China, known as the world's factory, is exploiting
three-dimensional printing technology to help its manufacturers make high-end
products.
Wuhan was an early adopter of 3D printing technology: the
first Chinese three-dimensional printer with independent intellectual property
rights was developed in the city in 1994.
Now, Wuhan is riding the wave of the so-called third
industrial revolution, to get a piece of the emerging 3D printing market that
is expected to hit 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) within three years.
In contrast to traditional printing techniques, where
materials are removed by cutting, bending, pressing, molding and other
processes, 3D printing - also known as additive manufacturing - adds layer
after layer of materials until the finished form is achieved.