Osaka, Japan – APPLE TREE Corporation announced on December 26 the official launch of PrintHub, a distributed 3D printer farm business developed in partnership with Nagoya Kogei. The company describes this as Japan’s first initiative of its kind.
While Japan has traditionally relied on service bureaus for contract manufacturing, PrintHub introduces the 3D printer farm model that has gained traction in China—operating large arrays of low-cost 3D printers in parallel—but adapts it with a distributed approach tailored to Japan’s circumstances. The first facility will house up to 120 Bambu Lab 3D printers and is scheduled to begin full operations in spring 2026.
Contrasting Approach to China’s Centralized Production
In recent years, China has seen the emergence of large-scale printer farms consolidating hundreds or even thousands of 3D printers at single locations. PrintHub, by contrast, adopts a distributed model.
To accommodate Japan’s limited land availability, APPLE TREE has outlined a mid-to-long-term vision to establish multiple facilities across the country, aiming to build manufacturing infrastructure through regional distribution rather than centralized concentration.
The partnership structure with Nagoya Kogei suggests the company may be considering franchise expansion of 3D printer farms in the future.
This approach carries significance from a supply chain perspective. By enabling domestic production in Japan at price levels comparable to China, the model offers potential benefits including reduced import dependence, shorter lead times, and lower transportation costs.
The company states this approach can contribute to reducing logistics and environmental burdens while revitalizing regional industries.
About APPLE TREE
APPLE TREE operates as a distributor for 3D printers including Markforged, Bambu Lab, and FLASHFORGE, and also runs STARAY, a 3D-printed footwear brand manufactured using PollyPolymer 3D printers. The company maintains two retail locations in Osaka.
Partnership with Nagoya Kogei
This project is being advanced through collaboration with Nagoya Kogei Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Nagoya), a company that handles festival doll materials.
Based in Nagoya, the heart of Japan’s automotive industry, Nagoya Kogei maintains close relationships with automotive-related companies. The company is working to build integrated production systems including filament manufacturing from automotive-related waste materials and development of proprietary 3D printers, with an eye toward sustainable material utilization.APPLE TREE supports this initiative by providing 3D printers and marketing expertise.
Targeting Just-In-Time Manufacturing
PrintHub adopts a “3D printer farm” model that enables on-demand production of parts and products by networking and centrally managing multiple 3D printers.
Characterized by direct manufacturing from digital data without requiring molds or large injection molding machines, the approach aims to realize Just-In-Time manufacturing: “making what’s needed, when it’s needed, in the quantities needed.”
The design premises small-scale operation, aiming to build sustainable production systems even in manufacturing environments facing labor shortages.
Anticipated Applications
PrintHub anticipates usage in the following areas:
For Individual Creators
- Production of objects for events
- Outsourcing for small-batch production
For Enterprises
- Prototyping without mold creation
- Manufacturing of replacement parts
- Short-lead-time parts production
The model provides options in the middle ground between service bureaus and mass production—specifically for production volumes in the hundreds to thousands—offering significantly lower costs. It may also function as a production facility for small businesses that don’t maintain their own equipment.
Looking ahead, APPLE TREE envisions a future form of manufacturing where “data is purchased and items are made nearby,” working toward realizing a society where anyone can access manufacturing when and where they need it.
Sources:
- APPLE TREE Corporation press release (December 26, 2025)
- Nagoya Kogei
