HP has introduced significant advancements to its HP Metal Jet and HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing printers, aimed at enhancing capabilities, introducing new materials, and forging strategic partnerships to propel additive manufacturing forward. The latest improvements to the HP Metal Jet S100 Printing Solution include an expanded build height of up to 170 mm, facilitating the production of larger parts and increasing the volume of parts per build cycle. This innovation leverages Metal Injection Molding (MIM) powders to achieve economies of scale, thereby reducing operational and material costs for large-scale production compared to other 3D printing technologies. With enhanced operational efficiency in printing process times, the HP Metal Jet S100 Printing Solution continues to advance towards achieving optimal industrial Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
In conjunction with the Rapid + TCT show, HP has announced several enhancements:
- Enhanced Capabilities: The HP Metal Jet S100 Printing Solution now supports increased build height and cost-effective production with new materials such as IndoMIM M2 Tool Steel and Osprey 316L.
- Launch of HP Metal Jet Production Service: This new service platform includes an adoption centre in the US and a global network of contract manufacturers, aiming to democratize 3D metal printing by addressing common barriers such as cost, time, and complexity.
- Strategic Software Updates and Partnerships: HP has bolstered its HP 3D Process Development software by incorporating advanced features such as Multi-level build. Collaborations with industry pioneers including Autodesk, Altair, CoreTechnologie, and Dyndrite have further enriched the integration of cutting-edge design and production tools. The partnership also includes the launch of the HP 3D Texture Visualizer by Leopoly, enhancing the visualization and application of digital textures on CAD geometry in real-time.
Moreover, HP has extended its material capabilities and introduced a new print mode for the HP Jet Fusion 5600 Series 3D Printing Solution. This includes compatibility with HP 3D High Reusability (HR) PA 12 W, HP 3D HR PA 12 S enabled by Arkema, and BASF Ultrasint TPU01 materials, alongside the newly introduced ESD print mode to address specific customer needs and expand production capabilities. These advancements aim to significantly reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through efficient material usage and enhanced service programs, catering to a diverse range of industrial sectors.
HP’s collaboration with Indo-MIM and Sandvik has resulted in the introduction of new materials like IndoMIM M2 Tool Steel and Sandvik’s Osprey 316L. These materials are designed for applications requiring high-strength mold inserts, cutting tools, improved corrosion resistance, and enhanced processability in industries such as medical, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Rigorous qualification processes ensure their reliability and accessibility for additive manufacturing applications.
To further support accessibility and adoption, HP has launched the HP Metal Jet Production Service, accessible via a dedicated website. This service offers comprehensive production services, allowing customers to submit queries, request sample parts, and seamlessly transition from prototype to production. The Metal Jet Adoption Center in Corvallis, Oregon, provides end-to-end application qualifications, including benchmarking, sample part testing, and process optimization, supported by HP’s global network of Contract Manufacturers.
In addition to material advancements, HP has strengthened its strategic relationships with leading software companies. Collaborations with Autodesk, Altair, CoreTechnologie, and Dyndrite aim to integrate advanced design and production tools, enhance material information accessibility, and facilitate seamless workflows between design and production processes. These partnerships empower customers to realize innovative applications and streamline additive manufacturing operations.
For HP’s polymer and metal printing customers, the collaboration with Dyndrite supports the entire HP 3D printing ecosystem, enabling users to utilize Dyndrite build manager software for creating and submitting print jobs. HP’s Multi-level build feature within the process development allows for precise adjustment of printing parameters across multiple levels within a single build, enhancing flexibility and control.
Furthermore, HP has introduced the HP 3D Texture Visualizer, developed by Leopoly, to enhance the design process by visualizing digital 3D textures on CAD geometry in real-time. This tool supports the import of custom textures and enables users to adjust parameters like scaling, depth, and resolution to achieve desired visual effects, expanding creative possibilities in 3D design and production.
In conclusion, HP’s advancements in both metal and polymer 3D printing platforms, coupled with strategic partnerships and software innovations, underscore its commitment to driving additive manufacturing forward. These developments aim to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and broaden application possibilities across diverse industries, positioning HP as a leader in the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing technologies.
