HP has launched its first 3D printer, which forms part of the Designjet range.
Targeting the mechanical computer aided design (MCAD), education and medical markets, the Designjet 3D range consists of two machines, the 3D printer and the Color 3D printer, which can produce larger models and offers a choice of coloured plastics.
“This is just the first phase of our strategy; it’s a long-term vision to move 3D prototyping into the mainstream,” said HP Designjet sales manager Phil Oakley.
The machines extrude ABS plastic in 0.254mm thick layers and thanks to a “smart support” material, functional complicated multi-part designs with moving parts can be created. After printing the support material is washed away in a 3D removal system, which uses plain water and detergent to dissolve the support, leaving behind pure ABS.
