Orient Express Racing Team improves performance with 3D printing technology from HP

The Orient Express Racing Team announces HP Inc. as its new official supplier. The team will utilize a wide range of advanced products and services from HP, including computing, printing and conferencing systems.

Of particular note is the use of HP’s environmentally friendly latex printing technology to meticulously create all basic branding elements for the future AC75, the official vessel for the 37th America’s Cup. The team is also producing essential components for the AC75 using HP’s 3D printing solutions.

With the upcoming America’s Cup taking place in Barcelona with the opening ceremony on August 22nd, the Orient Express Racing Team is now installing HP technology in various areas. This includes equipping the meeting rooms with Poly by HP audio and video conferencing systems, as well as providing the latest HP PCs and printers for staff.

HP’s latest workstation models, including the ZBook Power G10, ZBook Studio G10 and ZBook Fury G10, provide the Orient Express design teams with unprecedented mobility and professional performance. These workstations allow engineers to continuously monitor all of the AC40’s systems, whether hydraulic, electrical, telemetric or mechatronic. “This requires reliable and robust computers to act in real-time and assist the sailors,” says Valentin Salomez, IT Manager.

The AC75 Orient Express Racing Team is working closely with HP’s 3D printing and large format printing teams in Barcelona to optimize the performance and branding of the AC75 boat.

Louis Viat, Orient Express Chief Operating Officer emphasised: “We place great importance on teamwork, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence – principles that resonate strongly with the spirit of HP’s teams. The integration of their 3D printing technology into our partnership is particularly exciting. It allows for lightweight components, customisation, and unmatched precision in the manufacturing of parts. Thousands of 3D-printed components will be produced at HP’s 3D Printing Center of Excellence in Barcelona and assembled at our base. Notably all the human-machine interfaces. The support, competence, responsiveness, and proximity of HP are very precious to us.”

The team is using HP’s latex technology to ensure the Orient Express stands out at the America’s Cup by producing a sustainable vinyl wrap for the 4,300 square meter base near the entrance to Port Vell in Barcelona.

 “The ability to redesign the entire base using HP’s versatile, high quality latex printing has not only enhanced its aesthetics but also imbued it with a sense of identity and pride, very important for the competing athletes,” added Viat.