MarkforgedThe offerings from Las Vegas-based 3D printer manufacturer Markforged include a newly released line of metal 3D printers called the Metal X. The Metal X uses a new printing method Markforged calls Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) that prints metal parts layer-by-layer using a metal powder contained in a plastic binder. After printing, the plastic binders are removed and the part can be sintered into customary engineering metals. According to Markforged, this process, which sinters the entire part at once, allows metal crystals to grow through the bonded layers, which effectively eliminates the layer-to-layer strength reduction created by other 3D printing processes.Markforged claims its ADAM-based printers can print geometries beyond the capabilities of other metal 3D printing methods. The Metal X printer has a build volume of 250 x 220 x 200mm and offers in-process laser inspection, an integrated metal-material handling system, and build camera that can be remotely accessed via the cloud. The printer prints 17-4 and 30 stainless steels. Markforged also currently offers a metals beta test program to its customers that extends the Metal X's material options to include tool steel (A-2, D-2, M-2), aluminum (6061, 7075), and titanium (6AL 4V).[image source: Markforged]