I. Current situation analysis
According to market data, China's folding screen mobile phone shipments in 2024 will be about 9.17 million units, a year-on-year increase of 30.8%. Among them, the mobile phones using titanium alloy 3D printing technology are mainly represented by Honor Magic Vs3. Although the specific sales volume has not been announced, the number is limited, indicating that the application scale of titanium metal 3D printing technology in the mobile phone market is relatively small, and there is still a large room for growth. However, more and more mobile phone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Xiaomi, have begun to pay attention to and apply this technology, indicating that the market scale is expected to expand further in the future.
II. Future Outlook
Looking forward to 2025, the application prospects of titanium alloy 3D printing technology in the mobile phone industry seem to be more optimistic. OPPO Find N5 has confirmed the use of titanium alloy 3D-printed hinges. If Huawei, which may adopt this technology, is included, the sales of such mobile phones may reach 2 million units. With the continuous maturity of technology and the further reduction of costs, the application of 3D printing in more scenarios such as mobile phone hinges, middle frames, and watch cases will gradually be realized, and the market scale will continue to expand accordingly. According to CITIC Securities' forecast, the market size of titanium alloy 3D printing in the consumer electronics field alone is expected to exceed 10 billion yuan, becoming a key driving force for innovation in the industrial chain.
III. Hidden risks and challenges
1. Material "face-changing" crisis: An important feature of the 3C industry is the extremely fast pace of replacement, and the continuous iteration of new materials has become the biggest uncertainty factor in the outbreak of 3D printing in the 3C industry. If high-strength aluminum or titanium-aluminum alloys are popular in the market in the future, the advantages of titanium alloy 3D printing technology may disappear.
2. The dilemma of "out of favor" of technology: Due to the rapid replacement of the 3C industry, the technology and supply chain are also changing rapidly. Once the 3D printing technology cannot keep up with the pace of industry development in time, it is likely to be eliminated by the market.
IV. The future direction of the industry
1. Giants lead the industry upgrade: The introduction and traction of world-class manufacturers such as Apple and Huawei will help China build a strong titanium alloy 3D printing technology industry chain. They have a strong influence on technology research and development, market promotion, etc., and will promote technological innovation and cost reduction of the entire industry chain.
2. Technological innovation and market promotion: With their strong R&D strength and abundant resources, large manufacturers can invest a lot of money in the research and development of 3D printing technology, and cooperate with material suppliers to jointly develop titanium alloy materials suitable for 3D printing. At the same time, the market promotion of large manufacturers will further promote the popularization and application of titanium alloy 3D printing technology in the mobile phone industry.
In summary, the development prospects of titanium alloy 3D printing technology in the mobile phone industry are worth looking forward to, but it also faces the challenges of material and technology upgrading. Only by continuous innovation and adaptation to market changes can we achieve long-term development in this field.
