HP Innovation Journal Issue 13: Winter 2019 | Page 21

valves or aesthetic parts, to be made without requiring
manufacturing tools. “The key to this technology is the
automation,” says Blasco. “The printers can create custom-
ized structures and shapes that can be produced accurately
with less waste and at a lower cost. In the future, they
will be able to produce more critical parts for the automo-
tive and aeronautical industries that will be significantly
lighter, require less material, and be more cost-effective.”
Blasco’s day also involves juggling multiple time zones,
from Asia to Europe to the US’s West Coast. The printers
are manufactured in Singapore, so she’s often in contact
with offices there about operational issues regarding
customer feedback. “We may need to upgrade based upon
what customers need and we’ll talk about what we can do
to meet those requirements.” Blasco also communicates
regularly with HP teams based in Corvallis, Oregon, where
much of the stainless-steel powders, polymers, and inks
are made, to discuss the materials’ behavior during the
3D printing process.
During a short afternoon lunch break in the smaller of the
building’s two cafés, Blasco speaks with clear enthusiasm
about her multifaceted role. “Every day is different and we
are constantly improvising. I have to balance what can be
done with the time we have and the budget we have.”
“It’s a lot of work, but being part of Metals, one of the coolest
and one of the most innovative department at HP, is really
exciting,” she says. “We are trying to change the future of
industry and this printer will enable us to do it.”
Blasco leads a daily status
meeting with a team of around
20 engineers, speaking in
both Spanish and English.
Blasco is one of 2,300
employees who work in the
airy, open space where the
metal and plastic 3D printing
labs are separated from the
offices by a large glass wall.
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