Professor Neil Hopkinson - Xaar investment
Xaar’s expansion of their 3D interest also includes a new 3D team headed by Professor Neil Hopkinson, the original inventor of High Speed Sintering (HSS) technology.
Industrial inkjet technology leader, Xaar plc has announced a significant investment in 3D printing with the establishment of two facilities in Nottingham and Copenhagen.
The Nottingham 3D Centre is set to open in January 2017 and will deliver 3D printing services and equipment to OEMs, material suppliers and end users. Xaar’s expansion of their 3D interest, which also includes a new 3D team headed by Professor Neil Hopkinson, the original inventor of High Speed Sintering (HSS) technology, is a key part of the company’s 2020 strategic vision.
Hopkinson joined Xaar earlier this year as Director of 3D printing. He has around 20 years’ experience in additive manufacturing, and even graduated from the University of Nottingham in 1993. His invention of HSS is considered revolutionary. It uses inkjet printheads and infrared heaters to manufacture products layer by layer from polymer powder materials at much higher speeds than other additive manufacturing processes. The technology has become of particular interest to companies looking to use 3D technology in volume manufacturing.
Since joining Xaar, Hopkinson has been building his 3D team and earlier this year appointed project managers and 3D engineers who are now based at the Xaar 3D Centre. The team based in Nottingham will focus on development of materials and applications with an impressive range of global brand partners.
Additionally, Hopkinson’s team has this month been expanded to include an experienced group of talented engineers to work from Copenhagen. This team will provide design and process development expertise to help the company’s partners commercialise HSS equipment, enhancing Xaar’s ability to secure further revenues this sector.
“I am delighted to confirm our investment in the Xaar 3D Centre in Nottingham and our 3D team including the new group in Copenhagen,” said Hopkinson. “As we build our business in 3D it is vital that we have the in-house expertise to support our partners. The addition of the team in Denmark further extends our capability.”
Xaar is hopeful the expansion into 3D technology will significantly enhance their sales numbers over the next few years. Doug Edwards, Xaar’s CEO, is excited for the future of his company with bases in Nottingham and Copenhagen secured.
“3D printing is an important part of our strategic plan to grow total group sales to £220 million by 2020,” added Edwards. “Our investments in the Nottingham and Copenhagen teams will significantly expand our capability in this sector, enabling us to achieve our growth plans.”
