Quick as a blink: Chinese scientists unveil 3D printing in under a second
South China Morning Post
by Zhang TongFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chinese scientists have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing technology by developing a method that solidifies liquid into three-dimensional objects in under a second, setting a new world record for speed. This innovative technique bypasses traditional mechanical scanning processes, which have been the standard for decades. The breakthrough could revolutionize industries by significantly accelerating production times and enabling unprecedented scalability.
While 3D printing has already found applications in diverse fields—such as creating custom prosthetics, producing metal components in space, and even manufacturing parts for military equipment—it has faced limitations due to its reliance on slow mechanical scanning systems. These systems use a nozzle to move back and forth, layer by layer, which can take minutes or hours to complete even small objects. The new method, however, eliminates this bottleneck by utilizing advanced materials science and light-based solidification processes that achieve object formation at lightning-fast speeds.
The implications of this innovation are far-reaching. Faster production times could lead to more efficient manufacturing, enabling mass customization on an unprecedented scale. This could transform industries such as healthcare, where patient-specific implants or prosthetics can be created quickly, potentially saving lives. Additionally, the technology’s ability to produce objects in seconds opens up new possibilities for military and emergency applications, such as rapid prototyping of critical components or even spare parts for equipment.
This breakthrough not only pushes the boundaries of 3D printing but also highlights China
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026