3D printing ready to revolutionize manufacturing

In September, MIIT announced it was working on a plan to promote the industry.

"We will see greater usage of 3D printing with increased affordability encouraged through government initiatives," says Andy Leck, managing principal and head of the IP practice at Wong & Leow, a member firm of Baker & McKenzie in Singapore.

"Key examples of these initiatives include the Singapore government's Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme and the investment of $500 million over five years as part of the government's Future of Manufacturing program," he says.

All this attention, however, may be creating a bubble. After a boom in raising capital through 2013, many 3D printer manufacturers have performed badly, particularly in terms of their stock price.

The share prices of some major 3D printer producers have dropped significantly over the past year. US-based ExOne fell from $66 in January to $21 in November, Stratasys slid from $134 to $105 and 3D Systems plunged from $96 to $36. In the same period, Germany's Voxeljet dropped from $47 to $12.

A number of linked companies listed in China's A-share market, such as those involved in robotics, have not performed well, either.

One exception is Guangdong-based polymer materials company Silver Age, which saw its value grow from 6.16 billion yuan ($994 million) in January to 17.45 billion yuan in November.

And if IP issues and fears of a bubble are not enough of a concern, the industry in Asia still faces a couple of other challenges including the high cost of materials and a dependence on imports. Another hurdle is the lack of a mature business model for companies in the sector.