HP and innovation in additive manufacturing

Within this path of structural consolidation, the new architectures developed by HP aim to integrate complex processes into small footprints, facilitating the insertion of powder bed fusion technology directly into production plants and applied research centers. The new HP operating systems reduce manual operator intervention through guided protocols that automate the material mixing phases, the preparation of the work chambers and the subsequent unpacking of the finished pieces, maintaining the cleanliness of the operating environment. The efficiency of these processes also makes use of collaborations on the software front, with the integration of applications dedicated to three-dimensional nesting and the optimal orientation of the components within the print volume. In terms of aesthetic and functional performance, HP’s introduction of dual-tone casting techniques allows coded markings, complex textures and identification codes to be imprinted directly into the structural matrix of the piece, expanding the possibilities of industrial tracing.

The diversification of materials represents the second pillar of the maturation of this industrial segment. Alongside polymers filled with glass spheres to ensure high dimensional stability at low costs, Digital manufacturing extends to high-temperature industrial filaments designed by HP for demanding applications in the energy and oil & gas industries. In parallel, the metal 3D printing sector of the HP Metal Jet ecosystem expands through the qualification of nickel-based superalloys, copper with high thermal and electrical conductivity and tungsten-cobalt carbide for the manufacture of high-strength tools. To optimize the safety and efficiency of metallurgical cycles, current workflows adopt powder management systems developed in collaboration with Volkmann, which operate in a closed environment allowing semi-automatic dedusting and residue recovery without contact with the outside.

“The HP Multi Jet Fusion 1200 introduces a new interpretation of industrial MJF, based on three key pillars: 1) Industrial MJF that fits you; 2) Easy to run. Built to scale and 3) Iterate your ideas fast. It is a platform designed to simplify the adoption of industrial additive manufacturing and support application growth, accelerating design iteration and industrialization of components. HP’s materials strategy, including Industrial Filament, completes an end-to-end ecosystem designed for real-world applications” said Eleonora Giacometti, Country Manager 3D Print at HP Italy.

The effectiveness of these innovations is confirmed by their industrial-scale adoption by manufacturing companies and clinical centers. Alex Moñino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions, outlined the industrial strategy: “As we celebrate a decade of innovation in additive manufacturing, these latest advances in our portfolio reflect HP’s commitment to bringing industrial-grade capabilities closer to where ideas are born. By reducing the cost per part and streamlining workflows, we make it easier for customers to adopt additive manufacturing and extend it to new applications. This commitment to innovation and TCO reduction is why industry leaders like ADDMAN continue to invest in our technology, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of 13 new printers to expand their already significant installed fleet”.

The convergence between technical versatility and logistical accessibility is also reflected in the evaluations of end users engaged in the advanced testing phases. David Vannieuwenhuyse, Head of R&D at Haelvoet, highlighted the impact of HP thermal filament systems on industrial timelines:“ With the HP Industrial Filament 3D Printer 600HT, we can reliably process high-temperature materials with the precision and consistency required by our development process. The printer allows us to create high-quality prototypes and small production runs that improve the finish and ergonomics of our products. By reducing our design, test and iteration cycles, we significantly decrease time to market. The 600HT gives us exactly what we need: powerful, reliable technology that supports innovation and paves the way for new applications”.

The transition towards distributed production is also supported by the healthcare sector; Redouane Selmoune, CEO of LualdiLabs, commented on the introduction of compact industrial systems by explaining the evolution of care models: “As the first Beta testers of the HP MJF 1200 3D printing solution, we are excited to bring this innovation to the medical sector. At LualdiLabs, our goal is to enable a new care model where advanced manufacturing capabilities are integrated closer to the treatment site allowing healthcare professionals to access personalized solutions more quickly and efficiently”.