MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 6, François Minec, HP Additive Manufacturing

MANSUS has been working in collaboration with AMGTA to explore the benefits of additive manufacturing. Over the course of nine episodes we hear how 3D printing technologies are solving complex challenges in manufacturing.

In episode 6, François Minec, VP & Global Head of Sales and Business Development at HP Additive Manufacturing, shares how HP is approaching sustainability for their customers. 

HP Additive Manufacturing develops industrial 3D printers for both metal and polymer applications, focusing on high reliability and cost-effective production. François oversees the polymer segment, ensuring that HP’s solutions meet the demands of industrial manufacturing while maintaining a strong emphasis on efficiency and performance.

François states that. "Sustainability is really key, and we are putting a lot of effort in this direction."

Cutting carbon emissions in powder manufacturing

One major area of focus for HP is reducing the carbon footprint of the powders used in their 3D printing process. "[For] one year, we have worked with all our material manufacturers… to reduce the carbon footprint of the powders," François says. "Simply by switching the way they make the powders and using renewable energy, we could save approximately 50% of carbon footprint, which means that in one year we have saved 4,000 tons of CO2 approximately, which is a great achievement."

HP is also working to make its printers more efficient. "We also work on improving productivity of the printer so that with the same energy, you can get more parts out of the printer. It's, of course, an economical benefit, but also a sustainability benefit," François explains.

Real-world impact: Ocado’s lightweight robots

François highlights HP's partnership with Ocado as a prime example of sustainability in action. "One great example of the sustainability and how additive manufacturing is used at its best is the robots made by Ocado, which is displayed at Formnext on the booth," he notes.

By using HP’s advanced 3D printing technology, Ocado redesigned its robots to be much lighter. "They could actually redesign the robot itself, get some electrical motors which are much smaller because you have less weight to move, and then thanks to this, you could also reduce the battery which is needed.”

Smarter printing: optimizing build efficiency

HP is also focused on getting more out of every 3D print job. "We propose optimization on how to pack more parts in one build job so that with the same amount of energy, you can actually print more parts or let's say the same amount of parts with less energy," François explains.

The introduction of PA12S material has taken this a step further. "It allows very high packing density so to print more parts and with almost zero lost powder. So in this case, zero rejects."

Industry collaboration: the key to progress

HP believes that sustainability efforts must be industry-wide. "Collaboration in the industry in general is of paramount importance because it's not only about printing; it's about the materials, it's about the software," François says. HP works with companies like Evonik and Arkema to develop lower-carbon-footprint powders. "It's really about how to cooperate to bring sustainability in front and to get the industry forward in terms of sustainability."

Spreading the message on additive manufacturing

François stresses that the industry must work together not just on technology but also on advocacy. "Being part of a group working on sustainability together as an industry is very important," he says. "One is to exchange on best practices in the industry on sustainability, which is very important, but the other one is also to promote this message outside as an industry that additive manufacturing not only is there for prototyping but also therefore industrial manufacturing, and it has a positive environmental impact."

Sustainability: a long-term commitment

François is optimistic about the future of sustainability in additive manufacturing. "Sustainability is not a hype or short-term trend; it's a long-term trend in the industry," he says. "With all the benefits of 3D printing for sustainability, I'm convinced that the adoption will grow more and more."

The shift to more localized, on-demand manufacturing is also playing a role. "With the supply chain disruptions that we have experienced over the last years, there's more and more willingness from all companies to do local manufacturing and also on-demand manufacturing," he adds.

A shared vision for a greener future

HP is taking concrete steps to make 3D printing more sustainable, and François is eager to see these efforts expand. "We want to share a huge thank you with AMGTA and its members for taking part in these conversations," he concludes.

Watch the full episode and explore the whole series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page new episodes will be shared every Wednesday through March 5th.