China 3D Printing Research Institutes: Complete List

Author: Felix Lee (CEO at Forgecise)

Published: June 28, 2026

Last Updated: July 23, 2026

Source Credit: Nanjixiong 3D Printing

Executive Summary

China’s additive manufacturing (AM) research network spans four main tiers: National-level platforms, Provincial and Ministerial key labs, University research institutes, and Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) centers. Following the publication of List of Nearly 100 Universities and Vocational Colleges Offering 3D Printing Related Majors in China, many graduates asked where they can pursue Master’s or Ph.D. degrees in 3D printing. This directory compiles over 60 premier graduate-level research platforms across China.

Tier 1: National-Level Research Platforms

These platforms represent China’s top tier of research in additive manufacturing. Leading universities run them together with key industry partners.

National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Center: Jointly built by 5 top universities—Xi’an Jiaotong University, Beihang University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Tsinghua University, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology—along with 13 major enterprises.
National Engineering Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing of Large Metallic Components: Based at Beihang University. It also hosts the Laser Additive Manufacturing National Innovation Center.
National Engineering Research Center for Rapid Manufacturing: Based at Xi’an Jiaotong University. It runs a branch office at Shandong University.
National Engineering Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing of High Polymer Complex Structure: Based at Hunan Farsoon High-Tech Co., Ltd.
National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Digital Material Processing Technology and Equipment: Based at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Hubei Province.

Tier 2: Provincial and Ministerial Key Laboratories & Engineering Centers

These centers drive regional and industrial 3D printing technical growth across Chinese provinces and national ministries.

Key Laboratory of High Performance Metal Additive Manufacturing and Innovative Design, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Engineering Research Center of Laser Direct Manufacturing for Large Metallic Components, Ministry of Education: Beihang University
Engineering Research Center of Rapid Prototyping Manufacturing, Ministry of Education: Xi’an Jiaotong University
Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio-Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping Technology: Tsinghua University — One of the world’s earliest teams to work on bio-3D printing.
Beijing Key Laboratory of Low-Stress Intelligent Metal Additive Manufacturing: Tsinghua University
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Equipment and Manufacturing: Nanjing Normal University
Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Laser Additive Manufacturing of High-Performance Metal Components: Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Chongqing Key Laboratory of Metal Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Chongqing University
Liaoning Key Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing and Remanufacturing Materials: Northeastern University
Liaoning Engineering Technology Research Center for Laser 3D Printing Equipment and Applications: Dalian University of Technology
Zhejiang Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment: Zhejiang University
Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technology and Application for Universities: Qingdao University of Technology
Qingdao Engineering Research Center for 3D Printing: Qingdao University of Technology
Guangdong University Engineering Research Center for Metal Additive Manufacturing and Intelligent Grinding/Polishing: Guangdong Open University / Guangdong Polytechnic Institute
Guangdong Engineering Research Center for High-Performance Metal Additive Manufacturing and Intelligent Grinding/Polishing: Guangdong Open University / Guangdong Polytechnic Institute (Note: This is a different designation level for the same unit).
Shenzhen Key Laboratory of High-Function Material Additive Manufacturing: Southern University of Science and Technology
Dongguan Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Technology: Dongguan University of Technology
Henan Engineering Research Center for Additive Intelligent Manufacturing: Henan Normal University
Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Mold Industry Smart Manufacturing Application Technology: Chengdu Aeronautic Polytechnic — Research covers laser additive manufacturing of aviation-grade high-strength heat-resistant rare-earth magnesium alloys.
Jiangsu University Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Equipment and Application Technology: Nantong Institute of Technology
Nanjing Engineering Research Center for Additive Manufacturing Quality and Reliability: Jinling Institute of Technology
Nanjing University Key Laboratory for Material/Structure/Performance Integrated Additive Manufacturing: Jinling Institute of Technology
Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Medical 3D Printers and Personalized Medicine: Guangdong Pharmaceutical University

Tier 3: University-Established Institutes & Specialized Research Centers

Many universities set up internal centers focused on specific material systems, hardware design, or process engineering.

Xi’an Jiaotong University: Advanced Manufacturing Technology Institute (founded by Academician Lu Bingheng in 1994) and Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Research Center (one of China’s earliest 3D printing research groups).
Tsinghua University: Institute of Materials Processing Engineering, working on additive manufacturing and metal 3D printing.
Beihang University: National Engineering Laboratory for Additive Manufacturing of Large Metallic Components (also listed under National platforms).
Huazhong University of Science and Technology: Rapid Manufacturing Center (started in 1991 as one of the first in China). Its Shenzhen Research Institute runs the Additive Manufacturing Center, which focuses on ceramic additive manufacturing.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Joint Additive Manufacturing Research Center (studying materials and process control) and Institute of Special Materials.
South China University of Technology: Laser and Additive Manufacturing Research Center (founded in 2023) and Extreme Manufacturing Research Center (studying extra-large high-performance component hybrid additive/subtractive manufacturing).
Beijing University of Technology: Institute of Advanced Photonics Technology, concentrating on laser additive manufacturing and laser micro-nano fabrication.
Northwestern Polytechnical University: Key teams tied to the MIIT Key Lab of High Performance Metal AM (listed under Tier 2).
Shandong University: Additive Manufacturing Research Center, acting as a branch of the National Engineering Research Center for Rapid Manufacturing.
Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Institute.
Southern University of Science and Technology: Research Center for Additive Manufacturing and Powder Technology.
Shenzhen University: Additive Manufacturing Institute.
Dongguan University of Technology: 3D Printing and Intelligent Manufacturing Research Center.
Nantong Institute of Technology: 3D Printing Technology Institute.
Hohai University: Institute of Smart Joining and Additive Manufacturing, studying precision smart joining and additive techniques.
Ningbo University: Additive Manufacturing Institute and Advanced Coating and Additive Manufacturing Institute.
Soochow University: Laser Manufacturing Technology Institute.
Jiangsu University: Institute of Advanced Material Forming Technology. Professor Lu Jinzhong’s team led national key R&D additive manufacturing projects here.
ZJUI / ZJU City University: Advanced Materials Additive Manufacturing Innovation Research Center.
Shandong University of Technology: Advanced Manufacturing Research Institute, with 3D printing as a main focus.
Shanghai University of Engineering Sciences: Runs dedicated additive manufacturing research labs.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou): Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing Laboratory – AHM Lab, studying smart additive-subtractive hybrid manufacturing.
Xihua University: Institute of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, studying 3D printing of refractory metals and hard alloys.
Harbin Institute of Technology: Institute of Mechatronic Systems and Intelligent Control, working on AM equipment and systems.
Dalian University of Technology / Dalian University: Institute of Mold Technology and Smart Forming, covering additive printing and surface engineering.
Jiangxi University of Science and Technology: Bio-Additive Manufacturing Research Center.
North University of China: Houses active research teams and participates in the Anhui Additive Manufacturing Collaborative R&D Center.
Sichuan University: Researches metal-based 3D printing equipment and intelligent data processing.
Guangzhou Future Additive Manufacturing Research Institute: Works directly with research teams from Harbin Institute of Technology and other universities.
Anhui Additive Manufacturing Collaborative Research and Development Center: Brings together researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST).

Tier 4: Chinese Academy of Sciences Institutes

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) runs specialized national institutes focused on automation, metallurgy, materials chemistry, and ceramics.

Shenyang Institute of Automation, CAS: Focuses on robotics, controls, and laser 3D printing equipment.
Institute of Metal Research, CAS: Focuses on high-temperature superalloys, titanium alloys, metallurgy, and metal powders for 3D printing.
Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, CAS: Focuses on functional materials, surface engineering, and printing hardware.
Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, CAS: Focuses on structural ceramic 3D printing and bioceramics.
Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, CAS: Focuses on optical systems, 3D printing hardware, and green manufacturing.

Industry Notes and Talent Database

China’s 3D printing research groups cover the full pipeline from raw materials and process design to large-scale industrial use. Beyond pushing research boundaries, these centers supply skilled technical talent directly to China’s growing 3D printing industry.

3D Printing Scholars Directory: Nanjixiong compiled a registry of over 400 Chinese 3D printing scholars (Link: https://www.nanjixiong.com/forum-251-1.html).
Industry Event: Registration is open for the China 3D Printing Farm and Consumer Ecosystem Conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chinese universities were the first to research 3D printing?

Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) began rapid prototyping in 1991, and Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) founded its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Institute in 1994. Both are considered the earliest university pioneers in China.

Which institutes specialize in metal 3D printing for aerospace?

Beihang University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and the CAS Institute of Metal Research lead in metal additive manufacturing for aerospace structures.

Are there Chinese research centers focused on ceramic and biological 3D printing?

Yes. Tsinghua University houses the Beijing Key Lab of Bio-Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping, while the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics (CAS) and HUST Shenzhen Research Institute lead in ceramic additive manufacturing.

Author Profile

Felix Lee CEO at Forgecise Felix Lee is the CEO of Forgecise, an advanced manufacturing and engineering solutions provider. He writes about additive manufacturing, industrial supply chains, and global hardware R&D ecosystems.

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