Case Study: HP slashes design cycle from 6–8 weeks to 15 days with Protolabs' rapid manufacturing

HP Slashes Design Cycle Time with Rapid Manufacturing

HP, the global technology giant and leader in the printer market, needed to speed up new product development for next‑generation inkjet printers and cartridges by producing functional prototypes in the actual materials used in final products. To shorten lengthy design cycles and handle HP’s custom, high‑performance engineering resins, HP partnered with Protolabs for quick‑turn injection molding and rapid manufacturing services that accept customer‑supplied exotic materials.

Protolabs delivered fast, online quoting, DFM feedback, and molded prototype parts from HP’s custom resins, enabling multiple iterations across roughly 20 designs. As a result, Protolabs cut HP’s typical six‑ to eight‑week mold and development timeline to about 15 days (two weeks) or less, with on‑time, fully functional parts and improved design turnaround that helps HP accelerate testing and maintain its market lead.

HP

J.D. Hankins

New Product Introduction Engineer