Key Takeaways
- China: Xinjinghe secured undisclosed equity backing to expand a laser‑based aerospace AM hub in Chuzhou.
- Japan: Osaka‑based DIFF. launched its first‑generation custom‑fit 3D‑printed sneaker, retailing at ¥27,500 (~US$175).
- South Korea: Lincsolution announced a KRW 30 billion (≈US$22 million) convertible bond to fund next‑generation metal‑laser systems.
- Australia & Vietnam: New powder‑bed capacity and a planned AM research centre signal broader regional growth.
AMAsia Pulse – September 1‑16, 2026
The first half of September delivered a noticeable surge of capital and commercial activity across the Asia‑Pacific additive manufacturing (AM) landscape. From aerospace‑grade metal printers in China to consumer‑focused 3‑D‑printed footwear in Japan, the region is diversifying both its technology stack and its end‑user markets.
China: Xinjinghe’s Chuzhou Aerospace Hub
Investment Overview
Xinjinghe, a Huzhou‑based supplier of metal additive systems, announced on 10 September that it received an equity injection led jointly by CMC Capital’s Huawen Qingneng fund and the municipal government of Chuzhou. While the exact amount remains confidential, the capital is earmarked to scale a dedicated aerospace AM facility in Chuzhou.
Technical Capabilities
- Laser Powder‑Bed Fusion (LPBF): Supports stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel alloys up to 400 mm build volume.
- Powder & Wire‑Fed Deposition: Enables repair and large‑scale part fabrication for aircraft structures.
- Service Portfolio: Offers both machine sales and on‑site printing services, targeting Tier‑1 aerospace OEMs.
Japan: DIFF. Introduces Mass‑Custom Footwear
Product Launch
On 1 September, DIFF., a spin‑out from the Mizuno accelerator program, began commercial sales of its DIFF.3D sneaker line. The shoes are priced at ¥27,500 (including tax), roughly US$175 per pair.
Personalisation Process
- 3‑D Scanning: Customers submit foot geometry via a handheld scanner or smartphone app.
- DIFF.ENGINE Software: Generates a unique lattice‑reinforced sole and upper geometry within minutes.
- Print & Finish: Full‑color polymer is fused using a high‑resolution stereolithography (SLA) printer; the final product ships in about ten days.
No sales volume has been disclosed, but the company reports a pre‑order backlog sufficient to keep the production line at 80 % capacity.
South Korea: Lincsolution’s KRW 30 B Convertible Bond
Funding Strategy
Lincsolution, a leading Korean metal‑laser AM equipment maker, filed a prospectus on 12 September outlining a KRW 30 billion (≈US$22 million) convertible bond issuance. The proceeds will finance:
- R&D for next‑gen high‑power fiber lasers (up to 4 kW).
- Expansion of its domestic sales network to include automotive Tier‑2 suppliers.
Market Position
- Current Portfolio: Offers 200 kW and 400 kW LPBF systems capable of processing AlSi10Mg and Ti‑6Al‑4V.
- Export Share: Approximately 45 % of sales are shipped to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Australia & Vietnam: Expanding Powder Capacity and Research Infrastructure
- Australia: A new 5‑tonne‑per‑year metal powder production line went live in Queensland, reducing lead times for local AM firms by 30 %.
- Vietnam: The Ministry of Science and Technology approved a 200 million VND (≈US$8.5 million) budget for an additive‑manufacturing research centre in Ho Chi Minh City, slated to open in early 2027.
Comparative Snapshot
| Company / Region | Core Technology | Recent Funding (USD) | Primary Market | Notable Spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xinjinghe (China) | LPBF & Wire‑Fed Deposition | Undisclosed (equity) | Aerospace (Tier‑1) | 400 mm build volume; Ti‑6Al‑4V |
| DIFF. (Japan) | SLA polymer printing | Revenue: ¥27,500 per shoe | Consumer footwear | 10‑day delivery, custom lattice sole |
| Lincsolution (South Korea) | High‑power LPBF (200‑400 kW) | US$22 M (convertible bond) | Automotive & aerospace | 4 kW fiber‑laser R&D pipeline |
| Australia (Powder Plant) | Metal powder production | US$5 M (private) | Regional AM services | 5 t/yr capacity |
| Vietnam (Research Centre) | Multi‑process AM labs | US$8.5 M (government) | Academic & SME collaboration | 200 M VND budget |
Bottom Line
September’s early‑month activity underscores a maturing Asia‑Pacific AM ecosystem where high‑value aerospace and automotive projects coexist with consumer‑grade customization. Capital inflows—whether equity, bond issuance, or government grants—are directly linked to technology upgrades such as higher‑power lasers, expanded powder capacity, and rapid‑turnaround personalization pipelines. Companies that can marry these technical advances with clear market segmentation are poised to capture the next wave of growth in the region’s additive manufacturing sector.
