Rugby-based HK3D (www.hkh3d.com) has launched the Markforged Metal X 3-D printing machine into the UK market at a price entry point below £90,000.

Unlike existing 3-D printing technology, the Metal X uses a new process that is said to offer rapid material change-overs and enhanced health and safety by ‘eliminating the use of consumable metallic powders’.

The Metal X uses what Markforged calls atomic-diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM), whereby parts are printed using a ‘bound metal powder rod’ that transforms into a dense metal part in a single step.

According to the company, bulk sintering provides crystal growth in all axes, giving parts excellent mechanical properties in every direction.

The ADAM process also allows novel geometries to be produced, such as closed-cell honeycomb infill; this is not possible using traditional subtractive manufacturing processes or DMLS (direct metal laser sintering), says the company.

Metal X can print with 303 and 17-4 stainless steel, while beta testing is underway for 6061 and 7075 aluminium, A2 and D2 tool steel, Inconel 625, and Ti-6Al-4V titanium. Material change-over is said to take just minutes, with no powder residue to remove from the machine.

Offering a 50µm resolution layer height, the Metal X has a working volume of 250 x 220mm x 200mm. Furthermore, in-process inspection allows customers 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 ensures that the Metal X always meets the required specification and tolerance band. If an error is detected, the user will be alerted; they can choose to cancel the print remotely, saving time and material.