HP Announces Innovations, Collaborations at Formnext 2024

HP announces HP 3D Build Optimizer, expands metal 3D printing capabilities with new HP Metal Jet S100 platform configurations.

FRANKFURT, Germany (Formnext), Nov 22, 2024 – HP Inc. unveiled breakthrough innovations in polymer and metal 3D printing, alongside strategic collaborations that push the boundaries of additive manufacturing across industries. Reinforcing its commitment to broadening access to additive manufacturing, HP introduced solutions aimed at reducing costs, scaling production, and accelerating adoption across diverse applications. With these developments, HP continues to play a pivotal role in enabling an economy of scale for 3D printing, empowering industries to overcome adoption barriers and unlock new potential.

Scaling Polymer Manufacturing with Cost-Efficient Solutions

HP’s latest offerings in polymer 3D printing focus on scalable, cost-effective, sustainable solutions for every stage of production.
 
The new advancements provide significant cost reductions for parts manufacturing through new cost strategies and product offering that optimize material use, operational efficiency, and production yield, reinforcing our mission of making 3D printing accessible to everyone. HP will continue to build on top of our upgradeable production platform so that customers can grow with the technology as they advance in their journey.
 
HP has also introduced HP 3D HR PA 12 FR enabled by Evonik, a new halogen-free, flame-retardant material for 3D printing. This innovative material is 50% reusable, offering a substantial cost advantage through its high reusability ratio. This breakthrough offers significant cost savings that pave the way for scaling applications in industrial and consumer electronics.
 
Its ability to support the economical production of premium-quality parts with smooth surface aesthetics presents a breakthrough opportunity to fulfill production needs. Produced using renewable energy, it reflects HP’s commitment to sustainability, delivering economic, environmental, and responsible manufacturing benefits. Available in early 2025, this new material reflects HP’s broader goal of making industrial-grade 3D printing more accessible and affordable.

Enhancing Workflows with Advanced Software

To further streamline and optimize 3D printing workflows, HP announced the HP 3D Build Optimizer, an automated tool designed to re-nest parts, reduce build costs and maintain part quality. Slated for launch in 2025, this tool is in line with overall cost optimization strategies and harnesses HP’s proprietary insights to bring greater efficiency to every project.
 
Ken Burns, VP of Commercial at Forecast 3D commented that “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.  In addition to these total build cost savings, we anticipate a 21% improvement in printer utilization with the HP Build Optimizer’s ability to increase packing density and parts per build.”
 
In collaboration with Autodesk, HP also introduced the Autodesk Fusion bundle, an integrated CAD/CAM and 3D Build Prep solution integrated with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Metal Jet technologies. A single, year license of Autodesk Fusion will be included with every new purchase of a MJF or Metal Jet printer.
 
In addition, Magics integrates HP Lattice Library giving customers access to HP 3D’s latest latticing rules to expand applications for MJF.
 
Also, through a new collaboration with Fabrex, HP customers can access an AI-powered platform that supports build preparation, order management, and tracking, creating a seamless, efficient experience for users of HP 3D printers.


Expanding Metal 3D Printing Capabilities with New Configurations and Collaborations

HP continues to advance 3D printing with the introduction of new configurations for the HP Metal Jet S100 platform, enhancing quality, repeatability, speed, and reliability across a broader range of production needs. These initiatives will empower research centers, OEMs, national laboratories, and startups to explore metal binder jetting, reducing entry-level adoption costs while ensuring a scalable and consistent platform. The new configurations are expected to be available in 2025. In parallel, HP is collaborating with Volkmann and Sinterzone, which are developing their own configurations for the HP S100 platform.
 
HP’s collaboration with ArcelorMittal, a leader in sustainable steel production, demonstrates how HP Metal Jet S100 technology is advancing 3D printing across industrial sectors like automotive. By combining HP’s additive manufacturing expertise with ArcelorMittal’s sustainable steel innovations, this partnership aims to reduce production costs, expand material options, and drive broader adoption of 3D-printed steel in key industries. Together, HP and ArcelorMittal are setting new standards for industrial-scale 3D printing applications.
 
HP is also collaborating with Eaton to support testing and validation of significant advancements in its Metal Jet 3D printing solution. Key innovations include nitrogen-enhanced sintering, which improves the mechanical properties of 316L metal parts, and the S100 Powder Processing Solution, which reduces cost and improves yield in binderjet processes. Together, they will evaluate the technology’s potential for high-performance applications, ensuring it meets the industry’s demands. Eric Johnson, Senior Manager Additive Manufacturing at Eaton Research Labs, added, “Partnering with HP on this program has been an exciting opportunity to advance the manufacturing readiness of this technology and develop a cost-effective process that meets the requirements for our most demanding applications.”
 
Announcing a new HP Metal Jet Adoption Center to Accelerate Production

In collaboration with AMES, located in Barcelona, HP is collaborating to launch a new HP Metal Jet Adoption Center. This state-of-the-art facility will combine HP’s advanced 3D printing technology with AMES’ metallurgical expertise to facilitate the efficient transition from prototyping to full-scale metal production. The center will offer a range of services, application development, and process optimization, supporting European customers in quickly advancing their production goals.

Revolutionizing the Footwear Industry with Something Added

Something Added and HP Inc. join forces to transform the sporting goods industry. Something Added will convert the newly acquired D-factory into the first additive manufacturing hub for footwear production with HP’s cutting-edge technology. This collaboration aims to unlock future innovations around hardware, materials, and more affordable manufacturing solutions. It will enable large scale adoption and a bright future for additive manufacturing.

For more information, visit hp.com.