Targeting the mechanical computer aided design (MCAD), education and medical markets, the Designjet 3D range consists of two machines, the 3D printer and the Color 3D printer, which can produce larger models and offers a choice of coloured plastics.

"This is just the first phase of our strategy; it's a long-term vision to move 3D prototyping into the mainstream," said HP Designjet sales manager Phil Oakley.

The machines extrude ABS plastic in 0.254mm thick layers and thanks to a "smart support" material, functional complicated multi-part designs with moving parts can be created. After printing the support material is washed away in a 3D removal system, which uses plain water and detergent to dissolve the support, leaving behind pure ABS.

"Reprographics houses are starting to look at this technology," said Oakley. "It's a great proposition for the reprographics industry."

However, the initial target for the machines is for in-house workgroup 3D printing, which the firm claimed would enable users to slash the time and cost of using an external model maker.

The basic machine, which can create objects up to 203x152x152mm costs £11,050, while the Color machine produces a larger 203x203x152mm objects in addition to offering eight different colours.

The Designjet 3D is the first result of HP's alliance with 3D printer specialist Stratasys.

HP said that it is aiming for a 70% share of the 3D printer market, similar to its position in 2D CAD according to the firm.