3D printing expected to take gizmo fans by storm at Hong Kong computer fair

Reading Time:2 minutes

A 3D printer named the Printer Bot compiles a replica of the Wall Street bull in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:00am, 21 Aug 2015Updated: 9:47pm, 21 Aug 2015

Retailers of 3D printers and drones are expecting strong interest when the annual computer festival opens today at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Besides laptops, smart phones and electronic accessories, which are staple attractions of the event, highlights include Taiwanese-made 3D printers that cost less than HK$5,000 and mini projector cubes from South Korea that weigh only 119 grams.

And as Hong Kong government began to push forward the development of 3D printing in the city with the opening of a 3D printing experience gallery at the Hong Kong Productivity Council, 3D printing had become one of the themes of the computer festival this year with a special zone dedicated to showcasing the latest 3D printing technology available in Hong Kong.

Harry Yan Chi-hoe, sales manager of Hornington Computers, which sells 3D printers from Taiwan, said: “This is our second year at the festival. Interest in 3D printers in Hong Kong has grown a lot. Now, everybody wants to try it.”

Expecting he will sell 40 per cent more 3D printers than the previous year, Yan said his company is already selling around nearly 30 to 40 3D printers each month in Hong Kong to toys and jewellery designers interested in making mould prototypes of their products.

“IT teachers are also interested because 3D printers let their students try designing their own products,” Yan added.