BLT Hits the Limit Up! Metal 3D Printing Expands into 3C Applications as Ming-Chi Kuo Predicts an 8 Billion RMB Revenue Boost from the Foldable iPhone

Foreword: On March 6, 2025, Panda3dp.com observed that BLT (Bright Laser Technologies, 688333.SH), a leading 3D printing enterprise in China's A-share market, saw its stock price hit the daily limit, closing at 83.04 RMB per share with a market capitalization surpassing 22.5 billion RMB.  

The recent surge in BLT's stock price may be attributed to the large-scale adoption of 3D printing technology in the 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics) sector. Today’s limit-up rally, however, is likely driven by a fresh industry report from renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. His latest investigation reveals that BLT has become a key supplier for Apple's foldable iPhone, responsible for manufacturing two critical titanium alloy components—the hinge cover and the mid-frame—both of which require advanced 3D printing techniques.  According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone’s hinge cover demands an ultra-thin design of merely 0.15mm, while the mid-frame requires an intricate hollow structure. Conventional CNC machining struggles to balance precision with cost efficiency under such requirements. In contrast, BLT has successfully overcome the challenges of titanium alloy fabrication using selective laser melting (SLM) technology.  

Currently, the unit price for sample production of these two components is estimated at 800–900 RMB, but with improved yield rates in mass production, costs are expected to drop to 400–600 RMB per set. If the first-generation foldable iPhone ships 20 million units, with BLT holding an 80% market share, its revenue contribution for 2026–2027 could exceed 8 billion RMB—6.7 times its estimated 2024 revenue of 1.2 billion RMB.  

Consumer Electronics: From Trial Adoption to Industry-Wide Expansion  

BLT’s technological breakthrough is not an isolated case. As early as 2023, Honor’s Magic V2 became the first foldable smartphone to feature a 3D-printed titanium alloy hinge cover, while Apple’s Watch Ultra also incorporated 3D printing to refine its titanium crown and other structural components.  

As global shipments of foldable smartphones are projected to rise from 20 million units in 2025 to 70 million by 2029, 3D printing is rapidly transitioning from high-barrier industries like aerospace and medical applications to large-scale penetration in consumer electronics. Industry experts estimate that the market for foldable phone hinges alone could reach nearly 10 billion RMB, and if Apple fully adopts 3D-printed mid-frames, the market potential could exceed 40 billion RMB.  

Ming-Chi Kuo’s Predictions for Apple's First Foldable iPhone: Market Positioning, Hardware Specifications, Development Timeline, and Shipment Estimates  

Market Positioning  

1. The True AI Phone: Multimodal interactions and cross-application integration are central to future AI-driven devices. A larger screen enhances the AI user experience—such as simultaneously displaying a full-scale map while discussing travel plans with an AI assistant.

2. Apple’s Pinnacle iPhone Model: The first-generation foldable iPhone is expected to be priced at over $2,000–$2,500. Given Apple’s strong brand premium and the necessity of iPhones in daily life, a high price tag is unlikely to deter demand, provided the quality meets expectations.  

Hardware Specifications  

- Touch ID returns as a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, replacing Face ID due to thickness and space constraints.  

- Book-style foldable design, featuring a 7.8-inch seamless inner display and a 5.5-inch external display.  

- Dual-lens rear camera, with front-facing cameras available for both folded and unfolded modes.  

- Folded thickness of 9–9.5mm, while unfolded thickness is approximately 4.5–4.8mm.  

- Composite hinge materials, incorporating stainless steel and titanium alloy; the chassis is entirely titanium alloy.  

- Utilizes high-density battery cells, similar to those in ultra-thin iPhone models.  

Development Timeline  

- Final specifications will be confirmed in Q2 2025, with project initiation in Q3 2025 and mass production expected in Q4 2026.  

- The second-generation foldable iPhone is projected for mass production in 2H 2027.  

Shipment Estimates  

- Due to complex production challenges, large-scale shipments are unlikely before 2027.  

- Initial 2026 shipment estimates range between 3–5 million units.  

- With the launch of the second-generation foldable iPhone, total foldable iPhone shipments in 2027 could reach 20 million units.  

Additionally, OPPO recently launched its next-generation foldable flagship, Find N5, featuring a 3D-printed titanium dome hinge—a groundbreaking innovation that has caused a stir in the industry. These hinges are also produced by BLT.  

Supply Chain Expansion: Global Reach and Technological Advancement  

BLT’s rise stems from its comprehensive industrial ecosystem, positioning itself not only as a supplier of 3D printing equipment for Apple but also, since 2024, as a direct manufacturer of structural components. Recently, BLT entered a partnership with GoEngineer, a global leader in digital manufacturing solutions, accelerating its North American market expansion.  According to financial reports, BLT allocated 16.42% of its revenue to R&D in 2024, with research personnel comprising 30% of its workforce, over 54% of whom hold master’s degrees or higher—cementing its industry-leading technological edge.  

In BLT’s 2024 annual report, the company outlined steady progress in its "Metal Additive Manufacturing Industry Innovation Project" and "Large-Scale Intelligent Metal Additive Manufacturing Production Base" initiatives. Several facilities are already operational, increasing fixed assets and workforce size. However, efforts to pre-allocate capacity and manpower for mass production across multiple sectors—including consumer electronics—have led to a notable rise in operating costs and a temporary decline in gross margins. The company continues to intensify its research and development, further reinforcing its commitment to technological innovation.  

Market Confidence: Investor Enthusiasm and Industry Outlook  

At the same time, Farsoon Technologies, a leading industrial 3D printing equipment manufacturer, has also witnessed a sharp rise in stock price, pushing its market capitalization past 20.5 billion RMB. Changjiang Securities points out that 3D printing offers substantial cost advantages in consumer electronics, reducing titanium alloy mid-frame production costs by 30–50% compared to CNC machining, while also minimizing material waste—factors driving the sector’s explosive growth.  

With industry giants like Apple and Huawei accelerating their adoption of 3D printing, the global consumer electronics 3D printing market is expected to surpass 50 billion RMB by 2027.  

Conclusion 

From the Apple Watch to the foldable iPhone, Apple’s technological choices have historically set industry trends. BLT’s breakthrough not only validates the feasibility of 3D printing in consumer electronics but also marks the rise of Chinese enterprises in high-end manufacturing. As titanium alloy materials become more widespread and production techniques mature, 3D printing is poised to reshape trillion-RMB markets across smartphones, wearables, and beyond.