Stratasys to expand HP agreement

Stratasys, a leading 3D printer firm, wants to expand its manufacturing agreement with Hewlett-Packard following the success of its partial introduction with the company.

Under the deal, Stratasys will be manufacturing 3D printer systems under the HP banner, with the ultimate aim of distribution worldwide, according to chief executive of Stratasys, Scott Crump.

HP, which is one of the leading printing device manufacturers in the world, had launched its Designjet 3-D line in April last year, becoming the only major 2D printer player in the 3D market.

HP's 3D printing products made their way into France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK soon after launch.

Mr Crump said during a presentation: "HP's orders exceeded their original forecasts."

Soon after the partnership between the two companies was confirmed in 2010, Santiago Morera, HP's vice president and general manager of its Large Format Printing Business said: "There are millions of 3D designers using 2D printers who are ready to bring their designs to life in 3D.

"Stratasys FDM technology is the ideal platform for HP to enter the 3D MCAD printing market and begin to capitalise on this untapped opportunity."

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