HP Tech@Work
Today's trends for tomorrow's business
Let's see how strong 3D printed parts really are
Home

Let's See How Strong 3D-Printed Parts Really Are

April 3, 2018
How strong can a 3D printed part really be?
It’s a reasonable question to ask of such a relatively young technology—especially if you’re considering incorporating 3D printing into your business’s manufacturing processes. In fact, 54% of survey respondents say they are extremely or very concerned about the durability and performance of 3D printed parts. [1]
Yet there are a number of examples of 3D printed parts already in use. GE uses a 3D printed part in their LEAP aviation engine to prevent ice buildup over a critical sensor. [2] And they’re not alone—nearly 67% of manufacturers already use 3D printing in some manner. [3]
Our solution to any doubts: put 3D printing to the test. To do this, HP set out to lift a 1995 Avalon with a 3D printed chain link produced using HP’s new Multi Jet Fusion™ technology. The chain was printed in under an hour and weighs just 0.25 pounds. Let’s see how it performed.
3D_Printed_Chain_video
The 3D printed chain link performed admirably, and the Avalon is safe. But why was a 3D printed chain link able to support that much weight? The secret is in the construction. HP Multi Jet Fusion™ technology works by laying down thin layers of materials then fusing them together to create a single strong and precise piece. In fact, that chain link is capable of lifting up to 10,000 pounds—far more than your average Avalon.
While 3D printing is well established for modeling and prototyping, these results show that it’s capable of much more. Through 3D printing, businesses might one day be able to achieve higher levels of productivity, quality, and improved economics—while also enabling faster development cycles and differentiating offerings from their competitors.
It’s time to rethink any misconceptions you might have about 3D printing and take a harder look at the ways it could change not only your manufacturing processes, but the role innovation plays in your long-term business plan. As the technology continues to mature, 3D printing should cease to seem so far-fetched and begin to play a more prominent role in everyday business and manufacturing.

Learn more about innovating your production processes with 3D printing solutions

[1] Chubb Group, Consumers Embrace New Technology But Not the Risk, Chubb Survey Finds

Related tags

Popular articles

Also visit

The HP Garage

Article archives

Disclosure: Our site may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.

Need help?

Contact us now
Disclaimer

Prices, specifications, availability and terms of offers may change without notice. Price protection, price matching or price guarantees do not apply to Intra-day, Daily Deals or limited-time promotions. Quantity limits may apply to orders, including orders for discounted and promotional items. Despite our best efforts, a small number of items may contain pricing, typography, or photography errors. Correct prices and promotions are validated at the time your order is placed. These terms apply only to products sold by HP.com; reseller offers may vary. Items sold by HP.com are not for immediate resale. Orders that do not comply with HP.com terms, conditions, and limitations may be cancelled. Contract and volume customers not eligible.

HP’s MSRP is subject to discount. HP’s MSRP price is shown as either a stand-alone price or as a strike-through price with a discounted or promotional price also listed. Discounted or promotional pricing is indicated by the presence of an additional higher MSRP strike-through price

The following applies to HP systems with Intel 6th Gen and other future-generation processors on systems shipping with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Pro systems downgraded to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8 Pro, or Windows 8.1: This version of Windows running with the processor or chipsets used in this system has limited support from Microsoft. For more information about Microsoft’s support, please see Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle FAQ at https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle

Ultrabook, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel Logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Intel vPro, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, vPro Inside, Xeon, Xeon Phi, Xeon Inside, and Intel Optane are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

In-home warranty is available only on select customizable HP desktop PCs. Need for in-home service is determined by HP support representative. Customer may be required to run system self-test programs or correct reported faults by following advice given over phone. On-site services provided only if issue can't be corrected remotely. Service not available holidays and weekends.

HP will transfer your name and address information, IP address, products ordered and associated costs and other personal information related to processing your application to Bill Me Later®. Bill Me Later will use that data under its privacy policy.

Microsoft Windows 10: Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows 10. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows 10 functionality. Windows 10 is automatically updated, which is always enabled. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.microsoft.com.

HP Rewards qualifying and eligible products/purchases are defined as those from the following categories: Printers, Business PCs (Elite, Pro and Workstation brands), select Business Accessories and select Ink, Toner & Paper.