According to HP, the HP Jet Fusion 3200 and 4200 produce objects 10 times faster at half the cost when compared to similar product son the market. The starting price for the printers is at US$130,000.

HP’s South Pacific managing director, Robert Mesaros, said 3D printing could do to manufacturing what Netflix did to entertainment. “HP’s new 3D system is looking to reinvent the $100 billion-plus manufacturing industry in Australia and ignite the next industrial revolution by producing superior quality of physical parts up to 10 times faster and at half the cost of current 3D print systems,” he said.

The printers are the product of a partnership with companies such as BMW, Nike and Siemens – all who expressed interest in incorporating 3D printing into their production lines. The printers are already being used in their manufacturing process, where components rather than moulds, are being printed.

BMW’s head of its Additive Manufacturing Centre, Jens Ertel said the car maker saw huge potential in this technology for prototyping new models, serial part production and personal customisation.

“BMW is a pioneer and early adopter of innovative technologies in the field of additive manufacturing, especially for prototyping in concept cars and series-like approval builds,” he added.

The HP 3D printers will be available late this year and next year.