HP becomes Tier 2 member of MTC: Focus on metal binder jetting and series production in the UK

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry welcomes HP Inc. as a Tier 2 member. Both partners are focusing on metal binder jetting (MBJ) to bring additive manufacturing in the UK closer to production. The program is based at the MTC’s National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM).

MBJ applies liquid binder to a metal powder bed, forms “green” components, and then sintered them to final strength. The process separates printing and heat treatment, scales well, and is suitable for medium to high volumes. HP is relying on the Metal Jet S100 platform with a build volume of 430 × 309 × 170 mm and a coupled workflow for powder management, curing, unpacking, and sintering.

Parallel to its membership, NCAM has installed the first HP Metal Jet system in the UK. The machine serves as an open industrial test bench for materials, process windows, and qualification. Companies can use it to validate designs, compare cost models, and prepare series processes.

For users in the automotive, consumer goods, or medical technology sectors, the equipment at NCAM provides a practical comparison with existing CNC, MIM, or PBF routes. The process chain is crucial: powder logistics, binder curing, unpacking, and sintering strategy influence dimensional accuracy, density, and cost per part. Reproducible processes increase the chance of bringing MBJ components to production levels beyond classic prototypes.

The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult structure and positions itself as an independent interface between research and industry. This role is intended to reduce risks in technology transfer and facilitate investment in additive series production. In combination with HP’s MBJ technology, this creates an ecosystem that bundles development, qualification, and early production at a single location.