Printhead Giant Opens 3D Center

An inkjet technology developer based in Cambridge, U.K has opened a 3D center in Nottingham.

According to Printweek.com, the 510sqm facility is located at Nottingham Science Park next to Nottingham University in the U.K.

The center has recruited University of Sheffield’s Professor Neil Hopkinson as the director. Prof. Hopkinson was credited with the invention of High Speed Sintering (HSS), a technology that enables higher speeds using inkjet printer heads and infrared heaters.

Besides Professor Hopkinson, six experts in the field will work in the center as well. Together, they are developing 3D printing equipment and services for OEM partners, materials suppliers and end-users.

Doug Edwards, managing director of Xaar commented: “We recruited professor Hopkinson and his team and their expertise is incredible. One of the things that is of interest to us is that HSS is many times faster than current inkjet printing 3D technologies, somewhere between 10 and 100 times faster.

The company plans to spend £1 million (USD $1.24m) in 3D activities in 2017. In an interview with printweek.com a few weeks ago, Edwards has also commented on the company’s decision to ramp up its spending in 3D.

“3D is looking good, we should have a high-speed sintering design ready by the end of the year,” Edwards said.

The center was officially opened on 29 March. 60 guests from a number of businesses, including ABB, BAE Systems and Jaguar Land Rover attended the opening ceremony.

Send your news to Maggie Wang.