Wuhan: Early adapter of 3D printing

China, known as the world's factory, is exploiting three-dimensional printing technology to help its manufacturers make high-end products.

Wuhan was an early adopter of 3D printing technology: the first Chinese three-dimensional printer with independent intellectual property rights was developed in the city in 1994.

Now, Wuhan is riding the wave of the so-called third industrial revolution, to get a piece of the emerging 3D printing market that is expected to hit 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) within three years.