According to 3D Printing Technology Reference, FandTech, a startup incubated by Tsinghua University, has developed a domestically produced PBT powder for selective laser sintering (SLS), filling a gap in China's high-performance engineering plastic supply.
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a crystalline engineering plastic valued for heat resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability, with broad use in electronics, automotive, and consumer goods. In powder-bed 3D printing, PBT powder has historically been imported.
FandTech's domestic breakthrough spans material synthesis, particle-size distribution, and process-window matching. Localizing the powder could reduce procurement costs and shorten supply-chain lead times while lessening import dependence. As with any powder-bed polymer, the material's formability, batch consistency, and fit with SLS equipment will be the focus for downstream users.
