Print engineering-grade parts in Stainless Steel 17-4 PH with our desktop metal printer.
Markforged Metal X
3D printing metal parts is now achievable using our Markforged Metal X system.
As metal powder is volatile and demands comprehensive setup measures to manage safety risks, Markforged have developed a new way of 3D printing with metal.
Raw metal powder is bound with additives, extruded into filament, and turned into reels. Its print process, then, effectively equates to that of machines using thermoplastic filament.
After printing, (green) parts are taken to a wash, where additives are removed with solvents, after which (brown) parts are ready for sintering, which melts and solidifies the metal powder into a completed 3D printed part.
ProtoSpace is currently printing with Stainless Steel 17-4PH, but other materials the system have available include Copper, Tool Steel, and Inconel.
Printing of bespoke motorcycle foot pegs featuring knurled texture.
| MARKFORGED METAL X | AVAILABLE MATERIAL | DESCRIPTION | COLOUR |
| 17-4PH Stainless Steel | Strong, robust | Silver metal |
Download the Design Guide for 3D Printing with Metal whitepaper to understand design and manufacturing constraints.
Reach out to the team about printing with the Metal X.
| PRINT PROCESS | Metal FFF. Raw metal powder is bound with additives, extruded into filament and turned into reels. Its material deposition process effectively equates to FFF using thermoplastic. After printing, (green) parts are washed, where additives are removed, after which (brown) parts are ready for sintering. Sintering melts and solidifies the metal powder, creating a completed part. |
| LEAD TIME | ≈ 2 - 4 weeks, dependent on quantity of parts or other jobs. |
| MATERIAL TYPE | Metal filament |
| SUPPORT MATERIAL | Same as model material, with ceramic layers to aid in removal |
| MAX PART SIZE * | 175 x 175 x 270 mm *subject to dimensions |
| LAYER HEIGHT | ≈ 0.1mm (100 μm) |
| PROS | Accessible, novel |
| CONS | Cost, turnaround time |
