GKN to build functional metal parts for Volkswagen with HP Metal Jet 3D printer

GKN Powder Metallurgy, Cinnaminson, N.J., announces a strategic collaboration with HP Inc. in which GKN will be the first to deploy the just-launched HP Metal Jet, based on binder jetting technology, into its factories to produce functional metal parts for auto and industrial leaders, including Volkswagen and Wilo, and for companies around the world.

The HP Metal Jet launch represents a paradigm shift in 3D printing for all markets as the new printer reportedly increases productivity up to 50 fold, compared to other 3D printing methods, at nearly half the cost of other binder jetting systems. The technology will enable GKN to transform future product thinking and traditional manufacturing on behalf of its customers by reducing the time-to-market for mass-produced parts from months to weeks, lowering development costs, and providing greater design and manufacturing flexibility.

 “Our vision for additive manufacturing in the enterprise moves beyond prototypes and small-series production and into mass production. We see a future where every modern digital company will have a cutting-edge 3D printer in their facilities, enabled by GKN technology, design and support, to produce metal parts in 24 hours. This strategic partnership with HP is the tipping point to accelerate that vision,” said Peter Oberparleiter, CEO of GKN Powder Metallurgy.

By integrating the HP Metal Jet into the workflow across its plants worldwide, GKN will leverage its metal expertise to engineer new powders based on customer needs and help them design parts they did not realize were possible. The company will build on its foundation of sintering 13 million metal parts per day and continue on the path to Industry 4.0, since binder jetting is a highly digital process and GKN has already digitized its factory floors.

GKN Powder Metallurgy will be the only partner using the HP Metal Jet within the automotive and industrial market until the machine becomes generally available in 2020.

Source: ASM International