As 3d printing is gaining more popularity across multiple industries, the variety of 3d printers is also growing. However, when it comes to a full-fledged industrial 3d printer based on MJF technology, HP is a leading player that offers performance-driven printers.
The company released a new MJF printer, called the 5200 series, which promises cutting-edge performance and throughput. But, HP’s existing MJF printer, 4200 series, is already a hit product that is quite popular among manufacturers. It was the 4200 that brought 3d print technology in common hands, and it’s still a popular preference among manufacturers.
If you plan to buy an MJF printer and can’t decide about these two models, we have you covered. The first key thing you need to know is that Series 5200 is not a replacement for 4200. Instead, this new model is an advanced step towards boosting the overall throughput and offering various tools and processes. With advanced features, Series 5200 gives a handful more functionalities compared to 4200.
Performance Comparison
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image.(Image Source: HP)
If you’re looking for higher speeds and better throughput, then Series 5200 is the best 3d printer. Compared to Series 4200, this new model offers higher speeds. In addition, Series 5200 offers cost-saving up to 30% as it comes with lower material wastage technology.
The 5200 MJF printer uses one pass printing compared to 4200’s two, resulting in 50% less agent consumption. Along with this, 5200’s cleaning roll is 4x longer than 4200, improving overall cost efficiency. Thus, if speed and printing cost are your priorities in additive manufacturing, go for Series 5200.
Throughput Comparison
Both the printers from HP offer excellent 3d printing solutions. However, when it comes to warm-up time, it’s half in 5200 compared to 4200.
- Series 5200 can finish a full build in around 11.5 hours compared to 14 hours of the 4200 Series printer.
- This new printer works on one pass printing technology that lets manufacturers get two full builds in a single day. In addition, the fast build mode is also reduced to 9 hours compared to 14+ hours of 4200.
So, if you plan to buy a 3d printer that offers faster build time and greater convenience, Series 5200 is the best.
Manufacturing Standards
The 5200 3d printer can reach a Process Capability Index (Cpk) of 1.33 on average on the IT scale of 13. Cpk is a useful statistical tool that can measure a process’s ability to offer process output based on customer’s demands. A Cpk of 1.33 equals a process yield of 99.99%
The Series 5200 printer offers better heating control with its 22 lamps compared to 14 lamps of Series 4200. When compared, Series 5200 offers a 5x better thermal camera and enhanced data feedback. So, if you want to focus more on minute heating variation and improve heating adjustments, Series 5200 is the best industrial 3d printer.
Hardware Comparison
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image.(Image Source: HP)
There are some significant hardware differences between Series 4200 and 5200, including:
- Lamps of Series 5200 use around 50% of their original capacity, making it easier for engineers to throttle up or down than Series 4200.
- Unlike Series 4200, these new models offer always-on lamps that allow longer lamp life that eliminate the repetitive on/off cycle.
- Compared to Series 4200, these new printers offer smaller micron layers (around 110-micron layers)
- The new 5200 Series printers support a wide range of new 3d printer filaments compared to 4200.
For faster mass 3D printing service, the Series 5200 is an ideal choice if you are ready to pay the premium price compared to 4200.
Which 3D Printer Should I Buy?
HP’s 4200 Multi Jet Fusion (Mjf) is still an excellent industrial machine to scale your 3d print online business. However, if you need more throughput with a faster turnaround time and more attention to detail, then Series 5200 is the best printer for you.
Search for 3d printing stores near me, and you can easily buy these 3d printers in Australia or where you live. Both are powerful industrial 3d printers that can drive higher profitability for your company.
