Inside China’s 3D printing boom fueling christmas demand worldwide: Video

Footage from Jinqi Toys’ factory shows more than 6,700 3D printers operating in tight rows, forming one of China’s largest 3D printing farms. The machines are producing a steady stream of festive items, including Santa Claus keychains, reindeer figurines and the company’s popular toy dragon eggs and dragons.

Factory owner Zeng Hao said the majority of the products are exported to Europe, North America and South America, with additional shipments going to nearby markets such as Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Zeng attributed the strong overseas demand to the company’s focus on design and aesthetics. He said consumers are increasingly attracted to distinctive styles and colour combinations, an area the company has prioritised over the past two years by developing new palettes and pairing them with varied product designs.

Beyond aesthetics, Zeng said the core strength of 3D printing lies in its flexibility. Unlike traditional manufacturing lines, production can be switched almost instantly in response to market changes. If demand for toys falls, the factory can pivot to jewellery, handicrafts, lighting products, homeware or even flower pots with minimal downtime.

Inside the facility, each worker oversees roughly 400 machines, moving between printers to replace materials and collect finished items, a workflow that allows the factory to scale output rapidly without large labour increases.

China’s 3D printing farm industry has expanded dramatically in recent years. What began with a few thousand printers has grown to more than 100,000 machines nationwide, reflecting how additive manufacturing is reshaping mass production, particularly for seasonal goods where speed, customisation and adaptability are critical.

As Christmas approaches, factories like Jinqi Toys are showing how China’s manufacturing sector is blending advanced technology with global consumer trends to meet festive demand at scale.