HK3D introduces new metal 3D printer for less than £90,000

The new Metal X machine introduces a new Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) process that prints parts using a bound metal powder rod that transforms into a dense metal part in one easy step. Bulk sintering provides crystal growth through all axes, giving parts excellent mechanical properties in all directions. The ADAM process also enables the creation of geometries such as closed-cell honeycomb infill, which are not possible using traditional subtractive manufacturing processes or DMLS. Furthermore, this ADAM process eliminates the requirement for powdered metallic consumables and the subsequent health and safety concerns. Using nylon reels infused with metallic powders, the Metal X can be used in an office environment alongside your PC, as well as in a workshop.

Metal X accelerates innovation, delivering metal parts overnight using a new technology at a fraction of the cost. The Metal X can currently print with 303 and 17-4 stainless steel, with beta testing underway for 6061 and 7075 aluminium, A2 and D2 tool steel, Inconel 625 and Titanium Ti-6Al-4V. According to HK3D, the diverse composition of these materials makes the Markforged Metal X the only 3D printing machine you will ever need for designing and developing prototypes and small batch production of complex parts.

Furthermore, with DMLS machines, the material changeover process can take up to two days; however. the innovative new ADAM process on the Metal X enables end users to change from one material to another in minutes, with no powder residue to remove from the machine.

The build volume of the Metal X gives automotive, medical, aerospace and other industries a new way to rapidly create key components, custom parts and spare parts. The Metal X has a 50 micron resolution layer height and a a work envelope 250mm wide, 220mm deep and 200mm high - delivering sizeable parts for most industry sectors.

Integral laser inspection

Metal X machines give customers complete control with in-process inspection that enables users to scan parts 'mid-print' using Markforged's cloud-based Eiger software and a laser displacement sensor that is fixed to the print head. This guarantees dimensional accuracy and permits in-print inspection of the most critical dimensions at any point in the print process.

Customers can define a tolerance specification in the Eiger software and the cloud-based 3D printing software will communicate with the Metal X to instruct the machine to scan parts while it is printing. This ensures that the Metal X always meets the desired specification and tolerance band. If an error is detected, the user will be alerted and they can choose to cancel the print remotely, saving time and material.

This new technology is now available to order for September 2017 delivery from HK3D, the official UK production distribution agent for the Markforged brand. Purchasing a Markforged 3D Printer from HK3D will give you access to the high level of service and support for which HK3D is renowned. HK3D experts will take your engineers from the feasibility and justification study through acquisition, installation, commissioning, training and support, as well as immediate delivery of consumables.

Follow the link to watch a short video and go to www.hkh3d.com/metal-x/ to learn more about the new sub-90,000 Markforged Metal X 3D printing machine from HK3D.