Yantai holds 3D printing conference

The First International 3D Printing Industry Conference was held in Yantai on Dec 25.

About 200 industrial insiders gathered in Yantai to discuss the changes brought about by 3D printing in the manufacturing sector. Some of the attendees also showcased their 3D-printed products such as sports shoes and toys.

Several industrial experts delivered keynote speeches during the conference, which looked back at the current development of the 3D printing sector and set out the direction of future development.

3D printing is one of the core technologies in the upgrading of manufacturing and will generate great economic value, according to Wang Xubin, head of the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute. However, there is a severe talent shortage in the sector, noted Wang, adding that most workers in the sector were former engineers in materials, mechanics and computer science industries, and have not received professional training.

Xu Jing, an expert from the Intelligent Manufacturing Institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), agrees with Wang, stressing that talents hold the key to the development of intelligent manufacturing. It's important to conduct cooperation between schools and enterprises to cultivate trained personnel to fuel the development of 3D printing, Xu said.

At the conference, Shandong Sandi Shikong 3D Technology, a Yantai-based company specializing in 3D printing, was recognized as the Additional Material Manufacturing Talent Training Demonstration Base by the talent exchange center of the MIIT.

Yantai has set the goal of building itself into a competitive manufacturing city, which provides favorable environment for the development of 3D printing sector. The founding of the demonstration base can help provide more brains in the sector.