Markforged introduces 3D printer for both metal and composite

Markforged has announced what it says is the world’s first 3D printer that combines metal and composite printing, with the release of the FX10 Metal Kit print engine that brings metal printing capability to the FX10. With this kit, the FX10 can print both metal filaments and composites with continuous fibre reinforcement.

“Customers no longer have to choose between a metal and a composite printer,” said Shai Terem, CEO of Markforged. “Years of R&D investment and field experience have come together to provide an all-in-one solution for 3D printing to provide immediate return on investment once installed on a factory floor.

“The FX10 supercharges other equipment on the factory floor to be better utilised and run more efficiently, increasing productivity and reducing potential line down events.”

The FX10, released in November 2023 as a composite-only printer, was designed to be versatile, with a modular architecture. Upgrades like the Metal Kit enable users of the FX10 to gain additional value from the machine after purchase.

Markforged also announced a new 316L stainless steel metal filament to be used with the FX10 Metal Kit. Users will also be able to print in 17-4PH with additional support for other Markforged metal filaments in the future.

“We designed the FX10 to be a modular platform, so that we are able to release new innovations and upgrades without customers having to purchase a new printer every year,” Terem said. “Along with new software capabilities we release regularly, the FX10 Metal Kit is poised to provide continuously growing value on factory floors for years to come.”

The FX10 Metal Kit consists of a swappable print engine that includes a metal-specific print head, material feed tubes, routing back, and dual pre-extruders. An FX10 can be swapped between metal and composite as many times as needed, and the swap takes about 15 minutes.

Metal prints are built from the metal filament and a ceramic release filament. The ceramic release is extruded as an interface between the part and supports for ease of separation and removal. Once metal prints are complete, they must be washed and sintered in Markforged’s Wash-1 and Sinter-2 solutions. Eiger, Markforged’s slicer and print management software, automates the process, including scaling parts to account for shrinkage during sinter.