Ningbo Shangcai 3D: Pioneering Titanium Alloy Powder and Driving a Transformation in 3D Printing Materials

In March 2025, at the TCT Asia Exhibition in Shanghai, Ningbo Shangcai 3D, a leading enterprise specializing in the production of titanium alloy powders, unveiled its latest gas atomization powder-making technology.Panda3dp.com interviewed the company’s director to gain in-depth insights into its recent advancements in technological innovation, market strategy, cost control, and application expansion.

A Deep Focus on Titanium Alloy Powder: Striving to Set the Industry Benchmark

While many players in the metal 3D printing materials sector have chosen to diversify, Shangcai 3D has remained firmly committed to the specialized production of titanium alloy powders. Since its establishment in 2018, the company has consistently centered its research and manufacturing around the Electrode Induction Melting Gas Atomization (EIGA) process, achieving multiple iterations of its powder-making technology in recent years.

According to the company’s director, their gas atomization technology has now evolved into its third generation, progressing from subsonic to supersonic atomization, and now to laminar flow atomization. This technological breakthrough has significantly increased the yield rate of powders within the particle size range required for 3D printing, further reducing material costs.

“We firmly believe that reducing cost while enhancing efficiency is key to the widespread adoption of 3D printing,” the director stated. “Our goal is not only to produce titanium alloy powders that meet national standards but also to lower costs, making these advanced materials accessible to a broader range of traditional industries.”

Securing Investment, Expanding Production, and Building a Nationwide Footprint

In recent years, Shangcai 3D's technological achievements and market performance have drawn significant attention from the capital markets. Since 2023, the company has secured successive rounds of funding, providing strong support for production expansion and ongoing R&D efforts.

At present, Shangcai 3D has established a dual-base industrial structure, with its R&D center in Ningbo and its manufacturing hub in Panzhihua, Sichuan. Moving forward, the company plans to increase its production capacity by constructing nine production lines in Panzhihua while maintaining one R&D line in Ningbo, forming a ten-line national layout.

Traditionally, gas atomization relies on argon as the driving gas, leading to significant wastage and elevated production costs. Through technological innovation, Shangcai 3D has achieved a remarkable 99% argon gas recycling rate, drastically cutting both gas consumption and production expenses. This breakthrough not only improves resource efficiency and reduces environmental impact but also enhances the economic viability of titanium alloy powder manufacturing.

By the end of 2025, the company’s annual production capacity is expected to reach 2,000 tons, solidifying its market leadership and providing the industry with a stable, high-quality supply of materials.

Furthermore, the director shared withPanda3dp.com the rationale behind prioritizing Panzhihua as a key development site:

- Abundant Hydropower Resources: Significantly lowers electricity consumption during production, optimizing the overall cost structure.

- Vanadium-Titanium Industry Cluster: A robust raw material supply chain reduces procurement and transportation expenses.

- Government Support: Local authorities promote advanced manufacturing with policy incentives and infrastructure backing.

Broadening Application Horizons: New Opportunities for Titanium Alloys

Renowned for their lightweight properties, high strength, and exceptional corrosion resistance, titanium alloys are increasingly finding application across various high-end manufacturing sectors. According to the company’s director, as powder prices continue to decline, titanium alloys are being adopted in the following areas:

1. 3C Consumer Electronics  

Titanium alloys are beginning to find applications in consumer electronics, such as smartphone hinges and smart wearable device casings. While large-scale adoption is still emerging, industry insiders remain optimistic, predicting a market breakthrough by 2026.

2. Medical Sector  

3D-printed titanium alloys have become a mainstream choice for orthopedic implants, including porous bone structures, artificial joints, and dental implants. Their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties make the medical field one of the most important markets for titanium alloy powders.

3. Aerospace Industry  

With their strength, heat resistance, and low weight, titanium alloys are widely used in aircraft structures, engine components, and satellite assemblies. As 3D printing technologies mature, demand for high-performance titanium powders in the aerospace sector continues to rise.

4. Low-Altitude Economy  

The growth of emerging industries such as drones and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) is also accelerating the adoption of titanium alloys. These applications demand both lightweight construction and structural integrity, making titanium an ideal material choice.

A Steep Decline in Powder Prices: 3D Printing Materials Poised for Mass Adoption

The director emphasized that the price of titanium alloy powder has experienced a dramatic decrease in recent years, catalyzing its expansion into new markets. From ¥5,000 per kilogram in 2016 to just over ¥200 today, the cost has fallen nearly 25-fold.

“This decline is not merely a result of market competition,” the director explained. “It is also the inevitable outcome of technological progress and scaled production.” With ongoing improvements in production efficiency and raw material supply chains, there remains room for further cost reductions.

Nevertheless, the pace of price cuts often outstrips that of technological advancements, posing new challenges for enterprises. Shangcai 3D remains dedicated to enhancing production efficiency, optimizing energy consumption, and reducing manufacturing costs to maintain its competitive edge.

Conclusion: Advancing in Tandem with Technology and Market Demand—A Promising Future for Titanium Alloy 3D Printing

As a company dedicated to titanium alloy powder production, Shangcai 3D has carved out a pivotal role in the industry through continuous technological upgrades, national-scale expansion, and relentless cost optimization.

Amid the rapid development of the 3D printing sector, Shangcai 3D has chosen to specialize in titanium materials, refining its gas atomization process to enhance powder quality and productivity. Simultaneously, the company has secured investment and expanded its facilities to establish a complete industrial chain—from R&D to mass production—offering superior titanium powders to global manufacturers.

With the swift growth of sectors like consumer electronics, healthcare, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy, the demand for titanium 3D printing materials is rising sharply. Looking ahead, Shangcai 3D will continue to deepen its commitment to innovation, driving the large-scale application of titanium powders and bringing 3D printing into the broader realm of industrial and consumer markets.