HP Accelerates 3D Printing Expansion in Asia-Pacific with Key Strategic Alliances and Innovation

Building on a series of pivotal announcements made earlier this month at the RAPID + TCT fair in the US, HP continues to solidify its global leadership in additive manufacturing. The technology giant has once again made headlines, this time at the Die & Mould China 2017 Expo in Shanghai, by unveiling a significant expansion into the dynamic Asia-Pacific market. This strategic move underscores HP’s commitment to democratizing 3D production, bringing its cutting-edge Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology to a broader international audience.

The cornerstone of HP’s latest initiative is a landmark partnership with Shining 3D ePrint, a leading Chinese printing company renowned for its extensive reach and innovative solutions in the additive manufacturing space. This collaboration is specifically designed to boost HP’s presence across key Asia-Pacific economies, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. By leveraging Shining 3D’s deep market insights and established infrastructure, HP aims to decisively strengthen its position as a dominant force in the region’s rapidly growing 3D printing sector.

Forging a Powerful Partnership: HP and Shining 3D ePrint

Shining 3D ePrint is by no means a newcomer to the intricacies of 3D printing. With an impressive portfolio boasting over 10,000 customers spread across more than 70 countries globally, the company has already cemented its status as a formidable player in Asia’s additive manufacturing landscape. Their proven track record and extensive customer base provide HP with an invaluable foundation for entering and expanding within the highly competitive Asia-Pacific market.

This strategic alliance goes beyond a simple distribution agreement. Shining 3D is set to play a crucial role in showcasing HP’s advanced 3D printing solutions by establishing more than 50 demonstration centers strategically located in major cities across China. These centers are designed to mirror the successful models HP launched in North America and Europe earlier this year. Their primary function will be to offer comprehensive testing and qualification services for new 3D printing applications within a meticulously controlled environment. This approach is intended to provide customers with a seamless and confident transition, guiding them effortlessly from initial prototyping stages to full-scale 3D production, ultimately accelerating the adoption of HP’s transformative technology.

The collaboration highlights a shared vision for the future of manufacturing. Mr. Zhao Dong Lai, President of Shining 3D ePrint, articulated the significance of this partnership, stating, “As the leading 3D printing provider in China, we are honored to partner with a technology innovator like HP to bring production-ready 3D printing to the largest manufacturing market in the world.” He further emphasized the unparalleled advantages of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology, noting, “The speed, quality, and economics of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing solutions make them an ideal foundation for the next-generation of 3D services and parts we deliver to our wide array of customers across the globe.” This sentiment underscores the market’s demand for efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective additive manufacturing solutions, precisely what HP’s MJF technology delivers.

The extensive network of demonstration centers, coupled with Shining 3D’s profound market penetration, positions HP for substantial growth in the region. These centers will not only serve as hubs for technology showcases but also as vital educational and training facilities, enabling local businesses and manufacturers to fully understand and integrate 3D printing into their operations. This hands-on approach is critical for fostering innovation and accelerating the digital transformation of manufacturing across Asia-Pacific.

Expanding the Reseller Network: HP’s Partner First 3D Printing Specialization Program

In parallel with its strategic partnership with Shining 3D, HP has also announced a significant expansion of its “Partner First 3D Printing Specialization” reseller program within the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative is fundamental to HP’s go-to-market strategy, aiming to create a robust and interconnected ecosystem of trusted partners capable of delivering HP’s advanced 3D printing solutions and support services to a wider audience. The inclusion of new resellers is a testament to the growing demand for industrial-grade 3D printing and HP’s commitment to building a resilient distribution network.

The new additions to this prestigious program include a diverse group of industry leaders: Aurora, Evok3d, AM Korea, Huxen, Infinite 3D Printing, FormX, 3D Pro, Hyunwoo Data, Eye2Eye, Shining 3D ePrint (also acting as a reseller), Trustworthy, ECSS, and Wenpoo. Each of these partners brings unique strengths, local market expertise, and established customer relationships, which are crucial for navigating the diverse regulatory and business landscapes across the region. By integrating these new resellers, HP aims to not only extend its geographical reach but also enhance the quality and responsiveness of its local customer support and technical services. This comprehensive network ensures that businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations, have easy access to HP’s transformative 3D printing technology.

The Partner First program is designed to empower resellers with the necessary training, resources, and support to effectively market, sell, and service HP’s Multi Jet Fusion solutions. This includes in-depth product knowledge, technical support certifications, and access to HP’s global marketing initiatives. Through this expanded network, HP is strategically positioning itself to address the specific needs of various industries, including automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing, all of which are increasingly adopting additive manufacturing for prototyping, tooling, and final part production. The success of this program is vital for accelerating the digital transformation of supply chains and manufacturing processes throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Innovating Materials: Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical Joins the HP Open Platform

Further emphasizing its commitment to innovation and an open ecosystem, HP announced that Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical Company will be joining its distinguished list of printing material suppliers. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of advanced materials for 3D printing, a crucial element for expanding the capabilities and applications of additive manufacturing across various industries. The partnership focuses on a particularly promising area: the development of polyolefin-based powders specifically tailored for HP 3D printers utilizing Multi Jet Fusion Technology.

The importance of an open materials platform cannot be overstated in the additive manufacturing industry. It encourages innovation, fosters competition, and ultimately provides customers with a wider range of high-performance, cost-effective materials. By welcoming a company of Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical’s stature, HP is not only enhancing its material portfolio but also driving the industry towards greater material diversity and specialization. Polyolefin-based powders offer unique advantages, including excellent ductility, chemical resistance, and a more sustainable profile, making them ideal for a wide array of industrial applications, from functional prototypes to end-use parts.

Jiao Yang, Vice President of Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical Company, highlighted the transformative potential of this alliance: “The combined global footprint and shared vision of Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical Company and HP will help transform the 3D printing materials marketplace and the entire global manufacturing industry.” He further articulated the mutual benefits, stating, “HP’s open platform will help us and our global customers to collaborate and achieve a win-win.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the strategic value of such partnerships: by pooling resources and expertise, both companies can accelerate material science advancements, offering unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers seeking to optimize their products and processes through 3D printing.

Fostering Engagement: HP’s New 3D Printing Reference and Experience Centers

Concluding its series of impactful announcements, HP also revealed the imminent opening of several new 3D Printing Reference and Experience Centers across key strategic locations in Asia-Pacific. These centers are more than just showrooms; they are envisioned as vibrant hubs for collaboration, education, and hands-on interaction with HP’s cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Their primary goal is to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption, providing a tangible space for existing customers, potential clients, and prospective partners to engage directly with the power of Multi Jet Fusion.

The strategic locations chosen for these centers reflect HP’s focused approach to market penetration and support: Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo, and Melbourne. Each location serves as a critical economic and industrial hub, ensuring that a broad spectrum of businesses and individuals can access these facilities. Within these centers, visitors will have the opportunity to witness HP’s 3D printers in action, explore a vast array of sample parts produced with MJF technology, and consult with HP experts on how additive manufacturing can revolutionize their specific applications and business models. This direct engagement is crucial for demystifying 3D printing and showcasing its tangible benefits, from accelerated product development to streamlined production and customized solutions.

These Reference and Experience Centers are designed to foster a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. They will facilitate workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects, encouraging a deeper understanding and wider adoption of industrial 3D printing. By creating accessible environments where the benefits of digital manufacturing can be seen and understood firsthand, HP aims to accelerate the paradigm shift towards more efficient, flexible, and sustainable production methods across the entire Asia-Pacific region. These centers are not merely a reflection of HP’s current capabilities but a clear signal of its long-term vision for a future driven by advanced manufacturing technologies.

Conclusion: HP’s Vision for Asia-Pacific 3D Printing Dominance

HP’s recent flurry of announcements at the Die & Mould China 2017 Expo, following closely on the heels of RAPID + TCT, paints a clear picture of a company aggressively pursuing global leadership in industrial 3D printing. Through strategic partnerships with regional powerhouses like Shining 3D ePrint, the expansion of its vital Partner First reseller program, and pioneering collaborations in material science with entities such as Sinopec Yanshan Petrochemical, HP is systematically building a comprehensive ecosystem designed for sustained growth and innovation. The establishment of dedicated 3D Printing Reference and Experience Centers further underscores HP’s commitment to fostering engagement, education, and widespread adoption of its Multi Jet Fusion technology.

These concerted efforts are more than just business expansions; they represent a strategic investment in the future of manufacturing, particularly within the high-growth Asia-Pacific market. By providing robust technology, a strong support network, innovative materials, and accessible educational resources, HP is empowering businesses across the region to harness the full potential of additive manufacturing. This proactive approach not only strengthens HP’s competitive edge against other major 3D printing companies worldwide but also serves as a catalyst for industrial transformation, paving the way for a new era of digital production and customized innovation.

What are your thoughts on these significant advancements from HP? Do you believe these strategic moves will enable HP to lead the charge in 3D printing across Asia-Pacific and globally? We invite you to share your perspectives in the comments section below, or engage with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to stay informed with all the latest news and developments in the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing!