Beijing-based company Yibo3D has reached an important stage in China's growing 3D printing industry. The company recently unveiled the country's first miniature 3D metal printer, called the YBRP-140 SLM, which was designed to print high quality three-dimensional metal objects.

According to Yibo3D (also known as Yibo Sanwei), the YBRP-140 SLM metal 3D printer was developed with the jewelry industry in mind. The company said it can be used to 3D print small pieces of unique jewelry with different materials such as gold or silver.

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The 3D printer can also be used to print parts for the aerospace, automotive and medical equipment industries, using different materials such as copper-based alloys, iron, and titanium, among others. SLM means the printer uses Selective Laser Melting technology to shape metal particles into the desired form or appearance.

Unlike most of today's metal 3D printers that come in massive sizes, the YBRP-140 SLM is "only about the size of an ordinary household washing machine", according to a report by 3DERS.

In China, the 3D printing market is growing rapidly with the rise of many local startups. According to a recent report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the desktop 3D printer market in China is expected to surpass the U.S. market this year. Additionally, the country's 3D printing industry is expected to hit a revenue of $1.5 million in 2020, Shanghai Daily reported.

Back in 2014, the Chinese government launched the "Made in China 2025" program, which supports the production and sales of 3D printing technologies. In 2013, the Ministry of Science and Technology invested around $6.5 million to promote the technology and increase its adoption.

Tags3D Printing China News, China's First Mini Metal 3D Printer Yibo3D, Yibo3D Beijing, Yibo3D YBRP-140 SLM 3D Printer, 3D Printing Industry China