Shenzhen-based Bambu Lab opened its first global flagship store on September 30 in the city's Nanshan district, marking a push to bring 3D printing technology to mainstream consumers. The two-story space in the MixC Shenzhen Bay mall features interactive displays, including a large-scale 3D-printed model, a sculpture made from 28 printers, and dedicated zones for hobbyists and children.
Founded in 2020, Bambu Lab has rapidly grown to become a leading player in consumer 3D printing. Its rise reflects Shenzhen's broader emergence as a hub for hardware innovation, following companies like DJI and Anker. The firm now maintains offices in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and Singapore.
While 3D printing technology dates back to the 1980s, it has long been confined to industrial or enthusiast use due to high costs and technical complexity. Bambu's machines, however, integrate robotics, motion control, and computer vision to offer industrial-level performance at consumer prices. Its first product, the X1 series, broke Kickstarter records in 2022 and was named one of Time magazine's best inventions.
Beyond hardware, the company has developed a full ecosystem to simplify the user experience. Its model-sharing platform, MakerWorld, now integrates Tencent's mixed-reality 3D generation tools, allowing users to create printable models from a single image or text prompt. The platform has amassed over one million models and 10 million monthly users, becoming the world's leading model-sharing community.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
