3D Hubs Makes Multi Jet Fusion Accessible: A Game-Changer for On-Demand 3D Printing

In a significant development poised to reshape the landscape of additive manufacturing, 3D Hubs has announced its groundbreaking partnership with HP, becoming the first online platform to offer HP’s revolutionary Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology to a global network of designers and engineers. This strategic collaboration dramatically enhances the local accessibility of high-performance 3D printing, leveraging a robust network of HP Multi Jet Fusion Hubs strategically located across Europe and North America. This initiative democratizes access to industrial-grade 3D printing capabilities, empowering innovators to bring their designs to life with unprecedented speed, quality, and material versatility. Key partnering service providers in this expansive network include industry leaders such as Kurz, My3DPart, 3id, and Go Proto, ensuring broad coverage and expert service for a diverse range of applications.

Since its initial unveiling in 2014, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion printing process has been the focal point of intensive development, marking HP’s dedicated commitment to establishing a dominant presence in the additive manufacturing industry. This year alone has witnessed a flurry of strategic announcements underscoring HP’s ambition and growth. Notable among these was the introduction of their HP Partner First 3D Printing Specialization Program at the RAPID + TCT fair, designed to cultivate a skilled ecosystem of partners. This was swiftly followed by an announcement at Die & Mould China 2017, where HP unveiled its planned expansion into the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, signaling a clear intent to capture a larger share of the global 3D printing market. These moves underscore HP’s vision to not only innovate the technology itself but also to build a comprehensive global infrastructure to support its widespread adoption.

Understanding the Power of HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology

HP describes its Multi Jet Fusion Technology as an advanced powder binding process that harnesses a precise energy source to create functional components with unparalleled efficiency. This innovative approach yields parts significantly faster than conventional methods; HP states MJF is an astonishing 25 times faster than the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing process and 10 times faster than traditional powder sintering (SLS). But speed is just one facet of MJF’s superiority. The technology also boasts a higher reusability of unused powder, significantly reducing material waste and lowering operational costs. Furthermore, parts produced with MJF exhibit increased strength and isotropic mechanical properties, meaning their strength is consistent in all directions. This remarkable performance is attributed to HP’s proprietary fusing and detailing agents, which enable precise control over part properties at the voxel level—a three-dimensional pixel, allowing for fine-grained material customization and superior mechanical integrity.

How Multi Jet Fusion Redefines Additive Manufacturing

The MJF process begins with a thin layer of powdered material—typically a thermoplastic like PA 12 Nylon—spread across the build platform. Next, a print bar containing thousands of nozzles moves across the powder bed, depositing fusing and detailing agents simultaneously. The fusing agent is applied where the part will form, while the detailing agent is applied to the edges, defining the part’s boundaries and ensuring sharp details. Infrared energy is then applied, causing the areas where the fusing agent was deposited to melt and fuse, while the detailing agent prevents fusion in precise areas, resulting in a smooth surface finish and accurate dimensions. This layer-by-layer approach, combined with the precise control offered by the print bar, allows for the creation of complex geometries and intricate internal structures that are often difficult or impossible to achieve with other 3D printing technologies.

The 3D Hubs Advantage: Making Advanced Technology Local

The partnership between 3D Hubs and HP is a testament to 3D Hubs’ core mission: to provide unparalleled accessibility to the most advanced manufacturing technologies. By integrating HP MJF into its vast network, 3D Hubs enables designers and engineers to tap into this cutting-edge process without the significant capital investment required to purchase and maintain an MJF printer. This on-demand manufacturing model significantly reduces lead times, production costs, and logistical complexities, offering a localized solution for rapid prototyping and end-use part production. The ability to source MJF parts from a local Hub means faster iteration cycles, reduced shipping expenses, and a more sustainable production chain, aligning perfectly with the increasing demand for agile and efficient manufacturing solutions.

For small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and independent engineers, this partnership is particularly transformative. It levels the playing field, granting them access to capabilities previously reserved for large corporations. Whether it’s producing highly durable functional prototypes, complex jigs and fixtures, or customized end-use components, the 3D Hubs network, powered by HP MJF, offers an unmatched combination of speed, precision, and material performance. The listed service providers—Kurz, My3DPart, 3id, and Go Proto—represent established experts in additive manufacturing, ensuring that every order is processed with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Their combined expertise within the 3D Hubs ecosystem guarantees that customers receive not just parts, but robust engineering solutions.

Materials and Future Prospects: PA 12 Nylon and Beyond

Initially, the primary material available through this service will be HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 Nylon, offered in both Grey and Black. PA 12 is a highly versatile thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, flexibility, impact resistance, and chemical resistivity. These characteristics make it ideal for a vast array of applications, from intricate prototypes and functional parts to durable end-use components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods. Its suitability for both prototyping and small-batch production positions it as a foundational material for high-performance additive manufacturing.

Looking ahead, the potential for expansion is immense. As HP continues its relentless innovation, more advanced materials, specialized detailing agents, and an expanded palette of colors are anticipated. 3D Hubs is committed to swiftly integrating these advancements into its platform, ensuring that users always have access to the latest and most capable options. This continuous evolution promises to unlock new design possibilities, enabling the creation of parts with even more complex functionalities, customized aesthetics, and enhanced performance characteristics tailored to specific industrial requirements. The journey with HP MJF is not just about current capabilities, but also about the exciting horizon of material science and application development.

Special Offer and Industry Significance

To celebrate this momentous launch and encourage users to experience the transformative capabilities of HP Multi Jet Fusion technology firsthand, 3D Hubs is extending a special discount on all HP orders placed until early next month. This limited-time offer provides an excellent opportunity for engineers and designers to explore the benefits of MJF, validate designs, and accelerate their product development cycles with reduced financial barriers.

Bram de Zwart, CEO of 3D Hubs, expressed profound pride in this achievement, stating, “At 3D Hubs, we’re proud to be the first online platform to provide accessible to this new technology, giving designers and engineers a chance to try this new technology for themselves. This launch is in line with our core goal at 3D Hubs of providing accessibility to the latest technologies and newest materials available in 3D printing.” His statement underscores the strategic importance of this partnership in fulfilling 3D Hubs’ vision of democratizing access to cutting-edge manufacturing processes, fostering innovation across industries.

The integration of HP MJF into the 3D Hubs platform signifies a pivotal moment for the additive manufacturing industry. It marks a clear trend towards making industrial-grade 3D printing more localized, efficient, and user-friendly. This collaboration will undoubtedly accelerate the adoption of advanced 3D printing for both prototyping and end-part production, driving innovation across various sectors and paving the way for a more agile and digitally-driven manufacturing future.

https://youtu.be/DPrXIq_PAI8

For more in-depth information, including technical specifications and detailed insights, please refer to the official press release here.

What are your thoughts on this exciting announcement and the implications for the future of 3D printing? We encourage you to share your insights in a comment below or join the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t miss out on the latest advancements and industry news; sign up for our free weekly newsletter, delivering all the essential updates in 3D printing straight to your inbox!