3D printing has evolved far beyond its origins in rapid prototyping. Today, it’s a full-scale manufacturing solution, and material science is at the heart of this transformation. HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology has emerged as a leader in industrial 3D printing, thanks to a lineup of high-performance thermoplastics that deliver strength, precision, and sustainability.
To dive deeper into how these materials are shaping the industry, we spoke with Micah Chaban, Founder and VP of Sales at RapidMade—a cutting-edge additive manufacturing company helping businesses leverage the power of HP’s 3D printing solutions. With years of experience in digital manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain optimization, Chaban provides key insights into where 3D printing is headed, what makes HP’s materials stand out, and how companies can take advantage of these innovations.
What makes HP’s Jet Fusion materials so revolutionary in 3D printing?
HP has really changed the game when it comes to materials for industrial 3D printing. Traditionally, manufacturers had to compromise—either you got strong, functional parts but had to deal with high costs and long production times, or you got quick, affordable prints that weren’t strong enough for real-world use.
HP’s materials, especially the High Reusability PA 12 and PA 11, break that trade-off. They’re not only strong and highly detailed, but they also have some of the best reusability rates in the industry, which means lower material costs and less waste. That’s a big deal for companies looking to scale up 3D printing without breaking the bank.
What industries benefit the most from these advanced 3D printing materials?
We see a lot of adoption in aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer products—but really, any industry that needs high-performance, custom parts can benefit.
Take aerospace and automotive, for example. HP’s PA 12 Glass Beads offers superior stiffness and heat resistance, making it perfect for things like brackets, housings, and custom tooling that need to maintain structural integrity under stress.
In medical applications, PA 11 is a game-changer because it’s biocompatible and extremely tough. It’s perfect for things like prosthetics, insoles, and braces that need flexibility and durability without sacrificing comfort.
Then there’s polypropylene (PP)—probably one of the most exciting materials in the lineup. It has a 90% powder reusability rate and is incredibly chemical-resistant and weldable, which makes it ideal for fluid systems, storage containers, and industrial applications.
How do these materials compare to traditional manufacturing materials?
The reality is that HP’s Jet Fusion materials are competitive with traditional injection-molded plastics, but with the added benefits of faster turnaround times, design flexibility, and reduced tooling costs.
For example, PA 12 is just as strong as injection-molded nylon but allows for complex geometries and internal structures that would be impossible with traditional methods. And with PA 12 S, HP has developed a version that delivers exceptionally smooth surfaces right out of the printer, reducing post-processing costs.
When you combine that with high powder reusability—meaning you can use leftover material for multiple print cycles—you get a cost-effective alternative that’s more sustainable than injection molding.
Sustainability is a growing concern in manufacturing. How does HP’s material science contribute to more sustainable production?
One of the biggest environmental challenges in manufacturing is material waste, and HP has tackled this issue head-on. Their High Reusability powders, like PA 12, PA 11, and PP, allow us to reuse up to 90% of leftover powder instead of throwing it away. That drastically reduces waste compared to other 3D printing processes.
Beyond that, PA 11 is bio-based, made from castor oil instead of petroleum. That reduces its carbon footprint by 46% compared to traditional plastics.
Sustainability isn’t just about the materials, though—it’s also about on-demand production. With 3D printing, companies can print exactly what they need, when they need it, reducing excess inventory, overproduction, and transportation emissions.
For companies considering 3D printing, what’s the best way to get started?
A lot of businesses know they should be exploring 3D printing but don’t know where to begin. The best approach is to partner with experts who can guide them through material selection, design optimization, and production scaling.
That’s exactly what we do at RapidMade. We help companies evaluate their current manufacturing process and identify the best opportunities for integrating HP’s 3D printing materials. Whether it’s reducing costs, speeding up production, or developing new products, we work closely with clients to make 3D printing a seamless part of their operation.
What’s next for the future of 3D printing materials?
We’re going to see even more advanced materials that push the limits of strength, flexibility, and sustainability. HP is already leading the charge, and I think we’ll see materials that offer even better mechanical properties, along with the ability to integrate smart features like conductivity and embedded sensors.
I also think we’re going to see more hybrid manufacturing, where 3D-printed parts are used alongside traditional processes to improve efficiency and customization. Companies that embrace this shift now are going to be in a much stronger position in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
HP’s Jet Fusion materials are redefining what’s possible in additive manufacturing—from high-performance thermoplastics with extreme durability and chemical resistance to sustainable bio-based polymers that help reduce waste and costs.
For companies looking to take advantage of these materials, RapidMade is here to help.
🚀 Get expert guidance on HP’s 3D printing materials and start optimizing your production today.
📧 Contact us at info@rapidmade.com or visit RapidMade.com to learn more!