Key Takeaways
- HP marks a decade of Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology with a suite of new hardware, materials, and software upgrades.
- The MJF 1200 targets entry‑level users, offering a 1 kg build volume (145 × 145 × 180 mm) at a price point under $150 k.
- New Metal Jet powder‑handling modules cut cycle time by up to 30 % and improve part density to 99.5 %.
- High‑Productivity mode on the Jet Fusion 5600 raises part‑per‑hour rates from 12 kg to 18 kg without sacrificing surface quality.
- The Industrial Filament 600 HT (IF‑600HT) adds high‑temperature thermoplastic capability (up to 340 °C) for aerospace and oil‑&‑gas parts.
HP’s Decade of Multi Jet Fusion
A Strategic R&D Campus
HP’s 225 000 ft² Additive Manufacturing Center in Vancouver, Washington, serves as both a laboratory and a showcase for customers. Situated 15 minutes from Portland International Airport and within a 30‑mile radius of more than 25 colleges, the campus benefits from the “Silicon Forest” talent pool. Senior Vice President Alex Moñino describes the location as “highly attractive for collaboration and recruitment.”
From Humble Beginnings to Global Scale
Founded in 1939 with a modest $538 seed capital, HP now generates >$50 billion in annual revenue across 180 countries. In the additive arena, the company’s ambition extends beyond selling printers; it aims to “re‑engineer how products are manufactured,” according to Moñino.
New Hardware Highlights
| Feature | MJF 1200 | Jet Fusion 5600 | Industrial Filament 600 HT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2026 | 2025 (upgrade) | 2026 (U.S./Canada GA) |
| Build Volume | 145 × 145 × 180 mm | 380 × 284 × 380 mm | 300 × 300 × 500 mm |
| Max Part Weight | 1 kg | 12 kg (standard) → 18 kg (HP) | 5 kg (thermoplastic) |
| Material Palette | 30+ PA‑based powders | 40+ PA, TPU, elastomers | High‑Temp PA, PEI, PEEK‑like |
| Print Speed (typical) | 12 mm h⁻¹ | 18 mm h⁻¹ (HP mode) | 8 mm h⁻¹ (high‑temp) |
| Price (USD) | <$150 k | $350‑$450 k | $250 k |
| Key Innovation | Low‑cost entry point | Dual‑Tone color + High‑Prod mode | 340 °C nozzle, metal‑grade filaments |
MJF 1200 – The “Starter” Fusion System
The MJF 1200 compresses the core Multi Jet Fusion process into a compact footprint (≈2 m × 2 m). It supports standard PA12 and PA11 powders, plus a new Carbon‑Fiber‑Reinforced PA that delivers a 35 % increase in tensile strength (up to 78 MPa) while keeping part density at 98 %. The machine’s simplified powder‑recycling loop reduces material waste to <2 % per build.
Jet Fusion 5600 – Dual‑Tone & High‑Productivity
HP introduced Dual‑Tone technology on the 5600, enabling two distinct colors in a single build without post‑processing. The same platform now offers a High‑Productivity mode that raises throughput by 30 %, achieving 18 kg/h while maintaining a surface roughness of Ra ≈ 3 µm.
Industrial Filament 600 HT – High‑Temp Thermoplastics
The IF‑600HT expands HP’s filament ecosystem to high‑temperature polymers such as PEI (Ultem) and polyimide blends. The printer’s heated chamber (up to 340 °C) and hardened steel nozzle (max 400 °C) enable part warpage under 0.2 %, meeting aerospace tolerances for critical load‑bearing components.
Material & Process Advances
- Metal Jet Powder‑Handling: A new sealed cartridge system cuts operator exposure and reduces change‑over time from 45 min to 30 min. Part density for stainless‑steel builds now reaches 99.5 %, a 0.3 % improvement over the previous generation.
- New Polymers: HP announced 12 additional powders, including PA12‑CF‑30 (30 % carbon fiber) and PA12‑Glass‑15 (15 % glass fiber), each delivering a 20‑30 % boost in stiffness.
- Software Integration: The latest version of HP SmartStream adds automated support generation and real‑time build‑time prediction with a ±5 % accuracy margin.
Industry Impact
HP’s decade‑long MJF roadmap reflects a shift from niche prototyping to volume‑grade production. The entry‑level MJF 1200 lowers the barrier for small‑to‑medium enterprises (SMEs), while the upgraded 5600 and IF‑600HT give large manufacturers a pathway to replace traditional injection molding and CNC machining for low‑volume, high‑complexity parts.
Bottom Line
HP’s ten‑year celebration is more than a milestone; it’s a strategic rollout of diversified, high‑performance additive solutions. By delivering a cost‑effective entry system (MJF 1200), boosting throughput on existing workhorses (Jet Fusion 5600), and adding high‑temperature filament capability (IF‑600HT), HP positions itself to capture a broader segment of the manufacturing market—from SMEs seeking rapid part iteration to aerospace firms demanding high‑temp thermoplastics. The Vancouver campus, with its robust R&D infrastructure and proximity to academic talent, underscores HP’s commitment to evolving additive manufacturing from a novelty into a core production technology.
