China's first homegrown micro metal 3-D printer was unveiled during The Metal 3-D Printing Industrialization Appliance Forum, held on March 5 in Qingdao, Shandong province.

Designed by Beijing Yibo Sanwei Technology, the 3-D printer is roughly the size of a washing machine and is able to print with a high-degree of accuracy and density.

The first homegrown micro metal 3-D printer is roughly the size of a washing machine and is able to print with a high-degree of accuracy and density. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The new device is capable of printing metal components for use in the medical field, such as teeth and bone replacements; as well as parts to be used by the aerospace industry, and jewelry and other items, according to a company representative.

The Metal 3-D Printing Industrialization Appliance Forum was hosted by Qingdao Economic and Information Technology Committee, Qingdao Sino-German Ecopark Management Committee and 3dfocus.com.cn, a leading service platform for 3-D printing in China.

The forum attracted more than 200 representatives from government bodies, universities and colleges and companies in the industry.

The participants held a discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing the 3-D printing industry in the future.

The market value of China's metal 3D printing industry will hit 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) in 2016, said Li Peixue, chairman of 3dfocus.com.cn.

"Its market demand is expected to increase in a multifold way," he added.