Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab (拓竹科技) has released 2025 statistical data for its 3D model sharing platform “MakerWorld” via WeChat. The company reported approximately 10 million monthly active users, 2.6 million original models, and a remarkable 83% user retention rate. The data indicates that 3D printing in China has evolved beyond hobbyist use into a viable side business and small-scale manufacturing industry.
MakerWorld Becomes World’s Largest 3D Model Community in Two Years
Launched in 2023, MakerWorld has grown into one of the world’s largest 3D model sharing platforms in just two years. Key metrics as of the end of 2025:
- Monthly active users: Approximately 10 million
- Total original models: 2.6 million
- New model uploads: Over 7,000 per day
- Creator base: 280,000 (averaging 5+ models published per creator)
- Popular models: Approximately 4,000 models downloaded and printed 1,000+ times
Extraordinary User Engagement – Beyond Hobby Use
MakerWorld data demonstrates that 3D printing has integrated into daily life and work, transcending mere hobbyist applications:
- Heavy users: Over 30,000 users print an average of 7+ hours per day (equivalent to “full-time employment”)
- Weekly active users: Over 130,000 users engage 6+ hours per week
- Retention rate: 83% of users continue using the platform one year after purchase
- Total print time: Over 290 million hours in 2025
3D Printing Emerges as Side Business – New Manufacturing Model
Bambu Lab’s official announcement states that “3D printing has become a new production method, and completely new side businesses are emerging one after another.”
Top 3 Popular Categories (by annual growth rate):
- Household models
- Hobby & DIY
- Tools
Primary side business and commercial applications:
- Decorative items (wall hangings, tissue box holders, pen holders)
- Creative stationery products
- Fan merchandise
- Cosplay props
- Made-to-order production businesses
Search Trends Indicate Rapid Growth
Search volume increases in Chinese search engines during 2025:
- “拓竹” (Bambu Lab): 323% year-over-year increase
- “3D打印机” (3D printer): 238% year-over-year increase
- “3D打印” (3D printing): 119% year-over-year increase
Strategic Partnership with ByteDance – 6,666 Printers to Be Distributed During Spring Festival
Bambu Lab will collaborate with ByteDance’s Doubao app to participate in China’s national event “Spring Festival Gala” (春晚) on February 16, 2026.
- Distribution quantity: 6,666 Bambu Lab 3D printers
- Drawing times: Three rounds on New Year’s Eve (除夕夜)
- Partner: ByteDance’s Volcano Engine (火山引擎)
- Significance: Integration of AI platforms and 3D printing manufacturing
AM Insight Asia Perspective
Bambu Lab’s success demonstrates the power of “democratizing information” in the consumer 3D printing market. The company’s website and MakerWorld platform provide vast amounts of tutorials, model data, and community support despite offering lower-priced products.
In contrast, websites of high-end industrial AM equipment manufacturers are often limited to technical specifications and marketing materials, lacking practical information and user community access. Even considering the differences between consumer products and industrial equipment market segments, this gap in information volume is noteworthy.
Are industrial AM markets truly providing the information and support systems that users need? Corporate users making significant investments should require access to case studies, application know-how, and troubleshooting information more than anyone. Bambu Lab’s approach raises a critical question for the entire AM industry: “How should we deliver the information customers truly need?”
