HP announce expansion into metal 3D printing market

HP is a huge company; well-regarded in the PC, notebook, and printing industries with over $48bn in revenue last year. Recently, HP have expanded into the 3D printing market too, rolling out their Multi Jet Fusion range of printers. This week, they have taken this a step further. They’ve now announced that in 2018 they will expand and sell metal 3D printers as well.

Big Announcement

Though HP Inc is already in the 3D printing market, its current range only create plastic-based models. Therefore, HP CEO Dion Weisler’s announcement that they plan to produce metal objects marks a big change in strategy. This signals HP’s intent to gain market share, and tap into the $12 trillion market currently for manufacturing.

HP have previously announced that they were selling more 3D printers than any other company, and have formed significant links with suppliers in Europe. Stephen Nigro, HP’s President of 3D printing, stated that HP will “transform the 3D metal industry into more mainstream high volume production.” Perhaps this is needed too. A main problem with 3D printing currently is its speed. If HP’s technology improves this, 3D printing instantly becomes a more viable option for mass production.

This was not the only announcement however. HP also stated they intend to offer colour 3D printing at a much lower price point. The aim with this is to allow smaller businesses to use the technology. Stephen Nigro agrees, stating “Multi Jet Fusion will be the one and only 3D printing technology that can make mechanically and robust and functional full colour parts.”

The Cost?

HP were less vocal however about the price these printers will retail for. We are assuming these will be expensive – their current plastic printers start at over $130,000 for the HP Jet Fusion 3D 3200. This is however cheaper than their rivals in this market, according to HP. Metal 3D printing will therefore not be accessible to the masses until significant advances are made. Their market is big manufacturers.

But will this expansion revive HP and its suffering sales? We will have to see if HP can deliver on its mass-production promises and become successful. If they can achieve this however, this marks a huge step in the advancement of 3D printing. If a 3D solution could rival traditional mass production methods for speed and cost, this would signal a new age of production.

The interview with HP’s CEO can be watched here.

How important do you think metal printing is to 3D printing? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox!