With plans to expand its Asia-Pacific Japan (APJ) headquarters in the world’s largest manufacturing market HP, the Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology company, has unveiled a new production-grade 3D printing center in Foshan, China.
Guangdong Lanwan Intelligence Technology Company, an open application service platform and 3D printing solution provider, will operate the facility in collaboration with HP. “Thrilled” with the 3D Printing Collaborative Innovation Platform Stephen Nigro, President of 3D Printing at HP stated:
“HP is committed to helping our global digital manufacturing partner community expand and thrive.”
Multi-Jet Fusion in China
MJF 3D printing technology, developed by HP, uses an inkjet array to apply fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder. This powder is then fused using heat into a solid layer, resulting in improved isotropic material properties. This process has been used to produce end-use parts and components that require temperature resistance and durability.
The new Lanwan Intelligence – HP Multi-Jet Fusion Technology Mass Manufacturing Center, features ten MJF 3D printing systems that will be used to meet the increasing demand for functional prototypes and production-grade parts in southern China. Automotive, consumer goods and motorcycle manufacturers are considered the main target markets in this region.
A growing demand
Acknowledging the potential of the technology, HP, Guangdong Lanwan Intelligence Technology and the Institute of Foshan’s Nanhai Guangdong Technology University have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote the adoption of 3D printing technology in Southern China.
“The demand for 3D-printed production-grade parts will grow exponentially over the next few years as we shift from analog to digital manufacturing,” said Luo Jun, Executive Director of China 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance and President of Guangdong Lanwan Intelligence Technology.
“By deploying HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology in our new digital manufacturing center in China, we can better – and more quickly – deliver cost-effective and production-grade parts to our customers,” Jun added.
HP’s Global strategy
After recognizing the manufacturing potential within the APJ region, HP opened its first Smart Manufacturing Applications and Research Centre (Smarc) in Singapore in December 2017. This expansion enabled employment of over 5,000 workers while increasing HP manufacturing productivity by 20%.
Prior to this, HP took steps to integrate its MJF technologies within Europe, including integration within Protolabs‘ facilities.
Such efforts are parts of HP’s plan for global expansion, details of which were released May 2017 alongside the announcement of its Global Reseller Program and expansion of its Open Materials Ecosystem.
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Featured image shows the new installations of HP Jet Fusion Printing Systems at the Lanwan Intelligence – HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology Mass Manufacturing Center in Foshan, China. Photo via HP.
