HP: the as-yet unnamed device will incorporate Multi Jet Fusion technology

HP has unveiled a new 3D printer and process alongside an 'immersive' personal computer, Sprout, in a launch underpinned by its vision of a 'blended reality' whereby the digital and physical spaces in our lives will converge.

Multi Jet Fusion: 'revolutionary'

The technology giant claims that its Multi Jet Fusion technology for 3D printing will 'revolutionise manufacturing'. Although its claims of being ten times faster than existing machinery will cause some eyebrows to raise, the prospect of multi-colour and multi-material 3D production will excite those in the market previously irritated by the design limitations of current engines.

Multi Jet Fusion harnesses the drop placement of its Thermal Ink-jet arrays in apparent combination with a specially developed PageWide head to print to multiple axes simultaneously. Layers of powder are then fused and the process repeated to formulate an object that HP claims will have better integrity and improved edges than those currently available. A reduction in the number of steps will also change the economics of 3D printing for both consumers and professionals, the company says.

Leading up to a launch in 2016, HP will promote an Open Customer Engagement Programme. This appears to be a transparency initiative to involve customers and industry ahead of going to market. One major area to address will be intellectual property, whose importance will ramp up if HP's vision of globalised production is to be achieved.

Intriguingly, product descriptions for Multi Jet Fusion mention effects 'from texture, friction, strength and elasticity to electrical and thermal properties, and more', hinting that HP is considering applications areas currently outside the realm of 3D printing. More meat around this would fill in the gaps in its vision of exactly how it intends to appeal to those who, currently, produce objects at some scale.

Sprout: a new computing experience

HP flashed Apple a hint of competition with the launch of Sprout, its latest computer product. The 68.5cm （27"） monitor, reminiscent of an iMac, carries an object called the HP Illuminator, which combines a DLP projector with a high-resolution camera, 3D object capture from Intel and an LED lamp to create a new interface designed to appeal to creatives.

Illuminator combines with a 50.8cm （20"） touch mat, capturing items that have been placed upon it and projecting them back to facilitate the design process. Human input can be achieved via digit, stylus or wireless keyboard and mouse, which HP says will open up options for different types of creativity.

Although HP has worked with a number of software partners to create Sprout, one name missing from the party was Adobe. Whether or not this is an agreement in the works or an oversight remains to be seen, but HP will need to align itself with current practice as well as selling its vision in order for Sprout to be successful.