HP Selects Intel Chip to Power 3D Printing

Hewlett PackardHewlett-Packard has announced plans to integrate Intel’s processors into the HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer, slated for release next year.

Dion Weisler, HP’s executive vice president of Printing & Personal Systems (PPS) and Intel CEO Brian Krzanich revealed the plans in a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday.

The collaboration of HP and Intel will result in the integration of Intel’s Core i7 processors within HP’s upcoming HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer. The printer is based on HP Thermal Inkjet technology, a system which images surfaces areas for 3D printing processes at least 10 times faster than technology available to businesses today, according to the firm. In addition, HP says Inkjet technology improves the application of liquid agents in efficiency and accuracy in all three axis directions.

The HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer is part of the growing Blended Reality ecosystem. HP says the platform is designed to “break down the barriers between the digital and physical worlds,” and is underpinned by Jet Fusion and Sprout.

This is not the first time HP has elected to use the chip maker’s technology within products. Intel Core i7 processors are also found in Sprout — a computing platform which combines scanning, a high-resolution camera and projector into a single device.

Now that 3D printing has gone beyond the world of manufacturing, we’re seeing a number of interesting and, frankly, odd uses of the technology.

The combination of these two elements is aimed at making 3D printing a seamless experience, removing limitations to creativity and reducing both time and cost in the 3D printing realm.

HP says Intel’s technology will be integrated into Multi Jet Fusion, and will also be tested as part of HP’s Open Customer Collaboration Program throughout 2015, before the launch of the 3D printer in 2016.

“Our companies share a long history of innovation and a vision to deliver innovative 3D computing experiences that transform the way people interact with and use technology for work and play,” said Krzanich. “The combination of Intel architecture with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology will help to accelerate not only the speed of 3D printing but the availability of the technology to consumers and enterprises alike.”

In related news, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich unveiled a wearable processor called Curie at the keynote talk taking place at CES 2015 in Las Vegas this week. The executive also discussed RealSense, a voice and gesture control system which Intel believes could improve computer capabilities ranging from desktops to robotics.