"Insert the pre-packed HP 3D Materials cartridges into the HP Jet Fusion 3D Processing Station." Will the use of 3rd party materials cartridges void my HP Jet Fusion 3D Processing station warranty? ;)
Supposedly they are making the materials it can use 'open,' meaning that you might be able to refill it with your own powder. The interesting thing is, they have to do this because of the market they are targeting.
HP is targeting the service bureau market with this machine. Services bureaus are companies that 3d print parts for people. Service bureaus really like to run a wide variety of different materials. Like special high strength blends, flexible, lost wax casting blends, and special fireproof materials for airplanes. Running different materials lets service bureaus differentiate themselves from other service bureaus. In addition, certain markets like lost wax casting and aerospace have to use certain special materials.
Although what HP might end up doing is selling ink or inkjet heads. This machine literally works by spraying black ink down where one wants part.
Probably. I doubt you'll be seeing third-party budget materials any time soon.
The printer looks interesting, but the PR is kind of insane. I'd really like to know some basic specs - speed, max object size, and so on - but I can't find them easily under the tsunami of marketing awesome.
Welcome to the XXI century - when companies finally figured that marketing has a much better ROI than producing anything of substance. I wonder if in the limit we'll hit a future when people will be selling each other stories and dreams, not bothering with actual products or services anymore? :).
>I wonder if in the limit we'll hit a future when people will be selling each other stories and dreams, not bothering with actual products or services anymore? :).
