HP unveils new customers and growing partner ecosystem at Formnext 2021
HP and L'Oréal collaborate for more flexible cosmetics production and innovative applications
Expansion of HP Digital Manufacturing Network to accelerate volume production
New HP Metal Jet developments ahead of commercial availability next year
At Formnext, the world's largest additive manufacturing show, HP is introducing new customers, an expanded partner ecosystem and innovative production applications of its Multi Jet Fusion and Metal Jet 3D printing platforms. HP is also working with L'Oréal, the world's largest cosmetics company, to scale industrial additive manufacturing and produce new cosmetics packaging and applications. To drive the growing demand for more flexible 3D manufacturing and mass personalisation across all industries, HP is also expanding its Digital Manufacturing Network (DMN).
L'Oréal and HP collaboration
HP is collaborating with L'Oréal to increase production flexibility and create innovative packaging and customer experiences. L'Oréal is using HP Multi Jet Fusion printers to respond more quickly to changes in its manufacturing processes and production lines. The companies collaborated on research to develop and scale high-volume customisable 'pucks' that enable L'Oréal to convey, fill and label products more flexibly. This results in a cost saving of 33 per cent and a time saving of 66 per cent. The customisation of the pucks also paid off during the pandemic, providing L'Oréal with additional flexibility in response to changing consumer buying patterns. L'Oréal plans to scale the pucks across its global supply chain using the HP Digital Manufacturing Network. Efficient production will also enable the company to meet its sustainability goals.
At Formnext, L'Oréal and HP will showcase examples of the custom pucks, as well as unique textures for luxury cosmetics that are only possible with HP's 3D printing solutions. The development of the textures and innovative grid packaging are the result of a collaboration announced last year between L'Oréal, HP and the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA).
The road to production
HP is expanding its global Digital Manufacturing Network to meet the growing demand for Multi Jet Fusion. The network now includes both manufacturing partners and Multi Jet Fusion production specialists who use HP 3D printing solutions to design, manufacture and deliver parts at scale. More than 30 new Multi Jet Fusion Production Specialists provide skilled local manufacturing services.
To help manage and automate complex 3D printing workflows and large additive manufacturing fleets, HP Digital Manufacturing Network partners such as Forecast 3D, Jawstec, Weerg and ZiggZagg are leveraging HP's portfolio of additive manufacturing offerings, including 3D Factory Services, software such as HP 3D API and HP 3D Center, and hardware solutions such as the HP Automatic Unpacking Station. ZiggZagg recently began using the HP 3D-as-a-Service (3DaaS) business model to scale faster. This model proved its worth during the COVID 19 pandemic and is being used by more and more HP customers.
At Formnext (Hall 12.1, Stand D61), HP and its customers will be showcasing finished parts and innovative new applications:
BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH and Oechsler AG: the companies developed a fully customised 3D printed full-shell seat for cars. This is produced using Multi Jet Fusion and BASF's ULTRASINT TPU01 powder. Oechsler has also developed a unique elastomer grid design for customised car seats in luxury and sports cars.
Impress: Europe's largest technology-driven orthodontic chain is using the HP Jet Fusion 5210 solution to increase production of clear dental trays at its new manufacturing facility in Spain.
Pumundus Challenge 2021 finalists: The following customers have used Multi Jet Fusion in this year's Pumundus Challenge. The winners will be announced at Formnext:
ATHOS: The company is preparing to commercially manufacture a personalised climbing shoe that offers unmatched comfort and improved performance.
Glaze Prosthetics: The durability, light weight and ability to personalise the Symbious Active Hand have exceeded amputee expectations.
Odisei Music: The travel saxophone is the smallest and lightest electronic saxophone in the world and has more than 1200 users around the world.
New directions in metal fabrication
HP will showcase new developments and advances around its Metal Jet platform at Formnext, including collaborations with partners such as GKN and Volkswagen. Volkswagen, for example, is using HP Metal Jet to produce end parts for the A-pillar of the T-Roc convertible. These have passed crash test certification and weigh almost 50 per cent less than conventional components. While HP continues to work on customer validation and production applications, commercial availability of Metal Jet is targeted in 2022.
HP and GKN will not only exhibit a variety of HP Metal Jet parts at Formnext, but will also give a presentation on "Value Added Capability of HP Metal Jet Technology" at the TCT Introducing Stage in Hall 12.0, Booth E41, on 18 November at 2pm. HP Metal Jet is also a finalist in the Purmundus Challenge 2021.
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