On September 1, 2026, the Chinese Government Procurement Network published the award notice for the laser powder bed fusion (metal PBF) 3D printer procurement project at China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing). Purchasing activity for metal printers in academic research settings remains strong, serving as a steady source of demand for both equipment and metal powders—laboratory-grade SLM systems typically require small-volume orders of multiple powder grades (e.g., titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, and stainless steel) for experimental use. Key takeaways for powder suppliers: ① University procurements generally follow government procurement procedures, so suppliers should monitor subsequent consumables tenders from these institutions; ② Given the university's mining-focused research, there may be demand for iron-based and cobalt-based powders tied to mining equipment repair and wear-resistant materials; ③ The powder list supplied by the winning equipment vendor can serve as a gateway to entering university supply channels.