In a strategic business move, HP Inc has announced its collaboration with Indo-MIM, a leader in metal injection moulding, to meet the rapidly increasing international demand for 3D printed metal parts with high precision. These components are critical for industries such as automobile, aerospace, defence, consumer electronics, medical equipment, and lifestyle products around the globe.
The innovation of 3D printing in metal allows the creation of complex machine parts without the need for traditional tooling or fixture setups, a groundbreaking shift that greatly reduces overhead expenses and shrinks the overall cost of production in the manufacturing sector, according to the company’s reports.
Indo-MIM has taken a significant step in this partnership by acquiring three HP Metal Jet S100 printers. This acquisition is central to their strategy of serving customers not just within India, but extending their reach to the West Asia, Asia-Pacific regions, and the U.S. market.
Savi Baveja, President of Personalisation and 3D Printing at HP Inc., underscored the importance of this tie-up as a major contributor to transforming the production landscape of metal parts in India. By manufacturing locally and exporting globally, this initiative is expected to spur innovation and solidify India’s stature in the manufacturing world.
The company, Indo-MIM, boasts extensive manufacturing plants located across Doddabalapur, Hoskote, Bommanahalli, Tirupati, and Chennai, as well as having a foothold overseas. They take pride in being recognized as the world’s most extensive manufacturer of 3D printed metal parts. In the fiscal year 2024, they achieved a notable revenue peak of ₹3,200 crore and invested a substantial ₹2000 crore in their Indian operations, as stated by CEO Krishna Chivukula Jr.
Understanding the fundamental contrast between additive and subtractive manufacturing is essential when considering the efficacy of 3D printing. Additive manufacturing, which is another name for 3D printing, refers to a process where material is added layer by layer to build parts. Conversely, subtractive manufacturing involves the removal of material to create the desired components.
A particularly intriguing aspect of additive manufacturing is that the weight of material input exactly matches the weight of the final product. This efficiency stands in stark contrast to subtractive manufacturing, where producing a part weighing 100 grams might require starting with a metal piece weighing as much as 2 kg. The substantial discrepancy between the weight of raw materials and the final output results in higher costs in traditional manufacturing methods. These costs are not merely due to material waste, but also because of the expensive processes involved in material removal and the increased shipping charges due to the heavier weight.
With a focus on meeting the evolving needs of precision metal component manufacturing through technological innovations, the partnership between HP Inc and Indo-MIM represents a strategic alignment that could reshape the market dynamics. As the global economy inches towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, 3D printing stands out as a promising solution to conserving resources while driving economic growth in the manufacturing sector.
The alliance is a testament to the potential of 3D printing technology in revolutionizing the way we think about production. With the enhanced capabilities provided by the partnership, both companies are poised to deliver on the promise of efficient, high-quality manufacturing that meets the stringent requirements of today’s diverse and technology-driven industries. Through this collaboration, HP Inc and Indo-MIM are setting the stage for a new era in manufacturing, one where precision, sustainability, and innovation come together to create a brighter future for global production.
