End-part manufacturing is the goal for HP’s 3D printing aspirations
HP hopes that its new high-volume 3D printing ‘system upgrade’, billed HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210, plus an expansion of materials will unlock 3D manufacturing’s economies of scale, as it looks to raise the ‘break-even point’ to 110,000 and enable what would be the industry’s lowest cost-per-part.
The new solution includes hardware and firmware upgrades for existing Jet Fusion systems to improve overall system efficiency and enable continuous operation, including a new processing station capable of handling significantly higher materials volumes.
The upgrade is available at present to those that purchased the initial 4200 3D printer, and will be commercially available in March 2018.
Customers who purchase the HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210 Printing Solution will also benefit from shared service contracts and significantly lower pricing on HP’s engineering-grade 3D printing materials and agents.
New Materials
HP’s open platform model for 3D printing materials is still yet to bear fruit from the raft of partners at launch, but three upcoming materials from its in-house chemists will expand the material properties and reusability.
· PA 11: for low-cost, functional parts with impact resistance and ductility for prostheses, insoles, sporting goods, snap fits, living hinges and more
· PA 12 Glass Beads: for producing low-cost functional parts with dimensional stability and repeatability ideal for applications requiring high stiffness like enclosures and housings, molds, and tooling
· Polypropylene: Durable low cost material that offers enhanced flexibility with excellent chemical resistant, lightweight, and watertight capabilities
Dow Chemical and DSM have joined more than 50 chemical companies engaged in the HP materials partner program, acquiring the Materials Development Kit with the goal of developing their own 3D powders for the Jet Fusion process.
“The new 3D 4210 Printing Solution enables our customers to mass-produce parts using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology for 65 per cent less than other processes, and fully benefit from the economies of scale,” said Ramon Pastor, GM of Multi Jet Fusion for HP’s 3D printing business.
“HP’s Jet Fusion 3D systems have now reached a technological and economic inflection point that combines the speed, quality, and scalability needed to accelerate manufacturing’s digital industrial revolution.”
