(Updated: HK3D is UK agent for Markforged) Markforged initially came to prominence by developing machines that combined 3D plastic printing with carbon fibre, fiberglass or Kevlar continuous reinforcement, launching its Mark One and then Mark Two machines in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
Its first metal 3D printer is Metal X, which has a build volume of 250 by 220 by 200 mm and at launch will tackle high-end stainless steels, such as 17-4 and 303, with tool steel for injection moulding applications and other metals “actively under development and [these] will be available later this year”.
The machine is the first to use the Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) process. With this, parts are printed layer-by-layer using a metal powder encased in a plastic binder. Once the printing is complete, the binder is removed and the part sintered, eliminating the layer-to-layer strength reduction common to 3D printed parts and creating isotropic metal 3D prints. The ADAM process is unique in that it makes metal 3D printing easier and more affordable than ever before, without the complex limitations of today’s metal 3D printers and CNC machines.
There are no UK agents for Markforged.
