HP has unveiled its intentions to expand further into additive manufacturing. In a recent announcement the company laid out future projects including both a full-color 3D printer and its move forward into metal printing. HP are hoping to announce a metal technology breakthrough in 2018.
HP have also stated that they would like to make their color technology far cheaper. This pricing will make it easier for designers and creators to access full-color 3D printing. As HP President Stephen Nigro stated: “For the first time ever, we’ll be able to produce mechanically robust, full color parts. If that’s not enough, we intend to go beyond plastics, and into metals — with a brand new, HP-invented 3D metal technology.”
HP & Recent Trends in 3D Printing
While no explicit details about the metal printer were available, it seems that HP have made an impact. The desired effect was to announce that they are serious about their additive manufacturing R & D. The company also wanted to make clear that they want to move 3D printing to a more practical and profitable stage in the industry. As of right now, 3D printing is not a source of direct production for companies. HP’s ambitious goal is to change that by providing platforms for functional building.
The company’s announcement was notable in another way. It is very much in line with multiple other companies who have moved into metal and color printing. These tech developments represent a large gap in the market. Metal and color could very well bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and 3D printing when they reach a level where they can be widely used in industrial processes.
HP have shown that they are willing to pursue these ventures but not the technologies themselves. The company has stiff competition on that front. At this stage, the announcement made clear that they have a long-term vision. We’ll have to find out in 2018 what new developments they’ve come up with.
