The second session of HP’s ‘Beyond the Layers’ webinar discussed the intricate components that power the company’s Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, offering an in-depth look at the machinery behind advanced additive manufacturing.
The first session highlighted real-world applications, from custom car design to wildlife conservation drone development, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential to transform various industries.
Steven Corzyk, 3D application engineer, HP, highlighted the essential components that make HP’s 3D printing process unique and efficient. “At the core of the system are three critical devices— the build unit, processing station, and printer, each playing a crucial role in creating high-quality 3D printed parts,” he said in the discussion.
The build unit: A precision powder management chamber
“The build unit emerges as a multi-functional marvel, serving as the heart of the printing process.” He explained that the unit stores precisely measured powder underneath a movable build plate, which strategically shifts powder from the bottom to the top during printing. Equipped with integrated thermal containment and heaters, the build unit maintains optimal temperature control, ensuring consistent part integrity. Its design allows for continuous printing by enabling cooling outside the printer, thereby maximizing equipment uptime.
Processing station: intelligent material management
The processing station handles the complex task of powder management. It manages powder recycling, mixing, and tracking, providing intelligent material traceability. With an integrated vacuum and backdraft system, it enables clean and efficient part unpacking. The station can also accelerate part cooling, reducing overall cycle time and improving production efficiency.
The printer: precision multi-agent printing
At the core of the system, the printer utilizes HP’s Multi-Jet process, depositing fusing and detailing agents layer by layer. Advanced thermal systems enable layer-by-layer defect detection, with an adaptive feedback loop making continuous adjustments to ensure optimal print quality. The printer’s command center allows remote file deployment and includes intelligent telemetry for proactive error detection.
Production optimization solutions
Beyond the basic components, Corzyk highlighted several advanced solutions from HP to enhance production. “The HP’s natural cooling unit, automated unpacker, automatic changeover device, and powder management system make the HP’s Jet Fusion 3D printing technology different from others.” The natural cooling unit allows passive cooling of printed parts off-site, freeing up the build unit for immediate reuse. In contrast, the automated unpacker automatically reclaims and recycles powder, reducing manual intervention.
According to Corzyk, the automatic changeover device is a real example of minimizing human involvement and enhancing productivity, as it enables a seamless transition between print jobs, even without on-site personnel. The powder management system is designed for mass production, dramatically improving powder handling and reducing labor dependency.
The end-to-end workflow demonstrates the seamless integration of these components. From loading the build unit and printing to cooling, unpacking, and preparing for the next job, the webinar highlighted the entire process, showcasing HP’s 3D printing technology efficiency and automation.
Discussing future innovations, Corzyk stated that HP would introduce solutions such as the Build Optimizer, a cloud-based tool designed to help users optimize part orientation for optimal quality, cost, and production time.
