Hewlett-Packard (HP) is a well known brand in manufacturing of printing machines for decades. It has been in the news for some time that HP is working on building its own line of 3D printing machines. Obviously when a big player like HP coming to the market place to compete, they don't want to be one from the crowd rather they want to bring a fresh idea to address certain need of the market.
After much anticipation HP showcased "HP Multi Jet Fusion" machine at Formnext 2016.
Most of the new technologies are fusion of some of the existing ones. "Multi Jet Fusion" is part "Powder Based" machines Z-Corp has been building for some time and part "Selective Laser Sinteing" SLS technology, obviously with its own advanced ingredients. HP is in to compete with top of line professional and production brands.
After much anticipation HP showcased "HP Multi Jet Fusion" machine at Formnext 2016.
Most of the new technologies are fusion of some of the existing ones. "Multi Jet Fusion" is part "Powder Based" machines Z-Corp has been building for some time and part "Selective Laser Sinteing" SLS technology, obviously with its own advanced ingredients. HP is in to compete with top of line professional and production brands.
Strengths:
- Better Quality: Comparing to most FDM machine
- Higher Speed: In comparison wit FDM and SLS machines
- Cost effective: Better recycling ability of powder materials, almost to 80%.
Technical Specs:
Dimensional accuracy of ±0.2 mm/0.008 inches
Layer thickness 0.1mm/0.004 inches
Solutions for Each Segment of the Industry:
- The HP Jet Fusion 3D 3200 Printer is ideal for prototyping, offering improved productivity and the capacity to grow usage at a lower cost per part.
- The HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 Printer is designed for prototyping and short-run manufacturing needs, with high productivity to meet same business day demands at the lowest cost per part.
The HP Jet Fusion 3D 3200 Printer starts at $130,000, and the full end-to-end solution (HP Jet Fusion 3D 3200 Printer and Processing Station) is available starting at $155,000.
Lear more about HP Multi Jet Fusion machine HERE
Observations:
If we look at the Quality, Resolution and Layer thickness of the machine, lot of professional grade FDM machines are in the same range. Price is also not hugely different. One front where it is better for sure is the speed. Choice of materials and color schemes are another big plus for HP.
On the other hand if we compare it with some of the SLS brands out there. SLS machines are more accurate and can deliver better resolution and layer thickness. SLS machines are mostly higher in price and slower in speed in comparison with HP.
Overall HP machines could be great bang for the buck for certain segments of the industry if they will be able to deliver the promises with out any hiccups. HP realizes the completion is tough, listen to the tone at the NewYork show in the clip below.
References:
www2.hp.com
USA Today, Youtube video
