HP plans to jump into the 3D printing market with a new product launching in 2014.
The technology company is known for its printers and printer software and accessories but has not yet produced a 3D product.
Speaking at the Canalys Channels Forum in Thailand, CEO Meg Whitman has explained the firm is working on new technology to help 3D service providers.
She did not reveal exactly what HP’s contribution to 3D printing will be, however she said the company’s focus lies with lowering the cost of the process and speeding up printing time.
“To print a bottle can take eight to ten hours. That’s all very interesting, but it is like watching ice melt,” said Whitman. “
HP might be trying to make its mark in the 3D printing industry, but Whitman believes it won’t properly take off for another 3 years.
“These businesses go along, get a little traction, go along, get a little more traction, then hit the knee of the curve.” said Whitman.
This isn’t the first time HP has considered making the move into 3D, the company claimed to be working on printers using specialist Stratasys technology ready for launch in 2010.
“There are millions of 3-D designers using 2-D printers,” said HP large format printing business VP Santiago Morera at the time. “Stratasys’ technology is the ideal platform for HP to enter the market and begin to capitalize on this untapped opportunity.”
Next, read our pick of the best printers of 2013.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
