Hello, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the incredible world of Markforged Metal X 3D Printing. This groundbreaking technology is changing the way we manufacture metal parts, and we can’t wait to share the details with you.
The Metal X Solution
At the heart of this innovation is the Metal X Solution, an end-to-end metal 3D printing technology. It includes the printer itself, designed to bring your metal printing dreams to life. One remarkable aspect of this technology is that it allows us to print using materials like 17-4 stainless steel. But here’s the twist – the part we print starts as a “green part,” made from metal powder bound together by a wax polymer binder. It’s all about keeping the material in its raw form, and this part is the beginning of something amazing.
The Washing Process
After the green part is complete, it’s ready for the next step. We introduce it to our trusty wash station. This station uses a chemical known as Opti-Sion, which is a solvent-based solution with a touch of salt-dissolving magic. Think of it as an industrial degreaser. The purpose of this chemical bath is to remove approximately 95% of the polymer, leaving you with a somewhat brittle but promising metal part.
From Green to Brown
Once the washing process is complete, we move from the green state to the brown state. Now, the part is ready for our sintering furnace. This furnace is a critical player in the process. It not only shrinks the part down to its final form but also burns out the remaining polymer. What emerges is a net-shaped part with a layer height of 50 microns (0.002 inches) and an XY dimensional accuracy of plus or minus five thousandths of an inch. These parts are incredibly accurate, fully functional, and ready to replace their traditional counterparts.
Real-World Applications
Now, let’s talk about the exciting part – what you can do with these 3D-printed metal parts. We have some fantastic examples of wrenches, CMM fixtures, and hybrid tools that combine the strength of metal with the versatility of composites. For instance, our composite technology allows us to create CMM fixtures with heat-set inserts and inserted springs, maintaining both structural integrity and accuracy. These tools are revolutionizing industries like robotics, manufacturing, and more.
Unlocking Efficiency and Cost Savings
Our hybrid tooling, which integrates H13 tool steel for critical parts and carbon fiber-infused Onyx for bodies, is a testament to efficiency and cost savings. By using just about $235 worth of material and taking only four days to print, we’ve dramatically cut down on lead times compared to traditional machining, which could take one to two weeks. This is a game-changer for industries that rely on precision parts and tools.
The Future of Manufacturing
Markforged Metal X 3D Printing is ushering in a new era in manufacturing. From creating lightweight yet robust tools to manufacturing custom sensor brackets for robotics, the possibilities are limitless. The 3D-printed parts are strong, accurate, and, most importantly, they’re reshaping industries and reducing costs.