Markforged has announced two key additions to its ecosystem: the Metal X Gen 2, and an over-the-air software update for Metal X 3D printers called Next Day Metal, which unlocks twice the print speeds for same-day production.
Metal X Gen2
The Metal X Gen 2 is an updated version of the original Metal X launched in 2017. With it, you can compliment or replace CNC machining with additive manufacturing and print designs you couldn’t machine because of axis movement and drill bit size.
The following features are new:
- 7” touchscreen. This lets you control the printer at the source.
- Door position sensors. These provide data about opening and closing and automatically pause prints when the door is open.
- Additional chamber insulation. This makes the system more energy-efficient and shortens warm-up times to make it more time-efficient.
The Metal X uses a proprietary print process called Metal FFF
Metal FFF prints parts in a metal powder surrounded by plastic. Parts are then sintered (Markforged offers sinter machines called the Sinter-1 and Sinter-2), with the plastic melting away and the powder transforming into solid, dense metal.
Metal FFF costs 5-10 times less than DMLS metal 3D printing systems and the Metal X requires no operator. It is a self-contained system that automates metal part production. The only thing you need to do is load in the metal powder.
The Metal X prints 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, Copper, H13 Tool Steel, Inconel 625 and A2 and D2 Tool Steel, making it suited to millions of applications.
Next-Day Metal
Next-Day Metal is an over-the-air software update for Metal X and Metal X Gen 2 3D printers. It unlocks print speeds up to twice as fast as before across the materials portfolio, enabling same-day production for metal parts.
Because Next Day Metal is a software update, no hardware modifications are needed to use it. All you need to do is update your software and your Metal X will be ready to go.
In tandem with the Metal X’s software update, the Wash 1 (Markforged’s washing station for the Metal X) has also had a software update. Wash and dry times are now more accurate for smaller parts, shortening the required debind cycle time.
All this means your metal 3D printing experience will be faster than ever with even better results. Who said speed had to come at the cost of quality?
Find out more
The Metal X Gen 2 and Next Day Metal are available now. To find out more about Markforged technology, please book a discovery call with our Markforged specialists Kevin Askew or Ian Smith.
Book a call with Kevin 
Book a call with Ian
Or contact our award-winning team on 01765 694 007 or email sales@additive-x.com.