At the back of advancements in manufacturing processes, particularly in electric mobility and robotics, China’s laser processing machine industry has seen remarkable growth. More so, key Chinese laser processing machine companies are now emerging in the global market.

LASER World of PHOTONICS CHINA 2024 is a large-scale exhibition of laser optoelectronics focusing on laser processing machines. It is happening in Shanghai from March 20 to 22.

Growing Preference for Laser Machining Process

Laser processing machines are thermal processing machines for metals and other materials. It utilizes the phenomenon of solids and other materials that emit energy as light (laser light).

With the expansion of new industries such as electric vehicles (EVs), the application of laser technology as a new manufacturing technology is attracting attention in the manufacturing industry. Moreover, the demand for laser processing machines, particularly fiber lasers, is beginning to expand worldwide. Compared to conventional metal processing methods such as arc welding, resistance welding, and gas cutting, laser processing machines achieve higher precision, higher efficiency, and faster tact time.

Among the top global players competing in the laser processing machine market include Germany’s TRUMPF SE + Co. KG and AMADA Co., Yamazaki MAZAK Corporation, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation from Japan.

Expanding By More than 20% Annually

In recent years, Chinese laser processing machine companies have made significant strides. Specifically, their presence was noticeable at the JIMTOF in Japan and other global machine tool exhibitions.

Based on data from the government and local research firms, the size of the domestic laser machine market continues to expand at more than 20% annually. In the background are manufacturing process innovations and advancements of manufacturing technology in new industrial fields such as EVs, EV batteries, and robots in China. Moreover, the government has positioned laser technology applications as a cutting-edge manufacturing and processing technology, and has been promoting its development. 2023 saw sluggish demand growth due to China’s domestic economic downturn. However, it is predicted that the growth trend will continue over the medium to long term.

Emerging Chinese Companies

HSG Laser Co., Ltd. (Foshan, Guangdong Province) is a leading laser processing machine company in China. To date, it has sold laser processing machines to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. The company has been selling to the Japanese market through a distributor since 2018, and established a sales office to enter the Japanese market in earnest in 2022.

Bodor Laser (Jinan, Shandong Province) is expanding its business globally, not only in China but also in Germany, the U.S., and India. To date, it has delivered to 2,500 companies worldwide.

Raycus Fiber Laser Technologies Co., Ltd. has commercialized China’s first 120kW ultra high-power fiber laser, which is exported to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, HGTECH Co., Ltd. has developed an original laser oscillator to provide an all-in-one packaging ready for immediate operation.

-22 March 2024-

This is an English translation of a Japanese article originally published in Dempa Shimbun Daily.