HP Inc. has announced a comprehensive suite of polymer and metal 3D printing innovations, alongside strategic collaborations at Formnext 2024. The company's latest developments focus on reducing costs, scaling production, and accelerating additive manufacturing adoption across industries.
The announcements include a new flame-retardant material, advanced software solutions, metal printing configurations, and strategic partnerships aimed at making industrial-grade 3D printing more accessible and cost-effective.
New 3D Printing Innovations
HP has introduced HP 3D HR PA 12 FR, a new halogen-free, flame-retardant material developed in collaboration with Evonik. The material, set for release in early 2025, offers 50% reusability and supports economical production of premium-quality parts with smooth surface aesthetics.
To optimise workflow efficiency, HP announced the HP 3D Build Optimizer, scheduled for launch in 2025. According to Ken Burns, VP of Commercial at Forecast 3D, "As an early customer, Forecast 3D expects a 20% savings in total build costs with the HP Build Optimizer's unique nesting rules for MJF. We anticipate a 21% improvement in printer utilisation."
The company has also unveiled several software collaborations:
- An Autodesk Fusion bundle integrated with HP's Multi Jet Fusion and Metal Jet technologies
- Integration of HP Lattice Library with Magics
- A new AI-powered platform through Fabrex for build preparation and order management
Metal Jet Advancements and Strategic Partnerships
HP is expanding its metal 3D printing capabilities with new configurations for the HP Metal Jet S100 platform, expected to be available in 2025. The company has partnered with several industry leaders:
- ArcelorMittal for advancing 3D-printed steel applications in automotive sectors
- Eaton for testing and validating Metal Jet innovations, including nitrogen-enhanced sintering
- AMES for launching a new HP Metal Jet Adoption Center in Barcelona
- Volkmann and Sinterzone for developing their own S100 platform configurations
Leading Minds Consortium
At Formnext, HP launched the Leading Minds Consortium, bringing together industry leaders including 3D Systems, Ansys, EOS, Materialise, Nikon, SLM, Renishaw, Stratasys, and Trumpf. The initiative aims to address key challenges in 3D printing adoption and make large-scale industrial 3D printing more accessible.
Footwear Industry Innovation
HP has also announced a partnership with Something Added to transform sporting goods manufacturing. The collaboration will convert the newly acquired D-factory into the first additive manufacturing hub for footwear production using HP's technology.
Visitors can explore HP's new solutions, services, software, and materials at Formnext 2024 in Hall 12.1, Stand D41, where the latest production applications are being showcased.
