Sand Mold 3D Printing Milestone: 3DPTEK’s 1.8m Printer Wins FAW Foundry Automation Upgrade Bid

On June 23, 2025, Panda3dp.com reported that Beijing 3DPTEK Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “3DPTEK”) has successfully won a bid to supply its 3DPTEK-J1800 sand mold 3D printer for FAW Foundry Co., Ltd.’s black casting division automation upgrade project. The system will be installed at FAW Foundry’s Wuxi branch, marking a significant advancement in the application of digital sand mold 3D printing in China’s automotive manufacturing sector.

Flagship Machine: 3DPTEK-J1800

The center of this cooperation is 3DPTEK’s 3DPTEK-J1800, a cornerstone of the company’s integrated digital casting solutions. The system incorporates multiple proprietary innovations:

· High-speed vibratory powder spreading for enhanced efficiency and uniformity

· Advanced forming technology and intelligent algorithms for streamlined, high-performance operation

· Extra-large build volume of 1800 × 1000 × 700 mm and precision up to ±0.3 mm

· Dual-cylinder alternate printing and vacuum ink delivery system enabling uninterrupted production

Purpose-built for aerospace, automotive, marine, pump-valve, and engineering applications, the J1800 excels in fabricating large, complex sand molds and producing small- to mid-batch castings for both prototyping and industrial-scale manufacturing.

Image:Sample sand mold printed using 3DP technology

Empowering Automotive Innovation with Sand Mold 3D Printing

In automotive manufacturing, sand mold 3D printing offers transformative advantages:

1. Accelerated R&D
Rapidly produces design prototypes for engines, chassis components, and more—enabling swift iteration and shorter development cycles.

2. Freedom from Traditional Limitations
Fabricates highly intricate components—such as pump housings and closed impellers—that are difficult or impossible to mold using conventional methods, improving functionality and performance.

3. Flexible Small-Batch Production
Eliminates the need for expensive tooling, enabling fast turnaround and agile response to market demands.

4. High-Precision Core Printing
Enables direct printing of functional sand cores (e.g., complex engine block interiors) to ensure dimensional accuracy and casting quality.

3DPTEK has provided casting solutions to numerous domestic and international automakers—spanning electric motor housings, lightweight frames, casings, cylinder blocks/heads, exhaust systems, and more. Its extensive experience in automotive powertrain, transmission, and structural parts makes it a key player in digital foundry transformation.

Image:Sand mold automotive prototypes created via 3DP and SLS

Strategic Collaboration with FAW: A New Benchmark

FAW Foundry is a leading force in China’s automotive industry, renowned for its high-quality components and dedication to intelligent manufacturing. The Wuxi division, the focus of this project, specializes in critical castings for heavy-duty truck engines—including cylinder blocks, heads, crankshafts, and flywheels. It is a domestic leader in thin-walled, high-strength cast iron technologies.

FAW Foundry and 3DPTEK share a long history of collaboration. As early as 2008, FAW introduced an SLS laser sand printer from 3DPTEK’s subsidiary Longyuan Forming to rapidly prototype engine cylinder heads and blocks.

A 3DPTEK project manager commented:

“Winning this bid affirms the strength of our 3D casting technology and service capabilities. We’re fully committed to ensuring project success—helping FAW accelerate new product development, improve quality, and boost efficiency. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for digital manufacturing in the automotive industry.”

Outlook: Accelerating Automotive Transformation Through Additive Manufacturing

As the automotive industry evolves toward intelligent, lightweight, and customized production, 3D printing is becoming deeply embedded in every phase—from concept and prototyping to full-scale production and after-sales support.

This latest collaboration between 3DPTEK and FAW Foundry is poised to further mainstream the adoption of 3D printing in automotive core component manufacturing—injecting fresh momentum into the sector’s high-quality development.

About 3DPTEK:
Beijing 3DPTEK Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of 3D printing equipment and rapid manufacturing services. Recognized as a national “Little Giant” enterprise specializing in advanced manufacturing, 3DPTEK offers complete industrial chains covering laser and binder jet 3D printing systems, materials, processing technologies, and production services. Its solutions are widely applied across aerospace, energy, marine, automotive, rail, machinery, electronics, medical, education, and cultural sectors.