The Hong Kong Productivity Council signed an agreement with multinational printing solutions provider HP on Tuesday to establish the HKPC-HP 3D Printing Technology Centre in Hong Kong. The center will serve as a base for research, development and application of 3D printing technology, and support the advancement of micro-factories and new industrialization in the city.

Due to open in September this year, the facility will be the first of its kind in Asia to house both HP’s research versions of “Metal Jet” and “Multi Jet Fusion” industrial 3D printers. The former is a 3D printing process using powdered metal materials to create accurate and intricate parts, while the latter refers to an industrial process that can operate in a highly efficient manner.

Sunny Tan, HKPC chairman who represents the textile-and-garment industry in the Legislative Council, said 3D printing can have a profound impact on various industries, including electronics and textile  

Beyond its primary focus on research and development, the center will also provide consulting and training services to propel the growth of the 3D printing industry and facilitate the development of various industries harnessing the 3D printing technology, or additive manufacturing.

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“This center is a good answer to how Hong Kong can make good use of advanced manufacturing technology and new industrialization technology to promote high-quality development,” Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry, said at the signing ceremony.

The development of 3D printing in the special administrative region will “best suit” the city, which has limited resources and relatively high labor costs, he said, as such technology can foster the growth of micro-factories, which, compared with traditional ones, occupy less space and can leverage their high level of intelligence and automation to enhance productivity.

Moreover, smart micro-factories can flexibly respond to market demand and, thus, reduce inventory and lower costs.

According to market projections, the value of the global 3D printing industry is expected to rise from $27.7 billion last year to $186.4 billion by 2033.

Sun said 3D printing can support local advanced manufacturing by producing more precise and customized components for medical devices, cars and even aircraft in a highly efficient and low-consumption way

Praising Hong Kong’s strong ties with the Chinese mainland and the world, Ramon Pastor, global head and general manager of HP 3D Metals, said the company believes in the immense potential of Hong Kong’s technology sector, and is poised to contribute cutting-edge equipment and talent to support the center’s operation.

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Sunny Tan, HKPC chairman who represents the textile-and-garment industry in the Legislative Council, said 3D printing can have a profound impact on various industries, including electronics and textile.

“This center serves as an excellent platform to showcase successful stories, strengthening companies’ knowledge and confidence in integrating 3D printing technology into their operation,” he said.

Sun said 3D printing can support local advanced manufacturing by producing more precise and customized components for medical devices, cars and even aircraft in a highly efficient and low-consumption way.

Contact the writers at irisli@chinadailyhk.com