Markforged Introduces The World’s First Metal & Advanced Composite Industrial 3D Printer

Rhea-AI Summary

Markforged (NYSE: MKFG) has introduced the FX10 Metal Kit, transforming the FX10 into the world's first industrial 3D printer capable of printing both metal filaments and composites with continuous fiber reinforcement. This modular upgrade enhances the versatility of the FX10, released in November 2023, allowing customers to gain additional value post-purchase.

Key features include:

• New 316L stainless steel metal filament, with future support for other metals
• Swappable print engine for easy transition between metal and composite printing
• 2nd Generation Metal FFF engine for faster printing
• Twice the print volume of previous Markforged industrial metal printers
• Integration with Markforged's Wash-1 and Sinter-2 solutions for post-processing
• Eiger software for automated process management

The FX10 Metal Kit aims to increase factory floor productivity and reduce potential line down events.

Positive

• Introduction of FX10 Metal Kit, making FX10 the first industrial 3D printer for both metal and composite printing
• Modular design allows for future upgrades without purchasing new printers
• Faster printing speeds compared to previous Markforged metal systems
• Doubled print volume compared to prior industrial metal printers
• Integration with existing Markforged solutions for a complete manufacturing ecosystem

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The introduction of the FX10 Metal Kit represents a significant product innovation for Markforged, potentially expanding its market reach and revenue streams. This dual-capability printer could increase the company's competitive edge in the industrial 3D printing sector. However, the financial impact remains uncertain without specific revenue projections or pricing details. The modular design allowing for upgrades suggests a potential for recurring revenue from existing customers. Investors should monitor adoption rates and the impact on Markforged's financials in upcoming quarters to gauge the success of this product launch.

Manufacturing Technology Expert

Markforged's FX10 with Metal Kit is a game-changer in additive manufacturing. The ability to print both metal and composite materials in a single machine addresses a significant pain point for manufacturers, potentially reducing equipment costs and floor space requirements. The faster print speeds and larger print volume compared to previous models indicate substantial improvements in productivity. The modular design enabling future upgrades is a smart strategy to future-proof customer investments. This innovation could accelerate the adoption of 3D printing in industrial settings, particularly in sectors requiring both metal and composite parts, such as aerospace and automotive industries.

Market Research Analyst

The launch of the FX10 Metal Kit positions Markforged at the forefront of a growing market trend towards multi-material 3D printing. This product addresses the increasing demand for flexible manufacturing solutions in Industry 4.0. The ability to swap between metal and composite printing could be particularly appealing to small and medium-sized manufacturers looking to maximize their investment. However, the success of this product will depend on factors such as pricing strategy, ease of use and the quality of printed parts compared to specialized single-material printers. Markforged's showcase at the International Manufacturing Technology Show will be important for gauging initial market reception and potential adoption rates.

New metal printing capability for the FX10 will accelerate adoption on the factory floor

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Markforged Holding Corporation (NYSE: MKFG), the company strengthening manufacturing resiliency by enabling industrial production at the point of need, today announced the FX10 Metal Kit, a print engine that brings metal printing capability to the FX10. With this kit, the FX10 becomes the world’s first industrial 3D printer that can print both metal filaments and composites with continuous fiber reinforcement.

“Customers no longer have to choose between a metal and a composite printer. Years of R&D investment and field experience have come together to provide an all-in-one solution for 3D printing to provide immediate return on investment once installed on a factory floor,” said Shai Terem, CEO of Markforged. “The FX10 supercharges other equipment on the factory floor to be better utilized and run more efficiently, increasing productivity and reducing potential line down events.”

The FX10, released in November 2023 as a composite only printer, was designed to be the most versatile tool on the factory floor and has received tremendous feedback from early customers. With its modular architecture, upgrades like the Metal Kit enable customers of the FX10 to gain additional value from the machine after purchase.

Markforged also announced a new 316L stainless steel metal filament to be used with the FX10 Metal Kit. Users will also be able to print in 17-4PH with additional support for other Markforged metal filaments in the future.

“We designed the FX10 to be a modular platform, so that we are able to release new innovations and upgrades without customers having to purchase a new printer every year,” said Terem. “Along with new software capabilities we release regularly, the FX10 Metal Kit is poised to provide continuously growing value on factory floors for years to come.”

The FX10 Metal Kit consists of a swappable print engine that includes a metal-specific print head, material feed tubes, routing back, and dual pre-extruders. An FX10 can be swapped between metal and composite as many times as needed, and the swap takes about 15 minutes.

Similar to the 5th Generation Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) print system in the FX10 that prints nearly twice as fast as previous composite printers, the 2nd Generation Metal FFF engine, built on years of Markforged’s experience printing metal, prints significantly faster than previous Markforged metal systems. FX10 combines faster print speed with a print volume twice as large compared to Markforged’s prior industrial metal printers.

Metal prints are built from the metal filament and a ceramic release filament. The ceramic release is extruded as an interface between the part and supports for ease of separation and removal. Once metal prints are complete, they must be washed and sintered in Markforged’s Wash-1 and Sinter-2 solutions. Eiger, Markforged’s slicer and print management software automates the process, including scaling parts to account for shrinkage during sinter.

The Digital Forge is the additive manufacturing platform that enables every aspect of the FX10 and is purpose-built to integrate into existing manufacturing ecosystems. With the Digital Forge, users can share parts across their organization, and monitor fleet performance from a central location.

Markforged will showcase the FX10 Metal Kit at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, Illinois from September 9-14 at booth 432305 where it will be printing in both continuous fiber reinforced composites and metal.

About Markforged

Markforged (NYSE:MKFG) is enabling more resilient and flexible supply chains by bringing industrial 3D printing right to the factory floor. Our additive manufacturing platform The Digital Forge allows manufacturers to create strong, accurate parts in both metal and advanced composites. With over 10,000 customers in 70+ countries, we’re bringing on-demand industrial production to the point of need. We are headquartered in Waltham, Mass where we design the hardware, software and advanced materials that makes The Digital Forge reliable and easy to use. To learn more, visit www.markforged.com.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “strategy,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “opportunity” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although Markforged believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, Markforged cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by it and its projections of the future, about which it cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the impact of the newly-announced FX10 printer on the manufacturing industry and Markforged, statements related to product development and innovation, and statements regarding the potential benefits to consumers of Markforged products including, but not limited to, the FX10 printer; our ability to fulfill orders for our products in a timely fashion in the future; expected growth of the size of and opportunity to increase our addressable market; the timing of launches and the rate and extent of adoption of our products, including, but not limited to, our most recently introduced products; market trends in the manufacturing industry; the effects of macroeconomic factors; and the benefits to consumers, functionality and applications of Markforged’s products. Markforged cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, general economic, political and business conditions; the ability of Markforged to maintain its listing on the New York Stock Exchange; the effect of uncertainties related to economic downturns and global supply chain disruptions on Markforged’s business and financial results; the outcome of any legal proceedings against Markforged; and those factors discussed under the header “Risk Factors” in Markforged’s most recent periodic and other filings with the SEC. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that Markforged will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent Markforged’s views as of the date of this press release. Markforged anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Markforged may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Markforged has no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing Markforged’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Contact Information

Media:
Samuel Manning
Principal Public Relations Manager
sam.manning@markforged.com

FAQ

What is the FX10 Metal Kit introduced by Markforged (MKFG)?

The FX10 Metal Kit is a print engine upgrade for the FX10 3D printer, enabling it to print both metal filaments and composites with continuous fiber reinforcement, making it the world's first industrial 3D printer with this dual capability.

When was the original FX10 3D printer released by Markforged (MKFG)?

The original FX10 3D printer was released in November 2023 as a composite-only printer.

What metal filaments can be used with the FX10 Metal Kit from Markforged (MKFG)?

Markforged announced a new 316L stainless steel metal filament for use with the FX10 Metal Kit. Users can also print in 17-4PH, with additional support for other Markforged metal filaments planned for the future.

How long does it take to switch between metal and composite printing on the FX10 with the Metal Kit (MKFG)?

The swap between metal and composite printing on the FX10 with the Metal Kit takes about 15 minutes.

Where will Markforged (MKFG) showcase the FX10 Metal Kit?

Markforged will showcase the FX10 Metal Kit at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, Illinois, from September 9-14, 2024, at booth 432305.