HP Inc’s 145-acre Corvallis lab in Oregon – home to some of the most advanced 3D printing technologies and birthplace of the thermal inkjet printer – opened its doors this week to 3D materials partners.
The new 3,500 sq ft (350 sq m) 3D Open Materials and Applications Lab is a space for partners to test materials and get real-time feedback from HP engineers.
It is hoped the focus on cross-industry collaboration will spur innovation and speed up time-to-market for new 3D printing materials, enabling partners to break into the $12 trillion manufacturing industry.
“We must rethink the entire lifecycle of a manufactured part, from design to delivery,” said HP’s Global Head of 3D Materials Tim Weber.
“In order for 3D printing to go mainstream, you need the materials piece to take off with the technology or the ecosystem won’t flourish.”
Last year, HP announced its Multi Jet Fusion technology and released its first commercial 3D printers. The company ultimately hopes to launch a platform where customers can choose from a variety of certified materials, similar to an app store.
Corvallis (OR), USA
