HP molds itself an entry into the 3D printer market
By Ross Miller 
posted January 21st 2010 11:38AM
posted January 21st 2010 11:38AM
Don't let HP's involvement confuse you, there's a very good chance John Q. Consumer won't be able to afford a 3D printer anytime soon. But the company is dipping its toes into the industry thanks to a deal with Stratasys. The latter will produce an "exclusive line of 3D printers based on Stratasys' patented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology." Those will be sold under HP branding targeted at the Mechanical Design (MCAD) market. The specific product details are still shrouded in mystery (that's just a quick Photoshop, left), but for perspective, Stratasys' cheapest printer is the uPrint, which can mold 8 x 6 x 6-inch models for a smidgen under $15,000. Still interested, despite price deterrent? Don't forget there's some DIY options for you out there for less than a grand.
But can it create 'fully functioning' gadgets?
I think not... contact me when it does.
@DaHarder That really depends on the object, and what its full function is. For instance, can it create a fully functioning thermoplastic block? You bet your sweet keester it can.
dildo printer
@DaHarder
You could always print the individual parts need to create said gadget and build it yourself.
@DaHarder
I don't know what you are classifying as "fully functioning" but I have a propeller that I designed that was made with FDM and its fully functioning. The only news here is that HP is going to put their branding on one of these machines. These are already used fairly often for prototypes of many engineering applications.
@DaHarder In the not too distant future it will be able to print everything your said gadget needs right there on the spot atom by atom. (or was it molecule by molecule?) either way, itll make ur gadget...this technology has already been in the works and has been printing successfully for the last 2 or 3 years...I have seen it make a work years back. So just stay put and itll get to that point
PS. They have also been hard at working printing organs! --- human organs to replace organ donors...when I saw it work they had already made a functioning heart valve.
@DaHarder I know this is necroposting, but recently i got a demonstration printed gadget from Stratasys, because my company is buying one of those. I can say you one thing, it PRINTS fully functioning PLASTIC gadgets... if it requires anything else than plastic... you must go with a more expensive (x10 price) model
yea, if it can create a fully functioning gadget, the first thing i would "3d print" is an another 3d printer :-)
Why would you need two?
(google reprap)
@satish
Mmmmm... collapsed universe.
@satish
Von Neumann machine?
/I'd buy one of those
//and use it to make another
It's a market with a very strong competition. Should be interesting to see how this develops.
I guess at least now they'll have an excuse for making cartridges insanely expensive, drivers that are over 200 MB, and ink that expires.
@Nerdtalker
I thought the same thing, They see a way to make money off of the supplies needed and this will be another problem in the end for the consumer.
Great technology tho as I've read about some who have made toys and jewelry with this to sell. The work needed to smooth the print in the end can require some labour, and in the future the painting of said 3d piece may be handled by the printer (hp ink pricing scheme) but for now one must do the air brushing.
man if their 2d printer ink is pricey this shit is gonna be outrageous.
@sargentr yeah, until this thing comes with a collator you can feed garbage into, whatever. DIY all the way ..
@sargentr I don't remember the details, but FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) works with any termoplastic material, be it HDPE, LDPE, ABS, PET, PP or even elastomers. There was a printer that accepted pellets of this material for FDM, but i don't remember the company that made it. By the way, the REPRAP also uses FDM, and you can bet it is the cheapest 3D printer around, besides being the most flexible for material options (once i saw a chocolate FDM figure).
@johnvillar
FDM runs about $12 a cubic inch. some of the powder based systems run at like $3-$6 a cubic inch depending on the binder used.
If it doesn't print food i'm not interested anymore...
Can you imagine what a "paper jam" on this thing will look like!
You can't afford the ink.
It's a REPLICATOR!
Trek fans, eat your heart out!
@jordanjay29
Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.
reprap.org anyone ?
@Tensor Yep, same thing i said in a previous post
we've (work for macys) been using this technology for years. zcorp
http://www.zcorp.com/en/home.aspx
What do you use it for?
@acecar
seems zcorp makes.. 3D printers.
@doozy
HP makes the print head for the Zcorp printer you are using.
I'm honestly surprised HP hasn't produced a 3D printer before now...
I own a competing 3D printer (mine can print in full color) and while I almost bought one of the Stratasys models, the fact that it can only print in one color was the deal breaker. (they do have full color models, but they are closer to the cost of a condo/house than they are to a car like the one posted above)
While I am still trying to get my business off the ground, I am curious what the general consensus is of the geek-crowd about offering 3D print services to individuals... always looking for feedback.
@Hazdaz
You should find local architecture and design schools, and hand out flyers. Or warhammer enthusiasts.
@White Noise
Yup. Working on those prospects. I already got a couple of 3D models printed. Need to get more material to print up more samples.
@Hazdaz
Could try model engineering clubs/magazines. Or check out the various robotics clubs where ever you are. If the printed product is strong enough to be used for things like gears, you might have a few nice repeat orders.
@Hazdaz I was in this business for years and it never really took off in architecture usually because of the resolution limits. Think trying to sell to individuals is still going to be tough when you look at your cost per hour/cost per sq inch for someone to say "hey, look at this thing-a-ma-bob I designed". Teaming up with a school might be good for you - but the local product design industry is still your best bet. And the competition in the market is pretty steep for 3D service bureaus.
@bubbatex
That's some good information. Good to know that there are others that at least are very familiar with the technology.
I think when I say "individuals" I don't really mean John Q Public, but rather people that have at least a little knowledge about technology or even manufacturing - Since I have been doing CAD and 3D modeling for many years even if it's an "idea" that someone wants, but just doesn't have any idea on how to make it, I can model it up and go from there.
Still at the early stages though. Need to get my butt in gear.
Also the idea above to get in with some engineering clubs is a very good idea.
Maybe you are missing 3D CAD data.
You're welcome.
15 Grand? So replacement cartridges will be 18 grand then? I mean...if HP follows their 2D marketing model...
3D Printers have always been so fascinating to me. It's amazing just how precise you can get with them, even in creating complex moving parts.
Looks like a giant Expresso machine... What else? ;-)
But a replacement toner costs $18,000. Right, HP?
lol Pontelon... I guess we were thinking the EXACT same thing.
I am amused by the giant HP logo that obscures half of the visible window.
That looks like something out of Half-Life.
But yeah ... screw HP on their printers. It's funny how much my ink from the cartridges gets used up by just sitting there. Jerks.
I should've stuck with my twelve year old laser printer.
@Meekermoloko
I recently bought a CLP-315 from Samsung and haven't looked back.
@DeFlanko
Thanks ... I think I only had to replace my old toner cartridge once since I had it. The ink-jets of today tell you (digitally) when to replace them and it seems like every five months.
What really bothers me is that once a cartridge goes out (at least according to the HP timed program), it won't let you print at all until you get it replaced. Okay, so my cyan's out ... big deal, I have some non-cyan printing to do dammit!!
I know I can get those refillable/hacking cartridges, but how can I really trust those things?
I think it needs a larger logo.
I wonder what kind of ponzi scheme price system they are going to be fornicating on the replacement ink/ toner/ polymer for this cash beast?
Some thoughts from someone who works for a Dimensions reseller.
1 - This type of system (FDM) is much, much more office friendly than starch/powder based systems like those from Zcorp. We used to sell those machines, and they do have their advantages, just not as functional as real plastic. Models made can be extremely accurate and just as durable as a production part - hence the value of these systems.
2 - The material isn't that expensive. Under $5/cubic inch. This is also much, much cheaper than having your part made by someone else, who often charges by material use AND build time. A 3 cubic inch part could easily cost $200.
3 - The material itself is really a lot like a weed-wacker spool in a proprietary case. I'm sure someone will mod a way to crack it open and refill things for far less than what HP wants to charge.
4 - Finally, I've seen the equivalent to a "paper jam" in these things. If one of the print head clogs it starts coughing out giant plastic hair-balls. Easily cleaned up but you don't usually realize it until hours of time and material have been wasted.
I imagine Dimension is licensing to HP for their printer distribution channel. HP plotters are hugely popular in engineering and design firms, precisely the target market for this type of RP system.
hey guys if your interested in 3d printing, check out http://makerbot.com/ It is a 3d printer for about 750$.
Keep in mind that the hobbyist solutions (yes, that includes the MakerBot) are very, very much hobbyist - right now, we're in the mid-1970's stage of personal 3D printing, if it's compared to personal computing - small systems cost as much as cars, and hobbyist systems really do 3D print, but they're not great output quality, and not very reliable and you have to do things yourself.
Give it a few years, and the Apple II of the market will appear, and then personal 3D printing will explode in popularity.