Two Satellite Sharing Centers in Xiong'an to Be Operational Soon, Enabling 'Shared Manufacturing' Model for Commercial Space
Two satellite sharing centers in Xiong'an New Area—the Satellite Shared Intelligent Manufacturing Center and the Satellite Shared Testing Center—are scheduled to officially become operational in the third quarter of 2026. The infrastructure investment for both centers totals approximately 300 million RMB. Located in the pilot base of the Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Center, the manufacturing center has an annual capacity of up to 50 satellites of various models and can simultaneously support the assembly of 6 satellites using a flexible production line design. The testing center can test up to 100 complete satellites and 200 payloads annually, equipped with a thermal vacuum test chamber (6.6 m in diameter, 10 m deep) and a 35-ton vibration table, covering full-process testing in electrical, thermal, mechanical, and magnetic domains. Enterprises can complete all pre-launch testing procedures in one stop without purchasing their own equipment. Xiong'an has already gathered 69 enterprises in the space information ecosystem. The commissioning of these two centers will further lower the entry barrier for commercial space, advancing the industry consensus of 'For space activities, go to Xiong'an.'
2026-07-20
Weekly Report #2629: 3D Printing Equipment Output Up 48.5% in H1, Tungsten Prices Continue to Fall, Dual-Process Titanium Powder Routes Take Shape
📊 Industry validation continues: H1 equipment output grew 48.5% YoY, with intensive institutional research. National Bureau of Statistics data shows 3D printing equipment output up 48.5% in H1 2026, leading high-end manufacturing. 14 concept stocks received over 50 institutional visits, signaling a shift from 'concept hype' to 'industrial validation'. 🚀 Commercial space-driven demand: Long March 10B's maiden flight validated China's unique net recovery technology. Shaanxi's first satellite laser communication production line (600 terminals/year) launched, and 22 products were unveiled at the Aerospace Information Conference. Aerospace lightweighting continues to drive titanium and aluminum powder demand. 🏭 Structural changes in powder supply: Shangcai 3D established an EIGA+DH-S dual-process titanium powder system (virgin + recycled). Beifeng Smart filed a 1.3 billion RMB project in Inner Mongolia to use coal gangue for cost reduction. Jinyuan Smart introduced high-thermal-conductivity copper powder (>400 W/m·K) for AI cooling. 🔬 Technology evolution: KU Leuven achieved in-situ microstructure control of super duplex stainless steel via dual-laser LPBF, enabling phase-patterned parts. AM PravaH launched a multi-scale simulation platform covering the entire process from powder to final part. The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $31.77 billion by 2032 (CAGR 11.6%). Tungsten prices fell another 4.1% this week to ¥1,130/kg, down over 54% from the 2026 peak, easing cost pressure for powder manufacturers.
2026-07-19
Guangdong Leijia 3D Prints Titanium Hollow Watch in 72 Hours with Over 90% Material Utilization
Guangdong Leijia Additive Technology showcased a metal 3D-printed hollow wristwatch solution, using its DiMetal series to integrally form the titanium alloy case, case back, and bracelet—no molds, no welds, and no assembly required. Traditional manufacturing requires mold making (costing over ¥100,000 and taking a month), whereas metal 3D printing directly 'grows' the entire watch blank from a digital model, delivering a wearable product within 72 hours. The watch uses lightweight yet durable titanium alloy, with material utilization exceeding 90%—compared to traditional machining, which reduces a 10 kg titanium ingot to just 1 kg of final product, metal 3D printing turns 9 kg into the watch instead of waste. After post-processing including polishing, sandblasting, CNC finishing, and buffing, the printed parts are ready to wear. The core team of Guangdong Leijia comes from Professor Yang Yongqiang’s group at South China University of Technology, which developed China’s first metal 3D printer in 2003. The company has since deepened its expertise in scientific research and education, medical devices, consumer electronics, shoe molds, and aerospace. This case demonstrates the potential of metal 3D printing for customizing high-end consumer goods.
2026-07-18
