Create surface textures in 3D printing with just a few clicks

HP Textures Library

26 September 2024, 16:00 | Karin Zühlke

Hewlett Packard and the software developer CoreTechnologie cooperate to provide an HP texture library for the 4D_Additive software.

In cooperation with the software pioneer CoreTechnologie, the 3D printer manufacturer Hewlett Packard (HP) has developed attractive textures specifically for its 3D printer technology for the optical and tactile refinement of 3D printed components. With the universal 3D printing software 4D_Additive, the HP texture library can be used directly after downloading the textures from the HP website. This means that attractive components with surface textures can be created with just a few clicks using the CoreTechnologie tool.

Individual and cost-effective

The texture module from 4D_Additive works with the exact surfaces of the CAD models and enables new surface design options as well as simple and cost-effective customization of products. HP printing technology enables small-scale production of plastic parts with special surface patterns using 3D printing. This allows complex components to be printed quickly and cost-effectively. Over 100 surface patterns to choose from ensure individual design.

In the 3D printing software 4D_Additive, the desired surfaces of the CAD model are selected and a texture is chosen to project the pattern onto the component. The exact description of the surfaces and edge curves in the CAD model makes this much easier and more accurate than with an STL model. The designer individually sets the size, orientation and height of the HP texture. With a mouse click, the print model is created and sent seamlessly to the HP printer without having to use any additional software.

Better surface properties

The interaction of the 4D_Additive software, the HP textures and the HP printing process creates 3D printed components with individual surface designs. The textures enable an appealing look and feel as well as technical advantages in the generation of certain friction values and other surface properties.

The HP textures and instructions on how to use the pattern can be downloaded free of charge from the HP website and easily imported into the texture module of 4D_Additive.