Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-04-12 Origin: Site
(Reposted from 36Kr)
Exclusive report from 36Kr: Hengpu (Ningbo) Laser Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Hengpu Laser") has completed a Series A financing round worth tens of millions of yuan, led by Shenzhen Tongchuang Weiye with participation from the Ningbo Angel Fund. The funds will be used for team expansion, new product R&D, and market development.
Hengpu Laser specializes in the production and sales of consumable engineering 3D-printed products. By innovatively applying laser 3D printing technology to engineering tool manufacturing, the company achieves structural and functional integration in its products. Its solution involves laser-implanting ceramic-based composite materials into low-cost steel substrates, enabling macro-scale fusion and micro-scale bonding of metal and ceramic. This addresses customers' dual demands for toughness and wear resistance, delivering a 10x performance improvement over traditional tools.
Hengpu’s 3D-printed tool fabrication process (left) vs. traditional engineering tool production (right)
3D printing of metal-ceramic composites has long been a global industrial challenge. A 3D printing expert told 36Kr, "Printing metal-ceramic composites is extremely difficult because ceramics are inherently unsuitable for printing. Current industry standards limit ceramic content to below 10%, making higher percentages a world-class technical hurdle." Hengpu Laser's breakthrough lies in its ability to mass-produce products with ceramic content far exceeding industry norms.
Dr. Liu Dejian, founder of Hengpu Laser, explained to 36Kr that traditional tools weld wear-resistant layers (primarily ceramic) and impact-resistant layers (primarily metal) directly. In contrast, Hengpu's products use 3D printing to implant ceramics into metal, creating gradient materials without distinct interfaces. "Previous overlay welding was like wearing a wig—weak bonding. Our laser implantation is akin to hair transplantation, embedding ceramics into metal for superior micro- and macro-scale integration. This is key to our market success."
Microstructure of Hengpu’s engineering tools—seamless integration of low-cost steel and ceramic
In engineering scenarios, "wear resistance" is the top priority. Take the "engineering teeth" market (critical consumables for subway tunneling, infrastructure, mining, etc.) as an example: China's annual demand exceeds tens of billions of yuan. However, the high-end segment remains dominated by Europe and America giants like Sandvik and Kennametal due to stringent performance requirements. Frequent tool replacements reduce operational efficiency and inflate costs, making low-price strategies ineffective and complicating domestic substitution.
Initially, 3D printing's high costs and technical complexity limited its use to niche sectors like aerospace and defense—where Hengpu Laser began. While these sectors offered high margins, their market size was limited.
After years of R&D, Hengpu Laser has successfully commercialized its core technology for engineering applications, marking a "high-tech down-to-earth" breakthrough. Its 3D-printed metal-ceramic tools offer exceptional wear resistance, impact resistance, and cost efficiency, aligning with industry trends.
Moreover, Hengpu products balance cost and performance. Traditional methods rely on expensive raw materials to enhance performance, whereas Hengpu uses ordinary steel paired with 3D printing. While printing adds some cost, reduced reliance on premium materials ensures overall affordability without compromising quality.
Application scenarios (left) and product samples (right)
Since 2019, Hengpu Pick sales have doubled annually. The company has established strategic partnerships with state-owned giants like China Energy, China Communications Construction, and China Railway, repeatedly securing bids for national key projects as the sole domestic brand. In some regions, it has broken the monopoly of American and German tool manufacturers, achieving in just a few years what competitors took decades to accomplish.
Team Background:
Hengpu Laser's R&D team, led by Dr. Liu Dejian, includes Ph.D. holders with academic and industrial expertise from institutions like Harbin Institute of Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ohio State University, and Lockheed Martin.
Dr. Liu, with over 20 years in laser 3D printing, has led multiple national defense projects and pioneered advancements in large-component and ceramic 3D printing. In 2005, he resolved long-standing theoretical disputes over metal-ceramic interface control, achieving atomic-level bonding at micro-scales and macro-scale fusion—a world-first in industrializing this technology.
High-performance metal-ceramic composite produced via Hengpu’s laser melt injection technology
Investor Perspectives:
Wang Jing, representative of lead investor Tongchuang Weiye:
"We've tracked 3D printing companies for years, covering materials, equipment, services, and platforms. The industry has evolved from conceptual to industrial, yet faces challenges like valuation bubbles and declining margins. We believe 3D printing must return to its essence: material forming. Only by solving real client pain points can the technology thrive. Hengpu Laser embodies this philosophy."
Duan Yao, partner at Tongchuang Weiye:
"Historically, domestic players relied on service and pricing for 'import substitution', often lagging in innovation. Now, we see companies like Hengpu Laser leveraging cutting-edge tech to lead in product competitiveness. We're confident they will propel China's laser applications toward high-end, global markets."
