Abstract:

Theoretically， 3D printing totally differs from traditional manufacturing technology in essence and has its own revolutionary features. However， 3D printing will not replace traditional manufacturing technology completely in that they are the unity of complementary opposites. 3D printing industry has developed fast but also encountered such restrictions as technological bottleneck， dependence on imported materials， high application cost and impediment of “market canyon”. To improve the industrialization of 3D printing in China， it is recommended that the role of 3D printing should be located correctly， collaborative innovation centers for “industrial and academic studies” and cooperative up-down mechanisms should be built to create 3D printing materials， application demonstration bases should be established to enhance users’ confidence in 3D printing， commercial operation modes for 3D printing should be innovated， application-oriented talents for 3D printing should be cultivated， and 3D printing industry sponsored by the government should be founded to attract investment from enterprises.

Key words: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, industrialization, market canyon