Interviewee: Daosheng Cai
Interview Date: Sep 17, 2023
Interview Format: Video and paper interview
Interviewer: Tianwei Li

Interviewee Biography:
Ph.D., Chairman of Wuhan YiZhi Technology Co., Ltd., specializing in the development of new products and technologies in the field of 3D printing. He has received numerous provincial and ministerial awards, including the National Technology Invention Award (Second Prize) in 2010, the Hubei Province Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize) in 2005, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize) in 2006, and the Ministry of Education Natural Science Award (Second Prize). He has led or participated in several national key projects, including the National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China ("863" Program), the National CNC Major Program, and the National Key Support Program. He has developed multiple commercially available core 3D printing technologies, including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Projection Stereolithography. His SLS equipment, with a processing surface larger than one meter, was awarded the title of "China's Top Ten Scientific and Technological Progress" in 2011. In 2015, he launched China's first "full-color" and "multi-functional over-coating sand 3D printer," filling a gap in the domestic market.

1.3D printing belongs to additive manufacturing. On one hand, new materials need to be invented to meet the needs of different market applications. On the other hand, new 3D printing equipment and manufacturing methods need to be developed around these materials.

(1) Could you please talk about the stage of development of the 3D printing industry? Has it already become industrialized? Is this industry considered a blue ocean or a red ocean?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:3D printing has been developing for about 30 years and is currently quite popular in the manufacturing of small-batch personalized products, especially in the aerospace industry where it has been widely applied. However, the 3D printing industry is still rapidly evolving, mainly in the emergence of new technologies and methods for mass production applications, such as BJ and CLIP technology, which have seen rapid development in the past five years. The ultimate goal of the development of 3D printing technology is a personal factory, where everyone can be a manufacturer and participate in manufacturing through 3D printing technology. From this perspective, the current stage of 3D printing is still in its infancy, and the future of 3D printing is vast. It will gradually integrate into every manufacturing production process and change our habits and way of life.
The development of BJ technology is somewhat different from other technological routes. The initial technological principle of this technology is 3DP technology, which originated in the United States. However, based on this technological principle, MBJ technology has been developed by incorporating other new technological methods. Currently, there is no so-called leader in the world. Four companies, including HP and Desktop Metal from the United States, Digit Metal from Sweden (acquired by Markforged), and China's YiZhi Technology, are all independently researching and developing in this field. Currently, they are basically at the same stage of development.

(2) What are the main development directions of YiZhi Technology? (This includes reserves and authorized use of high-tech, the transformation and commercialization of 3D printing technology based on the characteristics of various industries, the integration of 3D printing technology with other fields such as medicine or manufacturing, and the provision of complete service solutions including systems, materials, and process parameters.)

Chairman Daosheng Cai:YiZhi Technology strives to make manufacturing simpler and more convenient, focusing on the development and application of BJ technology. Currently, our core product is the metal MBJ equipment, and we also provide sand mold and color gypsum BJ equipment. We offer a complete solution that includes systems, materials, and process parameters. In the future, we will also improve our capabilities in printing high molecular plastics. In other words, YiZhi Technology focuses on BJ technology-based equipment and complete processes. However, during the development and promotion of this technology, we also provide printing services for certain industries. But our core focus remains on the research, development, and production of equipment. BJ technology is quite remarkable. I understand this technology as an endless technology. It can not only achieve full-color printing of high molecular plastics but also print metals, ceramics, sand molds, pharmaceutical tablets, and more. The application scenarios will continue to expand.

2.You have a background in scientific research in universities and have also served as a senior executive in a startup company.

(1)Could you please share your understanding of entrepreneurial success? In the field of 3D printing, where you have focused your efforts, where do you believe the real value lies? Some say that success is reserved for the prepared and courageous. Where do you think the pain accompanying success lies? How do you deal with it?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:I cannot consider myself successful at the moment because the application of the technology we are engaged in is still very limited. Through the efforts of YiZhi Technology and the BJ technology team at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, I have helped China establish a position in a promising direction in the 3D printing industry. Today, we can openly say that our latest product is at a leading global level. Ten years ago, I was concerned when I saw that almost all 3D printing practitioners in China were blindly imitating foreign countries and focusing on traditional 3D printing technologies, without considering what the future directions of new technologies would be. I worried that if China did not engage in the research and development of new technologies, the gap between us and foreign countries would continue to widen.
Now, MBJ technology is gaining widespread recognition. Giants like Apple have already identified MBJ as the processing technology for their future products. This marks the beginning of 3D printing technology moving towards true mass production. In the future, it will certainly gradually expand into industries with high-volume applications, such as the automotive industry.
If there is a road to success, it is consistently pursuing things that create real value. Of course, the process will be painful. On one hand, undertaking a challenging task is difficult, and you need to go through countless trials and errors. On the other hand, innovation is often lonely. Before achieving success, the team will face doubts and even skepticism, as well as denial and suppression from traditional forces. To overcome these challenges, besides the team’s ability to quickly adjust through trial and error, the most important thing is to have a firm belief in our independent understanding. This is what people often refer to as cognition and perseverance.

(2)We understand that under your leadership, YiZhi Technology has overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, and has grown into a pioneering enterprise in the domestic 3D printing field. How do you view the "right timing, favorable conditions, and harmonious teamwork" in the process of enterprise development? In your opinion, what is the key to the development of an enterprise? Is it the vision and innovation of decision-makers in the development of high-tech, the timely application and transformation of technology, the combination of emerging technologies and capital, or the management and modern governance of the company?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:When it comes to the interpretation of “timing, location, and people” in the 3D printing industry, I believe that all three factors are crucial. Timing refers to being in the right industry boom, while location refers to having a basic supply chain in place. As for people, it means building a team with a shared value goal. I can interpret the importance of timing, location, and people through my own experiences.
First, let’s talk about timing. Before 2012, when I was at Binhu Electro-Mechanical, we were already leading the industry in terms of technology and scale. However, our team was still unable to drive rapid industry growth. When we introduced our technology and value to customers in many industries that are now well-applied, we were initially met with doubt and denial. But after 2012, with the manufacturing industry being revitalized in Europe and the United States, the 3D printing industry gained momentum. China quickly caught up, and 3D printing became a trend. Many industries that previously doubted or denied it started actively exploring the application of 3D printing. Not using 3D printing was seen as a conservative and outdated mindset. Taking advantage of this trend, the number of 3D printing practitioners in China quickly increased, and the industry applications began to grow rapidly. As a result, several companies that seized the opportunity went public.
Next, let’s discuss the aspect of location. When I was still a postdoctoral researcher, I wanted to use LCD screens as light valves for photopolymerization technology. This idea was likely innovative at the time, and I applied for a postdoctoral fund for it. However, the problem back then was that I couldn’t buy LCD screens that were suitable for the purpose, and I couldn’t manufacture them myself. In other words, there was a supply chain issue, and as a result, the idea couldn’t be realized, and even a prototype couldn’t be made. But now, LCD-based photopolymerization technology has gained high recognition and is considered the most promising 3D printing technology for the consumer market. Currently, MBJ technology also faces supply chain immaturity issues, such as the inadequate supply of metal powders. However, our own partners can help solve this problem, so the location factor is not as unfavorable and can be resolved.
As for the aspect of people, it is widely recognized that no individual can complete a large-scale engineering project alone. Each member of the team needs to have a common goal and a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities within the team. Only with such a team can we go further.
I have always believed that the focus of an enterprise should vary at different stages. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to enterprise management. Small enterprises cannot imitate large enterprises in the early stages, and large enterprises cannot be as casual as small enterprises. They need to establish sound systems. In the process of growing the enterprise, different problems will arise and need to be solved. This depends on the cognitive abilities of the decision-makers. They need to continuously learn to enhance their cognitive abilities in order to pre-judge and take appropriate actions to solve potential problems at different stages, or even resolve them before they become apparent.
I have come to realize that the cognitive abilities of enterprise leaders are the determining factors in how high and far an enterprise can go. Leaders usually need to constantly learn and think in order to acquire professional knowledge and cognitive abilities that surpass ordinary people. This, combined with persistent perseverance, will lead to success.

3.We understand that in the process of 3D printing, there may be waste, dust, and exhaust gases generated, which can cause environmental pollution. What measures can you take to prevent this? (Are the experimental and evidential conditions required for the Gaussian Smoke and Fog model similar to the environment of 3D printing and can they be adapted?)

Chairman Daosheng Cai:Through appropriate production management and auxiliary equipment, the dust and exhaust gases generated by 3D printing can be effectively eliminated. Typically, this involves operating in a closed and automated space with minimal emissions. For example, in the production process of MBJ technology, the use of enclosed automated equipment, an automatic powder cleaning system with filtration devices, and a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace with water filtration greatly reduce the emission of dust and gases.
Overall, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) evaluation of 3D printing technology is high, indicating that it is a direction with sustainable development. This has been confirmed in practice, such as Apple’s choice to use 3D printing instead of traditional machining, which is based on ESG considerations.

4.As a business manager, you need to control operations and be familiar with technological innovation and applications, and your daily schedule is busy. Could you please share some insights on time management?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:The essence of time management is not about any tricks or secrets, but rather about developing the ability to delegate tasks and continuously work

5.Artificial intelligence technology has had a profound impact on various industries.

(1) Could you briefly explain the relationship between mathematical, computer science, and technology theories and 3D printing technology?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:The application of mathematics and computer technology in the 3D printing industry mainly focuses on achieving equipment automation and software algorithms. Currently, it primarily involves computer graphics and software programming algorithms. In the future, there will be an increasing application of AI in 3D printing technology, leading to the transformation of equipment from automation to intelligence.

(2) Could you please discuss how 3D core printing technology can be combined with intelligent technology in various aspects

Chairman Daosheng Cai:Currently, 3D printing technology is still at the level of automation and has not yet reached the level of intelligence. In the future, the intelligence of 3D printing technology will mainly involve data acquisition and intelligent process control, essentially replacing human intervention and expertise. For example, users will be able to generate the required 3D models through AI without the need for professional drawing skills. Additionally, optimization of process parameters can be achieved through environmental sensing and perception of product characteristics.

6.You attended the Xi'an Jiaotong University Youth Class for your undergraduate studies. With a strong platform at the Rapid Manufacturing Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and abundant resources, you have a deep technical background and are skilled in application transformation. Now you own a technologically advanced enterprise. Throughout this process, you have also experienced many difficulties and setbacks.

(1)Could you please advise what kind of education and training background, knowledge, skills, and experience are required for someone to work in the 3D printing industry? What majors are more suitable for studying at the undergraduate and graduate level in this industry?

Chairman Daosheng Cai:3D printing requires interdisciplinary knowledge, especially in the field of BJ technology. It involves various fields such as chemistry, mechanical engineering, computer programming, powder metallurgy, metal materials, and heat treatment. The scope is vast, and it is impossible for one person to master everything through normal learning. The only way to solve problems in practical development is through continuous learning.
For example, during my undergraduate studies, I only had knowledge in mechanical engineering. However, when I started working on 3D printing technology development, I needed to learn about automatic control and computer programming. Later, when I worked on MBJ technology, I had to study polymer chemistry, metal materials, powder metallurgy, and heat treatment. I started learning these subjects in my forties. Additionally, the integration and application of knowledge from various interdisciplinary fields give rise to new phenomena. To understand and digest these phenomena, one needs to analyze and think in order to derive new theories and rules.
Of course, for those involved in the development of 3D printing technology, the foundational skills required are automation and computer programming. To further excel, knowledge in materials and chemistry is necessary.

(2)I will soon be entering my senior year of high school and will face decisions regarding college applications and choosing a major. I would like to hear your opinions and suggestions regarding academic improvement and possible career development directions

Chairman Daosheng Cai:If I have to give advice, the first criterion for choosing a future career direction should be interest. Only by pursuing something one is passionate about can a person sustain their commitment. Otherwise, there is a high chance of giving up halfway.