Formnext: HP unveils advances in polymer and metal 3D printing

At Formnext, the world’s largest trade fair for additive manufacturing, HP Inc. (Stand D41, Hall 12.1) is underlining its commitment to sustainable manufacturing. This includes a range of innovations, materials and tools. In addition, HP will showcase advanced software capabilities to accelerate the adoption of polymer and metal 3D printing.

HP’s commitment to sustainability is built on a three-pillar approach, which can be seen at this year’s Formnext. This includes reducing its carbon footprint, promoting the circular economy and sharing knowledge for better results.

One notable example is HP’s long-standing collaboration with leading mobility company BMW Group. The aim of the collaboration is to promote sustainable design, materials, production and automation of applications using a variety of HP 3D printing solutions. Jens Ertel, Head of Additive Manufacturing at the BMW Group, emphasized the shared vision: “We are evaluating every part of our production process and continuously improving our operations to minimize our carbon footprint. HP is prioritizing environmental responsibility by offering CO2-reduced materials at no additional cost. This facilitates adoption.”

The use of HP Multi Jet Fusion technology at the BMW Group has resulted in faster development, shorter lead times and a flexible, cost-efficient manufacturing approach. To achieve sustainability goals while reducing costs, the BMW Group uses the HP Jet Fusion 3D Automation Accessory. The solution was developed to minimize idle time, reduce labor costs associated with additive manufacturing and open up new possibilities in series production.

Further highlights in terms of sustainability

HP is also introducing new 3D polymer solutions, advanced automation capabilities, integrated software options and 3D metal solutions, including: Innovations in HP’s extensive 3D polymer portfolio include the HP Jet Fusion 5600 Series and the HP Jet Fusion 5000 Solution. The new HP Jet Fusion 5600 Series offers increased repeatability, reliability and customizability – reducing development and validation costs. Customers such as Prototal and Protolabs are already producing parts with it. The HP 5000 solution is designed to lower the barrier to entry for adopting Multi Jet Fusion technology and is aimed at new customers looking to assess production volumes. It is also aimed at research and development organizations and small industrial or healthcare companies that currently outsource the final production of parts.

In addition, HP entered into a new partnership with Materialise to drive volume 3D printing and integrate HP’s Multi Jet Fusion and Metal Jet technology into the Materialise CO-AM software platform. This integration will enable manufacturers to better manage 3D print jobs, monitor machines in real time and control data preparation. Manufacturers will be able to create workflows that optimize traceability, quality control and machine utilization.

The collaboration with Autodesk bundles Autodesk Fusion with HP Multi Jet Fusion and Metal Jet printers to provide integrated design and manufacturing solutions.

Live demos of the HP and Siemens automation concept are now available for companies looking to streamline production, increase efficiency and minimize downtime. The demos will take place at the DFactory in Barcelona, a center where HP works closely with partners and customers in research and development, application development and manufacturing applications.

HP continues its momentum in 3D metals and announces new partnerships. These include Indo-MIM, Sandvik and Elnik, as well as additional metal materials with long-time partner GKN Additive.