“In 2026, if you are manufacturing a drone, a rocket, or an advanced mobile phone, you are using 3D printing as an essential part of your manufacturing process,” Chris Connery, VP of Global Analysis at CONTEXT, said in a report highlighting how 3D printer revenues rose 31% year-on-year. The report reveals a surge in sales of metal 3D printers compared to last year, with shipments up 36% and revenues up 51%. In China in particular, Farsoon and BLT grew strongly as demand for titanium hinges for foldable phones and smartphone frames surged.
A project announced in Guangdong Province makes us believe Connery was right.
A super factory for smartphone parts
A subsidiary of Chinese steel group Jingye has signed an agreement with the government of Fengshun County to build a production site for precision metal parts. The investment amounts to RMB 5 billion (around $700 million), in two phases. The plan includes 400 metal 3D printers, 100 metal injection molding (MIM) lines and 20 lines producing metal powder.
While Jingye already operates large-format metal printers, it understood that combining MIM and AM for this vision will play to its strength.
The powder lines will supply the raw material for both, giving the site control over its own feedstock.
The first products will be hinges for foldable screens and camera modules for smartphone suppliers, before the site expands into robotics parts, liquid cooling components and medical devices.
Construction is underway, with partial production targeted before the end of 2026. At full capacity, the site is expected to generate RMB 10 billion in annual output and more than 1,000 jobs.
Apple showed it could be done
Chinese phone makers were early adopters. BLT’s titanium 3D printing, for instance, helped OPPO reduce the crease on its foldable display. But Apple is arguably the brand that showed the wider industry that metal 3D printing can work at consumer electronics scale.
As a reminder, in 2025, Apple moved the production of all Apple Watch Ultra 3 cases and titanium Series 11 cases to 3D printing, and featured a 3D printed titanium USB-C port on its iPhone Air. This year, the iPhone Duo, its first foldable, came with a 3D printed titanium hinge cover, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 kept its 3D printed case. These are visible, structural parts that must be identical across millions of units.
Jingye’s project highlights how the electronics industry continues to rely on large contract manufacturers and what we should pay attention to.
While foldable phones still represent a small share of the smartphone market, the growing demand for robotics parts, liquid cooling components and medical devices will surely help to keep the 3D printers in operation.
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