DJI joins Elegoo: 3D printing specialist aims for 5 billion yuan in annual revenue

DJI is investing in Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Elegoo, thereby intensifying competition in the desktop segment. The Shenzhen-based company reports sales of 1.6 billion yuan for 2024 and has been growing at double-digit rates for years. According to the tech portal 36Kr, the average annual growth rate over the past three years has been over 40 percent. The company is aiming for sales of more than 5 billion yuan over the next three years.

This is a clear signal for the consumer 3D printer market, which is dominated by Bambu Lab and Creality. DJI is clearly taking additive manufacturing seriously from a strategic perspective. The group describes the investment as an investment in an area with high growth potential that fits in with its long-term innovation strategy. Elegoo was launched in 2015 and focuses on affordable but feature-rich devices for beginners and ambitious makers.

The product range includes LCD and SLA resin printers as well as FDM printers, supplemented by laser engravers and STEM kits. In terms of unit sales, Elegoo has been one of the world’s leading brands for years, particularly in the field of LCD printers. The brand became known for its Mars series, which combined early 2K resolution with prices around $300. With the Mars 5 Ultra, Elegoo introduced zone-based exposure, which shortens build times and reproduces fine details more cleanly.

Resin systems are no longer used only in the hobby sector. Laboratories in the dental industry also print models for planning and training purposes. At the same time, Elegoo is attempting to gain a foothold in the semi-industrial sector with large-format FDM systems such as the OrangeStorm Giga. The device raised more than $3 million on Kickstarter.

The expansion of its own software and service platform is strategically important. With the SatelLite slicer software, the Matrix app for remote control, and the Nexprint model platform, Elegoo covers the entire chain from 3D model to finished component. For DJI, the investment opens up access to a growing ecosystem of hardware, software, and community in 3D printing, while also creating a foothold beyond the politically contested drone business.