BLT sees revenue increase to $170 million in 2023
April 17, 2024
Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), located in Xi’an, China, has released its financial review for 2023, reporting operating income of approximately $170 million, representing a 34% increase compared to the previous year. The net income experienced a significant rise to approximately $19.6 million, marking a notable increase of 78% year-over-year.
Revenue breakdown by industries revealed a strong foothold in key sectors: Aerospace & Aviation comprising 56%, Industry with 37%, and Research Institute contributing 6%. Revenue from customised Additive Manufacturing products, self-developed Additive Manufacturing equipment, and Additive Manufacturing raw materials saw significant increases of 34%, 26%, and 99%, respectively, compared to the prior year.
As of December 31, 2023, BLT had a workforce of 1,720 employees, with approximately 30% dedicated to research and development efforts. The company’s extensive infrastructure comprises over 440 Additive Manufacturing machines and over 120 complementary analysis and testing systems. During the year, BLT manufactured some 299 Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) AM machines, with 242 of these sold domestically and internationally.
Technological achievements in 2023
To meet the substantial demand from aerospace and aviation industries for large-scale metal Additive Manufacturing equipment suited to batch production, new models were introduced. These included the BLT-S615, BLT-S815, and the BLT-S1500, featuring 26 lasers and an extra-large format.
Efficient powder recycling is imperative for batch production, and BLT introduced diverse and efficient powder recycling solutions tailored to a number of production scenarios. For instance, multiple devices can be equipped with a production line-based powder recycling solution, while an integrated powder recycling solution can be provided for the continuous production of large equipment. These solutions not only significantly reduce production costs but also meet users’ demands for factory production line efficiency.
In 2023, BLT also unveiled several high-temperature alloys and titanium alloy materials tailored for the aerospace sector. Specifically designed for PBF-LB processes, these alloy materials included BLT-In738, for applications in critical components like aerospace engines and gas turbines. BLT-Ti64 powder showcases remarkable mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, while BLT-Ti exhibits moderate mechanical characteristics, high plasticity, and excellent corrosion resistance, both suitable for aerospace and other industries. Furthermore, BLT-Ti2AlNb powder and BLT-Ti65 powder have surpassed the limitations of traditional titanium alloys, typically used below 600°C, and can now be employed in high-performance aerospace components.
Additionally, BLT introduced BLT-TiAl4822 powder designed for Powder Metallurgy and Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-EB) processes. This innovation is anticipated to partially replace nickel-based high-temperature alloys, resulting in significant weight reduction for high-temperature structural components in aerospace engines.
In 2023, BLT also established a software ecosystem tailored for a production line that could comprise over a hundred metal Additive Manufacturing machines.
International expansion journey
In 2023, BLT Europe GmbH commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in BLT’s global expansion efforts and enabling the provision of tailored services for international clientele.
BLT and BLT Europe GmbH signed distributor agreements with partners in key markets, including South Korea, Japan, Poland, and Nigeria, to collaborate on various aspects such as market application development, equipment sales, material sales, and technical consulting.
Throughout the year 2023, BLT made notable appearances at several industry events worldwide, with the aim of enabling a broader international audience to experience the boundless potential of metal Additive Manufacturing technology.
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