HP at Formnext: Pioneering Industrial 3D Printing with Multi Jet Fusion Technology

As dedicated reporters from the forefront of innovation, we had the privilege of attending Formnext, the world’s leading exhibition for additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing. Our mission was to connect with industry-leading manufacturers, gaining insights into the future of this transformative technology. Among the global leaders we engaged with was HP 3D Printing, a company renowned for its patented Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. Our team visited HP’s dynamic exhibition at booth D61 in Hall 12.1, where we explored their latest 3D printing solutions and discussed their strategic vision for the evolving additive manufacturing market.

Our discussions with key HP representatives aimed to uncover which industries are experiencing significant growth in their adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) and how HP plans to solidify its market position in the years to come. We spoke with Jens Hübner, AM Application Specialist for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, who provided an in-depth overview of the company’s strategic focus areas and shared compelling application examples showcasing the versatility and power of MJF technology. According to Hübner, sectors such as machines and robotics, as well as the medical field—specifically orthoses and prostheses—stand out as key growth industries for HP’s additive manufacturing solutions. He further elaborated on the critical importance of continuous material development and the integral role additive manufacturing plays within the broader context of Industry 4.0.

Unveiling Multi Jet Fusion: Speed, Quality, and Industrial Scale

HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology represents a paradigm shift in industrial 3D printing, offering a unique combination of speed, quality, and economic efficiency for producing functional parts. Unlike traditional additive manufacturing processes, MJF uses a proprietary process involving fusing and detailing agents applied across a bed of powdered material, which is then fused by thermal energy. This approach allows for the production of highly detailed, isotropic parts at speeds significantly faster than many other polymer additive manufacturing techniques. The technology excels in enabling the creation of complex geometries and internal structures that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive with conventional manufacturing methods.

The versatility of MJF extends to a wide array of engineering-grade thermoplastics, including PA 11, PA 12, TPU, and more, opening doors for diverse applications across various industries. This material flexibility, combined with the ability to produce strong, functional prototypes and end-use parts, positions MJF as a leading choice for businesses looking to transition from traditional manufacturing to agile, digital production workflows. HP’s commitment to innovation in MJF is evident in its continuous efforts to expand the material ecosystem, develop more robust machines, and enhance software capabilities, all geared towards making industrial 3D printing more accessible and powerful for a broader range of applications.

Driving Innovation in Key Industries: Robotics, Machinery, and Healthcare

The discussions at Formnext underscored HP’s strategic focus on specific high-growth industries where additive manufacturing can deliver substantial value. Jens Hübner highlighted two primary areas: machines and robotics, and orthoses and prostheses. In the realm of **machines and robotics**, additive manufacturing empowers engineers to design and produce lightweight, complex components that enhance performance, reduce assembly times, and lower overall system costs. For instance, robot grippers, custom jigs, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling can be rapidly iterated and optimized using MJF technology. This not only accelerates product development cycles but also enables the creation of highly customized parts perfectly suited for specific automation tasks, leading to more efficient and adaptable manufacturing lines. The ability to consolidate multiple parts into a single, complex 3D-printed component also contributes to greater reliability and reduced maintenance.

The impact of additive manufacturing on the **medical sector**, particularly in orthoses and prostheses, is profound. MJF technology facilitates the creation of patient-specific devices that offer superior fit, comfort, and functionality compared to mass-produced alternatives. For individuals requiring orthotic braces or prosthetic limbs, customization is paramount. HP’s technology allows medical professionals to rapidly produce lightweight, durable, and highly personalized devices based on 3D scans of a patient’s anatomy. This not only improves the quality of life for patients by providing a better fit and reducing skin irritation but also streamlines the manufacturing process for healthcare providers, making custom solutions more accessible and cost-effective. The ability to integrate complex lattice structures can also improve breathability and reduce the weight of these devices, further enhancing patient comfort.

The Crucial Role of Material Development and Application Expertise

Jens Hübner’s insights emphasized that the evolution of additive manufacturing is inextricably linked to advancements in **material development**. The performance, durability, and suitability of 3D-printed parts for specific applications largely depend on the properties of the materials used. HP is actively collaborating with material science companies to expand its portfolio of engineering-grade polymers, focusing on new formulations that offer enhanced mechanical properties, improved thermal resistance, superior chemical inertness, or specialized functionalities like ESD (electrostatic discharge) safe properties. This continuous innovation in materials is essential for additive manufacturing to penetrate even more demanding industrial applications and displace traditional manufacturing methods where material limitations have historically been a barrier.

Furthermore, the role of an **AM Application Specialist** like Jens Hübner is vital in bridging the gap between technological capability and real-world implementation. These specialists work directly with customers to identify suitable applications, optimize designs for additive manufacturing, and provide expert guidance on material selection and process parameters. Their deep understanding of both the technology and specific industry needs ensures that businesses can fully leverage the benefits of MJF, transforming innovative ideas into tangible, high-performance products. This hands-on, application-centric approach is key to accelerating the adoption of industrial 3D printing and helping companies realize significant operational efficiencies and product innovations.

Additive Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: A Synergistic Relationship

The conversation with Jens Hübner also delved into the broader strategic context of **additive manufacturing as an integral part of Industry 4.0**. Industry 4.0 envisions smart factories where machines, systems, and human operators communicate and collaborate seamlessly. Additive manufacturing fits perfectly into this framework by enabling highly flexible, on-demand, and decentralized production. It facilitates rapid prototyping and iterative design in a digital environment, allowing for quick adjustments based on real-time data and market demands. This agility is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, where mass customization and responsiveness to changing consumer needs are paramount.

By embracing AM, companies can move towards more resilient supply chains, reduce dependence on lengthy lead times for tooling, and minimize inventory holding costs. Digital manufacturing workflows, powered by additive technologies, also enable greater automation, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making, all critical components of a smart factory. HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology, with its capacity for high-volume production of functional parts, is designed to integrate seamlessly into these advanced manufacturing ecosystems, accelerating the digital transformation of industries worldwide and unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation.

HP’s Future Outlook: Rapid Growth and Market Leadership

Providing a forward-looking perspective, Raffi Beglarian, Manager of the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and CEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa) markets at HP, shared his confident prognosis for the future of 3D printing. He believes the market is poised for **rapid development over the coming years**, indicating a period of accelerated growth and increasing adoption across various sectors. Beglarian’s confidence stems from several factors, including the increasing maturity of additive manufacturing technologies like MJF, the expanding portfolio of materials, and the growing awareness among businesses of the strategic advantages offered by digital manufacturing.

HP envisions itself playing a pivotal role in this growth, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with industrial 3D printing. Their strategy involves not just technological innovation but also building a robust ecosystem of partners, from material suppliers to software developers and service bureaus, to support wider market adoption. The company anticipates a future where additive manufacturing is not just for prototyping but becomes a mainstream method for mass production of customized and complex end-use parts, further blurring the lines between traditional and advanced manufacturing. This outlook suggests a focus on scalability, cost reduction, and further automation to make 3D printing an undeniable force in the global manufacturing landscape within the next five years. Discover for yourself what specific prognoses he shared for the development of the market in the video below!

Engage with the Additive Manufacturing Community

Formnext served as a vital platform for showcasing the latest advancements and fostering collaboration within the additive manufacturing community. The insights shared by HP 3D Printing during our visit highlight their significant contributions to the industry’s evolution and their strategic vision for leveraging Multi Jet Fusion technology to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. We encourage you to reflect on your own experiences at such events and with these groundbreaking technologies.

Have you already been to the HP booth or experienced their Multi Jet Fusion technology firsthand? We’d love to hear your thoughts and insights! Let us know in a comment below or connect with us on our social media channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest developments in the world of 3D printing; sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here to receive the freshest news directly in your inbox. You can also explore all our informative videos and interviews on our dedicated YouTube channel.