3D printer manufacturer HP has sold its first Jet Fusion 3D printer in Australia to Brisbane-based firm iOrthotics, which will use the technology to produce its EnviroPoly range of orthotic insoles.
HP separately announced that it will also be extending its Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, which manufactures objects by material jetting PA, to the Indian market.
iOrthotics, an Australian first
iOrthotics, a subsidiary of the “myFootDr” podiatry group, has become the first Australian company to purchase an HP Jet Fusion 3D printer. The company acquired the machine through HP’s certified reseller in Australia, evok3D, as part of its switch from polypropylene milling orthotics to 3D printing them.
iOrthotics launched its 3D printed EnviroPoly range of orthotic insoles last year following an R&D partnership with the University of Queensland‘s Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (CADPM). Over 50 different 3D printing materials were tested for strength, durability, and flexibility during this period.
A 99% reduction in waste compared to CNC Milling
Commenting on the move from CNC milling to 3D printing, iOrthotics co-founder Dean Hartley said that “by improving our manufacturing methods, iOrthotics has achieved a 99% reduction in waste for rigid orthotics, compared to traditional polypropylene devices.”
“As a rapidly growing business, we needed to innovate our manufacturing process to keep up with demand,” said iOrthotics co-founder Damian Vassallo to Which-50. “It was impractical to continue scaling up subtractive milling, which could produce just 30 plastic devices per day. Using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, our output has increased to 120-130 devices per day.”
While previous orthotics makers have used 3D printing for rapid prototyping, using the technology to manufacture end-use products is comparatively recent, as 3D Printing Industry discovered in an interview with Gary Ziele of Create Orthotics and Prosthetics.
HP and contributing to the Indian growth journey
Speaking to webindia123, Sumeer Chandra, Managing Director HP Inc India explained that the company was in discussions with health and automobile industry stakeholders about expansion into 3D printing.
“We will bring our 3D printers in the next two to three months to India, as part of our commitment to contribute to the Indian growth journey,” said Chandra.
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Featured image shows iOrthotics launching the EnviroPoly range with Australian politicians. Photo via iOrthotics.
