Since 2000, 3D printing (additive manufacturing, AM) technology has evolved rapidly and is now applied in mold manufacturing, biotech medical devices, and the aerospace industry. To help industries boost their value, ITRI built the laser additive manufacturing industry clusters in 2012 and introduced Taiwan’s first laser 3D printing device. The Institute also set up Taiwan’s first metal laser additive manufacturing laboratory. Combining resources from over 30 domestic and international manufacturers in the equipment, material, and application sectors, ITRI continues to promote the development of key technologies for metal 3D printing. The new technologies provide strong support to smart healthcare and are used to customize medical devices such as false teeth, stents, artificial bones and joints, and operating room equipment.

ITRI began R&D for 3D printing related technology in 2013 and step by step completed the AM100, AM250, and the largest piece of AM equipment (500x500x500 cm³) in Taiwan. In 2014, the ITRI-designed and manufactured gold orchid hairpin won first prize at the Singapore International 3D Printing Competitions. The win made Taiwan’s 3D printing capabilities known to the world.

Also in 2014, the Institute began collaborating with the Dutch research organization TNO, which has over 15 years of research experience in 3D printing, and formed the 3D Printing International Alliance. The two parties set up the 3D printing international R&D platform in 2015 and launched Taiwan’s first large FDM 3D printer. This technology utilizes an industrial robotic arm and can be used to print large workpieces. Through this R&D platform, ITRI has worked with 3D printing manufacturers in Taiwan and Europe to accelerate technology R&D and jointly enter the global 3D printing market.

In the field of biomedicine, ITRI targets the high added value medical device sector and leverages biomedical 3D jet printing technology to help the domestic biomedical industry set up production equipment for the rapid production of special customized biomedical materials. In 2018, the Institute set up the 3D-printed medical device smart manufacturing demonstration site at the Southern Taiwan Science Park Kaohsiung branch, making Southern Taiwan an important hub for the metal medical device industry cluster. This site offers a one-stop service that includes design, trial production, and commodification manufacturing. It can support hospitals and medical device companies by satisfying their trial production demands for various customized products.

In 2019, ITRI collaborated with Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital and Alliance Global Technology Co. to set up Taiwan’s first integration hub for 3D-printed medical device clinical trials and services. Patients with oral, head and neck cancers were selected as trial subjects for lower jaw implants. This project supported the medical device and related metal industries in the Southern Taiwan Science Park in the generation of new precision medicine market opportunities as they enter the emerging 3D printing supply chain.