3ders.org is reporting that HP is working on developing 3D printing technology. The news was announced by HP CEO Meg Whitman at the Canalys Channels Forum in Bangkok. According to the report, we can expect to see something in the middle of 2014. Exactly what, will be interesting. HP was involved in this field a couple of years ago when it had a re-branding relationship with Stratasys. If my memory serves, HP sold some of the Uprint models into Europe. That relationship ended not too long ago. Now it seems with all the attention on this field, HP will try again.

It makes sense; HP supplies a number of 3D printing manufacturers with printer heads, so it’s reasonable that Whitman and company could develop a larger role for themselves.

Noted the report from 3ders.org HP Labs is looking at the time and cost needed to print. This is a great area to work on, as both factors are major complaints from personal hobby users and engineers alike. Another are the company researchers are exploring, is the use of glass as a potential material for 3D printing.

Whatever comes about next year, Whitman noted that it will be “new technology.” Looking forward to it!

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com