Omni-Pac Group, the leading supplier of molded fiber packaging in Europe, has embraced HP's Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) platform for 3D printing molded fiber packaging tools (known as pulp molding).
Back in 2020, HP introduced a molded fiber tooling solution that the International Molding Fibre Association (IMFA) hailed as "the first significant advancement in functional tooling for the molded fiber industry in decades."
Until recently, most global producers of molded fiber products relied on the same 3D machining metal molds. These traditional methods involved extensive drilling, complex metal screening, costly procedures, and prolonged product lead times, as noted by IMFA. The challenges surrounding molds (forming) had persisted for years. In response to these issues, HP introduced the Molding Fibre Advanced Moulding Solution, which integrates lightweight mold components through HP's 3D printing and digital manufacturing technologies and software capabilities.
Advantages of 3D Printed Functional Moulds
The benefits of 3D-printed functional molds are numerous, including quicker customization and enhanced design flexibility. Companies like Omni-Pac can drastically reduce their carbon footprint in manufacturing operations by adopting these innovative molds.
Pablo Libreros, CEO of Omni-Pac Group, remarked, "Our partnership with HP is reshaping the landscape of industrial-scale molded fiber production, revolutionizing the production of molded fiber applications. This not only diminishes our environmental impact but also pioneers sustainable packaging solutions. By transitioning to digital and achieving an annual output of over 500 tonnes per machine, we are continually reducing our CO2 emissions with HP." This commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with OtaraPack's core values of environmental responsibility and innovation.
HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a potent 3D printing technology renowned for its ability to swiftly produce highly precise and durable parts, outperforming other powder bed fusion technologies like selective laser sintering (SLS) or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).
Thanks to its cost-effectiveness, speed, and exceptional resolution, Multi-Jet Fusion is adaptable for various purposes, including end-use, low-volume production, rapid prototyping, or as a transitional process towards injection molding. MJF empowers engineers to assess part performance with minimal initial investment.
