Source: PanDen
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Panda3dp.com Guide:From March 17 to 19, 2025, the TCT Asia exhibition in Shanghai opened as scheduled. Jinqi Toys, operating 4,000 large-scale 3D printing farm units, made a joint appearance with Flashforge, showcasing the immense potential of 3D printing in toy manufacturing.
As one of the largest 3D printing farm operators in China—and even globally—Jinqi Toys announced its plan to expand to 8,000 printers next month, dedicated exclusively to toy production. The company projects that within the next five years, the global scale of 3D printing farms will reach 15 million units, ushering in a sweeping transformation of the traditional toy industry. At the event, Panda3dp.com conducted an in-depth interview with Jinqi’s leadership, exploring the company’s development, market strategy, and future vision.
How 3D Printing Is Transforming Toy Manufacturing: Jinqi Toys Leads a New Industrial Era
In recent years, 3D printing has been steadily permeating various sectors of manufacturing, with the toy industry now facing a disruptive revolution. The head of Jinqi Toys shared that the company began by focusing exclusively on 3D-printed toys and experienced rapid growth, swiftly rising to become an industry leader.
Jinqi’s core strength lies in its capacity for large-scale production. By deploying a massive array of 3D printers, the company has established a manufacturing model characterized by low costs and high efficiency—posing a direct challenge to traditional toy manufacturers. Leveraging high-quality local materials and mature production techniques in Yiwu, Jinqi mass-produces 3D-printed toys, carving out significant market share through innovation and competitive pricing.
The company is also expanding into new categories, moving beyond conventional toys into the realm of decorative accessories such as keychains and pendants. This strategic shift further broadens the application scope of 3D printing, intensifying its impact on traditional production models.
From Toys to Accessories: Market Demand Drives Strategic Transformation
In 2025, Jinqi Toys announced a strategic pivot towards accessory products—keychains, pendants, and other small items—marking a transition from pure toy manufacturing to becoming a broader supplier of 3D-printed consumer goods.
“Our early toy lines have already secured a strong foothold in both domestic and international markets. Now, we aim to extend our influence into the 3D-printed accessory sector,” said the company’s representative. Traditionally dominated by metalworking, the accessories market is now being invigorated by 3D printing’s limitless possibilities. Jinqi responds swiftly to market trends, delivering highly customized accessory lines such as the Misty Forest series, which features distinctive materials and has garnered international acclaim.
The company’s accessory products distinguish themselves not only through exquisite design but also through material and technological innovation. For instance, Jinqi’s use of novel materials like those found in the Misty Forest collection, combined with rhinestone-inlay techniques in 3D printing, elevates both the visual appeal and tactile experience of their offerings. These advancements enhance product value and meet consumer demand for refined, high-quality items.
Jinqi’s accessory strategy is built upon its vast model repository, allowing the company to release new products in curated series rather than one-off designs. This approach boosts market penetration and solidifies its competitive edge while offering consumers a broader, more diversified selection.
Global Expansion: Launching a Direct-to-Consumer Retail Network
To meet rising demand, Jinqi Toys plans to establish branded retail stores both domestically and abroad, delivering 3D-printed toys and accessories directly to consumers. This initiative aims to strengthen brand visibility, increase control over end-user sales, and provide a tangible experience of the unique charm of 3D-printed products.
“We envision our stores adopting a format similar to Pop Mart,” the company’s executive explained. “We want customers to walk into our experiential stores and feel the creative power of 3D printing firsthand.” The personalization and rapid manufacturing of 3D-printed toys align perfectly with offline retail environments, particularly in the trendy toy and personalized accessory segments.
Jinqi also plans to establish a global presence by partnering with local retailers to promote 3D printing products in international markets.
Looking Ahead: 15 Million 3D Printers Globally Within 5 Years
According to Panda3dp.com’s assessment, Jinqi Toys may already be the largest operator of 3D printing farms in China—perhaps even globally. This position is owed not only to its substantial investment in equipment but also to continuous innovation in material development and production process optimization. The company reports robust overseas sales, with retail prices around $9.90 per unit and wholesale costs as low as just over $3—granting Jinqi a formidable price advantage.
Currently, Jinqi operates 4,000 3D printers and plans to double that number to 8,000 within a month. Looking further ahead, the company predicts that by 2030, the global total of 3D printing farm devices will reach 15 million, profoundly reshaping the toy manufacturing landscape.
“The traditional injection-molding toy industry is powered by roughly 1.5 million injection machines. Our goal is to surpass that figure within five years,” the executive affirmed. The adaptability, low cost, and personalization enabled by 3D printing make it a promising frontrunner in the evolution of toy manufacturing.
Jinqi has partnered with leading domestic 3D printer manufacturers such as Flashforge and TuoZhu, securing access to high-performance equipment. Simultaneously, the company maintains exclusive material supply chains through collaborations with several raw material providers, helping reduce production costs and enhance product competitiveness.
The Market Potential of 3D-Printed Toys
As consumer preferences evolve, the toy industry is undergoing a transformation from traditional manufacturing to 3D-printed production. Jinqi’s success proves that 3D printing not only reduces costs but also empowers product innovation, allowing businesses to better align with shifting market needs.
Compared with conventional injection molding, 3D-printed toys offer significant advantages:
- Personalized Customization: 3D printing allows for small-batch, tailored production to meet individual consumer preferences. - Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: The process eliminates the need for mold-making, greatly reducing upfront investment and enabling rapid product iteration. - Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: 3D printing minimizes material waste and can utilize biodegradable or recyclable materials, supporting sustainable development within the toy industry.
The global market for 3D-printed toys is experiencing rapid expansion, particularly in areas such as designer toys, DIY kits, and educational products. As the technology matures and costs continue to fall, 3D-printed toys are poised to become a mainstream option.
Conclusion: The Future of 3D-Printed Toys Is Already Here
Jinqi Toys’ presence at the TCT Asia exhibition not only demonstrated its formidable strength in the 3D-printed toy sector but also offered a glimpse into the transformative potential of 3D printing for the future of the industry.
Through large-scale equipment deployment, the development of innovative accessory products, global direct retail expansion, and strategic industrial upgrades, Jinqi is steadily realizing its ambition of becoming a leader in 3D-printed toys. With such momentum, it is highly likely that over the next five years, Jinqi will achieve even greater success—bringing more imaginative, stylish, and high-quality toys and accessories to consumers worldwide.
“By 2030, we aspire to become the leading brand in the global toy industry,” declared the company’s executive. We shall watch with great anticipation. |