New 3d metal printer


The Metal X 3D Printing System

An accessible end-to-end metal 3D printing solution for functional metal parts, next-day.

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The Metal X System is an accessible way to fabricate complex metal parts in a wide variety of advanced metals.

Simple, Yet Powerful

The Metal X is one of the most intuitive metal 3D printers available today. Print a wide range of materials from stainless steels to copper with minimal training on a closed workflow. Scaling up capacity is easy; just add printers.

Safe and Affordable

The Metal X is designed to be safe to use and accessible for all fabricators. It costs several times less than DMLS metal 3D printing systems and requires no dedicated operator, no powder management system, and minimal PPE.

Quality Parts, Fast

The Metal X is purpose-built for consistent part quality and a seamless user experience. Markforged combines superb software, materials research, and an advanced motion system to deliver industrial-grade parts quickly and reliably.

Specs

From design to fully functional
metal parts in as few as 28 hours.

Physical Dimensions

Width 575 mm
Depth 467 mm
Height 1120 mm
Weight 75 kg / 165 lbs

Build Volume

Width 300 mm
Depth 220 mm
Height 180 mm

Printer primary Specs

Printing Process
Metal FFF
Z Layer Resolution
50 μm - 125 μm (Post-Sinter)
Printing Media
Bound Powder Filament
Internal Part Geometry
Closed Cell Infill (Triangular) or Solid Parts
Print Bed
Heated, Auto Leveling, Replaceable Print Sheets

Wash & Sinter

Wash-1

External Dimensions:
609 x 685 x 1,067 mm
Weight:
136 kg (300 lbs)
Washing Time:
12-72 hrs typical
Solvent:
Opteon SF-79
Working Volume:
356 x 254 x 203 mm

Sinter-2

External Dimensions:
1,200 x 700 x 1,500 mm
Weight:
350 kg (772 lbs)
Run Time:
17-31 hours
Sintering Volume:
18,356 cu cm
Peak Internal Temp. :
1,300° C / 2,372° F

Materials

Compatible Materials

    Release Material
    Ceramic — Becomes Powder During Sintering Process

    Media (Spools)
    Bound Powder Metal Filament

    System Details

    Metal X Printer

    The Markforged Metal X is a new kind of metal printer. By printing metal powder bound in a plastic matrix, Markforged has eliminated many of the safety risks associated with traditional metal 3D printers. That means no loose powder, no lasers, and none of the traditional safety precautions. It’s safe to use in a shop environment with minimal facility upgrades.

    In practice, the Metal X is essentially a very advanced FFF 3D printer. Featuring a precision machined gantry, a heated chamber and print bed, and advanced extrusion hardware, the Metal X is equipped to reliably print you durable parts. It is intentionally designed, with wear components and consumables — including print sheets, nozzles, and brushes — accessible and trivial to swap.

    Wash-1

    The Wash-1 is a solvent-based debinding system. It primarily uses Opteon SF-79, a high-performance fluid designed to offer superior cleaning power, higher efficiency, and safety in an environmentally sustainable way — Opteon SF-80 or Tergo Metal Cleaning Fluid can be substituted if needed.

    The Wash-1 operates with simple ventilation and features an extremely simple user experience. It’s been tested and verified as a shop-safe system.

    Sinter-2 and Sinter-1

    The Markforged Sinter-2 and Sinter-1 are highly optimized tube furnaces used for sintering 3D printed metal parts. They provide leading edge sintering reliability and run times and are equipped with advanced safety features. The Sinter-2 is more advanced than the Sinter-1 — featuring a larger working volume, more precise temperature control, and a mechanical door interlock.

    The Sinter-1 and Sinter-2 typically have run times between 26 and 31 hours. However, the Sinter-2 can process small parts in express mode, where it can sinter up to 250g of parts in just 17 hours.

    Download Datasheet

    Materials

    From stainless steel to copper,
    choose from a wide range of strong,
    durable, and capable materials.

    Design your part, upload it into our browser-based software, select from a wide range of metals, and hit print. It's that simple.

    Software

    3D Printing Software Meets Production Management

    Eiger is our end to end solution for creating and managing parts. Collaborate on parts across teams and start prints from anywhere with an internet connection.

    Try it Yourself

    Process

    Simple and safe workflow
    designed for any business.

    Request a Quote

    5

    The Magic of Metal 3D Printing

    The Metal X makes metal 3D printing simpler than ever before. Learn how you can go from design to functional 3D printed metal parts quickly, easily, and more affordably.

    The Markforged Metal X additive manufacturing process combines metal injection molding (MIM) and fused filament fabrication (FFF) technologies together into Bound Powder Extrusion. BPE provides a simple, cost-effective way to create metal parts.

    Metal X | Request a Quote

    Talk to an expert Request a demo Try the software

    Desktop 3D Printers Designed for Professionals

    Desktop 3D Printer Series

    Professional desktop 3D printers built with the versatility to test design concepts and build strong end use parts. Our platform covers a wide range of applications - varying from flexible and elastic to strong and rigid.

    Compare 3D Printers Talk to an Expert

    Drive innovation. Right from your desktop.

    Compare Our Desktop 3D Printer Models.

    Onyx One™

    Our core desktop printer for functional plastic parts with stunning surface finish.

    Materials

    Plastic


    Onyx™

    Specs

    +320 x 132 x 154 mm build volume

    +100 µm - 200 µm layer height

    +Precision ground composite print bed

    MSRP

    $4,990

    Talk to an Expert

    Onyx Pro™

    Our enhanced desktop printer for stunning prototypes, tools, and production parts.

    Materials

    Plastic


    Onyx™

    Precise PLA

    Smooth TPU

    Continuous Fiber


    Fiberglass™

    Specs

    +320 x 132 x 154 mm build volume

    +100 µm - 200 µm layer height

    +Precision ground composite print bed

    MSRP

    $9,600

    Talk to an Expert

    Mark Two™

    The best desktop printer for stunning prototypes, tools, high performance end-use parts, and replacement parts.

    Materials

    Plastic


    Onyx™

    Nylon White™

    Precise PLA

    Smooth TPU

    Continuous Fiber


    Continuous Carbon Fiber™

    Aramid Fiber (Kevlar®)*

    Fiberglass™

    HSHT Fiberglass™

    Specs

    +320 x 132 x 154 mm build volume

    +100 µm - 200 µm layer height

    +Precision ground composite print bed

    MSRP

    $19,900

    Talk to an Expert

    Dupont™ and Kevlar® are trademarks and registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

    What can I build on a desktop 3D printer?

    Micro carbon fiber filled nylon offers excellent heat resistance, surface finish, and chemical resistance

    APPLICATIONS

    • Functional Protos
    • Production Covers
    • Fit checks
    • Job Aids

    Learn more

    Stiff, strong, and extremely light, carbon fiber reinforcement yields parts capable of replacing machined aluminum.

    APPLICATIONS

    • Custom production
    • Bridge production
    • High performance end-use parts
    • High-strength tooling

    Learn more

    HSHT Fiberglass delivers the highest impact resistance and heat deflection temperature of our continuous fibers, and can be used for low-temp molds.

    APPLICATIONS

    • Welding fixtures
    • Ruggedized enclosures
    • Low-temp molds
    • Forming tools

    Learn more

    Inexpensive and 11 times stiffer than ABS, this is the perfect entry level continuous fiber for 3D printing functional parts.

    APPLICATIONS

    • Workholding tools
    • Functional Prototypes
    • Moderate strength end-use parts

    Learn more

    Extremely durable and extremely resistant to catastrophic damage, Kevlar is an excellent choice for harsh environments.

    APPLICATIONS

    • Workholding tools
    • Ruggedized enclosures
    • Flexures

    Learn more

    Rubber-like material for high quality, flexible, impact-absorbent parts on demand.

    APPLICATIONS

    • Seals and gaskets
    • Shock absorbers
    • Wheels and treads
    • Belts

    Learn more

    Colorful, cost-effective, and easy to print thermoplastic for design validation

    APPLICATIONS

    • Concept models
    • Fit Checks
    • Color-coded indicators

    Learn more

    Unmatched versatility

    Our Desktop Series printers unlock production-grade performance and affordable prototypes, all on the same platform. Our most popular printing plastic, Onyx™, gives you a great start in material properties with excellent surface finish. Our selection of continuous fibers take our parts far beyond the mechanical and thermal properties of everyday FFF printing plastics, Smooth TPU 95A provides an efficient way to make high quality flexible parts in low-to-medium volumes, while Precise PLA delivers effective, reliable prototypes at an affordable price. No matter what properties you’re looking for, our desktop 3D printers have the right material for the job.

    How does CFR 3D printing work?

    Talk with a
    Desktop expert

    Let us put together an additive manufacturing solution to suit your needs.

    How metal 3D printers work. Overview of SLM and DMLS technologies. additive manufacturing. 3D metal printing.


    Metal 3D printing. Additive technologies.

    SLM or DMLS: what's the difference?

    Hello everyone, Friends! 3DTool is with you!

    BLT metal 3D printer catalog

    Selective laser melting ( SLM ) and direct metal laser sintering ( DMLS ) are two additive manufacturing processes that belong to the family of 3D printing using the powder layer method. The two technologies have much in common: they both use a laser to selectively melt (or melt) metal powder particles, bonding them together and creating a pattern layer by layer. In addition, the materials used in both processes are metals in granular form.

    The differences between SLM and DMLS come down to the basics of the particle bonding process: SLM uses metal powders with a single melting point and completely melts the particles, while in DMLS the powder consists of materials with variable melting points.


    Specifically:
    SLM produces single metal parts while DMLS produces metal alloy parts.
    Both SLM and DMLS technologies are used in industry to create final engineering products. In this article, we will use the term "metal 3D printing" to summarize the 2 technologies. We will also describe the main mechanisms of the manufacturing process that are necessary for engineers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies.
    There are other manufacturing processes for producing dense metal parts, such as electron beam melting (EBM) and ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM). Their availability and distribution is rather limited, so they will not be presented in this article.

    How 3D printing with SLM or DMLS metal works.

    How does metal 3D printing work? The basic manufacturing process for SLM and DMLS is very similar.

    1. The printing chamber is first filled with an inert gas (such as argon) to minimize the oxidation of the metal powder. It then heats up to the optimum operating temperature.
    2. A layer of powder is spread over the platform, a powerful laser makes passes along a predetermined path in the program, fusing the metal particles together and creating the next layer.
    3. When the sintering process is completed, the platform moves down 1 layer. Next, another thin layer of metal powder is applied. The process is repeated until the entire model is printed.

    When the printing process is completed, the metal powder already has strong bonds in the structure. Unlike the SLS process, parts are attached to the platform via support structures. The support in metal 3D printing is created from the same material as the base part. This condition is necessary to reduce deformations that may occur due to high processing temperatures.
    When the 3D printer's chamber cools down to room temperature, excess powder is removed manually, such as with a brush. The parts are then typically heat treated while they are still attached to the platform. This is done to relieve any residual stresses. They can then be further processed. The removal of the part from the platform occurs by means of sawing.

    Scheme of operation of a 3D printer for metal.

    In SLM and DMLS, almost all process parameters are set by the manufacturer. The layer height used in metal 3D printing varies from 20 to 50 microns and depends on the properties of the metal powder (fluidity, particle size distribution, shape, etc.).
    The basic size of the print area on metal 3D printers is 200 x 150 x 150 mm, but there are also larger sizes of the working area. Printing accuracy is from 50 - 100 microns. As of 2020, metal 3D printers start at $150,000. For example, our company offers 3D metal printers from BLT.
    metal 3D printers can be used for small batch production, but the 3D printing capabilities of such systems are more like those of mass production on FDM or SLA machines.
    The metal powder in SLM and DMLS is recyclable: typically less than 5% is consumed. After each impression, the unused powder is collected and sieved, and then topped up with fresh material to the level required for the next production.
    Waste in metal printing, are supports (support structures, without which it will not be possible to achieve a successful result). With too much support on the manufactured parts, the cost of the entire production will increase accordingly.

    Adhesion between coats.


    3D metal printing on BLT 3D printers

    SLM and DMLS metal parts have almost isotropic mechanical and thermal properties. They are hard and have very little internal porosity (less than 0.2% in 3D printed condition and virtually non-existent after processing).
    Metal printed parts have higher strength and hardness and are often more flexible than traditionally made parts. However, such metal becomes “tired” faster.

    3D model support structure and part orientation on the work platform.

    Support structures are always required when printing with metal, due to the very high processing temperatures. They are usually built using a lattice pattern.

    Supports in metal 3D printing perform 3 functions:

    • They form the basis for creating the first layer of the part.
    • They secure the part to the platform and prevent it from deforming.
    • They act as a heat sink, removing heat from the model.

    Parts are often oriented at an angle. However, this will increase the amount of support required, the printing time, and ultimately the overall cost.
    Deformation can also be minimized with laser sintering templates. This strategy prevents the accumulation of residual stresses in any particular direction and adds a characteristic surface texture to the part.

    Since the cost of metal printing is very high, software simulations are often used to predict how a part will behave during processing. These topology optimization algorithms are otherwise used not only to increase mechanical performance and create lightweight parts, but also to minimize the need for supports and the likelihood of part distortion.

    Hollow sections and lightweight structures.


    An example of printing on a BLT 3D printer

    Unlike polymer powder melt processes such as SLS, large hollow sections are not typically used in metal printing as the support would be very difficult to remove, if at all possible.
    For internal channels larger than Ø 8 mm, it is recommended to use diamond or teardrop cross-sections instead of round ones, as they do not require support. More detailed recommendations on the design of SLM and DMLS can be found in other articles on this topic.

    As an alternative to hollow sections, parts can be made with sheath and cores, which in turn are machined using different laser power and pass speeds, resulting in different material properties. The use of sheath and cores is very useful when making parts with a large solid section, as it greatly reduces printing time and reduces the chance of warping.

    The use of a lattice structure is a common strategy in metal 3D printing to reduce part weight. Topology optimization algorithms can also help design organic lightweight shapes.

    Consumables for 3D metal printing.

    SLM and DMLS technologies can produce parts from a wide range of metals and metal alloys, including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and inconel. These materials meet the needs of most industrial applications, from aerospace to medical applications. Precious metals such as gold, platinum, palladium and silver can also be processed, but their use is of a minor nature and is mainly limited to jewelry making.

    The cost of metal powder is very high. For example, a kilogram of 316 stainless steel powder costs approximately $350-$450. For this reason, minimizing part volume and the need for supports is key to maintaining optimal manufacturing cost.
    The main advantage of metal 3D printing is its compatibility with high-strength materials such as nickel or cobalt-chromium superalloys, which are very difficult to machine with traditional methods. Significant cost and time savings can be achieved by using metal 3D printing to create a near-clean shape part. Subsequently, such a part can be processed to a very high surface quality.

    Metal post-processing.

    Various post methods. treatments are used to improve the mechanical properties, accuracy and appearance of metal printed products.
    Mandatory post-processing steps include the removal of loose powder and support structures, while heat treatment (heat annealing) is typically used to relieve residual stresses and improve the mechanical properties of the part.

    CNC machining can be used for critical features (such as holes or threads). Sandblasting, plating, polishing, and micro-machining can improve the surface quality and fatigue strength of a metal printed part.

    Advantages and disadvantages of metal 3D printing.

    Pros:

    1. Metal 3D printing can be used to make complex custom parts, with geometries that traditional manufacturing methods cannot provide.
    2. Metal 3D printed parts can be optimized to increase their performance with minimal weight.
    3. Metal 3D printed parts have excellent physical properties, metal 3D printers can print a wide range of metals and alloys. Includes difficult-to-machine materials and metal superalloys.

    Cons:

    1. Manufacturing costs associated with metal 3D printing are high. The cost of consumables is from $ 500 per 1 kg.
    2. The size of the working area in metal 3D printers is limited.

    Conclusions.

    • Metal 3D printing is most suitable for complex, one-piece parts that are difficult or very expensive to manufacture using traditional methods, such as CNC.
    • Reducing the need for building supports, will significantly reduce the cost of printing with metal.
    • 3D printed metal parts have excellent mechanical properties and can be made from a wide range of engineering materials, including superalloys.

    And that's all we have! We hope the article was useful to you.

    Catalog of 3D printers for metal BLT

    You can purchase metal 3d printers, as well as any other 3d printers and CNC machines, by contacting us:

    • By email: [email protected]

    • By phone: 8(800)775-86-69

    • Or on our website: http://3dtool.ru

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    Metal laser 3D printer, new generation industrial 3D printers, metal printer overview

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    Author: Semyon Popadiuk

    Author: Semyon Popadiuk

    Top 7 Benefits of Sharebot MetalONE | Applications and Consumables | How MetalONE was created | Key Features of the 3D Printer

    Metal 3D printing is the most complex of additive technologies, but the path to it may be easier than you think. Freedom of design, the ability to optimize the design, reduce the weight of the product and the number of elements in the assembly, the use of materials with unique properties - all these advantages of the technology are invaluable for experimental and research work, the ultimate goal of which is to quickly and efficiently create new high-tech products (or upgrade existing ones), taking production capabilities to the next level.

    The integration of metal 3D printers into the production process is associated with considerable difficulties. A metal printer is an installation that requires a large investment, a special facility, strict operating conditions, additional equipment, and a highly skilled operator.

    However, recent trends suggest that metal printing can become, as they say, “closer to the people”. When we visited the largest Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt am Main in 2019, we noted the appearance of compact metal 3D printers. These machines have a simplified functionality and are focused primarily on the scientific and educational sphere and small and medium-sized businesses.

    One of the most attractive installations in this category in terms of price and quality is called MetalONE and is based on the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) method. This is a new product of the Italian company Sharebot, which has a solid experience in the development of several 3D printing technologies. The printer is designed for research, product testing and manufacturing of small and medium-sized parts.


    Can 3D printing help you optimize production in your organization? Book a consultation with iQB Technologies experts. Services such as 3D training, test 3D printing/3D scanning, site visits, diagnostics or ordering 3D equipment are also available.

    MetalONE 3D Printer: 7 Key Benefits of

    1. Compact working chamber (65 x 65 x 100 mm).
    2. High performance.
    3. Economy.
    4. Possibility of using argon and nitrogen.
    5. Intuitive, easy to edit print options.
    6. Easy to operate.
    7. Low maintenance.

    Applications and Consumables

    This metal 3D printer will be indispensable in the following industries:

    • R&D;
    • industry;
    • dentistry;
    • jewelry.

    Sharebot CEO Arturo Donghi with MetalONE 3D printer and printed samples

    The additive setup is ideal for learning new materials, and thanks to its small build chamber and DMLS technology, it allows you to create objects from a small amount of metal powder - only 800 g. In addition, the user can edit all process parameters, which will be recorded in a log after printing is completed. With a 250W fiber laser and the ability to use both nitrogen and argon, virtually any powder can be tested.

    For industrial applications, the printer is capable of prototyping small parts with incredible precision and producing them quickly and without significant difficulty. Unrivaled print repeatability ensures low-volume production with consistently high quality.

    Cobalt-chromium alloys (CoCrMo), which are widely used in dentistry, are also applicable in MetalONE. For dental laboratories, this is a real boon: the 3D printer prints metal fillings, crowns and caps in less than an hour and is exceptionally easy to use.

    Due to the compactness and special structure of paper filters, the printer will also be beneficial in the additive manufacturing of jewelry and other miniature products, as it allows you to quickly create objects with the highest degree of detail.

    Sharebot's R&D department, in collaboration with several universities, has developed profiles for 316L steel and cobalt-chromium and continues to test new powders for metal laser 3D printer. Next in line are profiles for titanium and aluminum.

    How MetalONE

    was created

    Work on the metal printer project began in 2015. At the same time, Sharebot was developing SnowWhite, a machine for printing with thermoplastic powder using SLS technology. After the successful implementation of SnowWhite in different countries, Sharebot gained enough experience to launch a metal 3D laser printer project. It includes other types of powders, software, mechanical components, and build chamber design (involving the creation and maintenance of a modified environment), but this machine can be considered a direct continuation of SnowWhite.

    In March 2019, the first prototype of the machine and the first samples were presented at the MECSPE exhibition in Parma. In the following months, various models were printed to test the metallurgical properties of the objects and their quality, as well as the reliability of the printer itself and the repeatability of printing.


    Learn more