D printing solutions, covering customized pellet materials, services, and equipment.