Markforged Metal X 3D Printer

The Metal X 3D printer does not require air; however, the other two machines in the system, the Wash-1 and Sinter-1 or Sinter-2, do.

You will need to maintain the printer clean, and you will need to tighten the belts, change the upper and lower feed tubes, and change the nozzles on a regular basis.

No. Unlike other powder-based metal 3d printers, the Metal X employs a polymer and wax bonded metal powder, which avoids any potential hazards.

Yes. The Metal X system supports multiple infill patterns. One of the most popular options is closed-cell infill, which forms an internal grid of fully enclosed cells. This infill style reduces part weight and material use while maintaining high strength and performance. You can adjust the infill type and density in Markforged’s Eiger software to suit your part’s strength, weight, and cost requirements.

The Sinter-1 is a compact, mid-sized furnace designed for small parts and low-volume production. With a build volume of 4,760 cm³ and exterior dimensions of 1,067 x 483 x 406 mm, it’s ideal for prototyping or short-run jobs. The Sinter-1 offers faster cycle times and is easy to install in a variety of workspaces. The Sinter-2, on the other hand, is built for higher throughput and large-part sintering. It has a significantly larger volume of 19,644 cm³ and measures 1,200 x 700 x 1,500 mm. Its larger thermal mass and more advanced temperature control make it well-suited for batch production, consistent part quality, and high-volume operations. Both furnaces are fully integrated with Markforged’s Eiger software for automated control and remote monitoring.

The full Metal X system is an end-to-end metal 3D printing solution that includes the Metal X 3D printer for printing bound metal filament, the Wash-1 debinding station to remove binding material, and either the Sinter-1 or Sinter-2 furnace to sinter parts to near-full density. It also comes with Eiger software, which is used for print preparation, job management, and integration across the system. Additionally, the system includes starter consumables such as nozzles, build plates, and metal filament. Together, these components form a fully integrated workflow that allows users to go from CAD design to finished metal part with minimal manual steps and high repeatability.

The total post-processing time varies depending on the size, geometry, and material of the part. The Wash-1 typically takes between 4 to 12 hours to remove most of the binding material. Sintering in the Sinter-1 or Sinter-2 furnace generally takes between 17 to 30 hours. Exact processing times are automatically calculated and managed by Markforged’s Eiger software, which provides real-time estimates and sends notifications when each stage is complete.

Yes, both the Sinter-1 and Sinter-2 furnaces rely on consumable components to maintain optimal performance and part quality over time. These include ceramic setters and trays for part placement, gas flow system components used with argon or forming gas, thermal insulation materials, and heating elements that may need replacement after extended use. Markforged offers consumable kits and provides recommended replacement intervals to help ensure continued reliability and consistent results.