The Metal 1.0 — LPBF Printer
Compact, floor‑standing LPBF built for labs, startups, and R&D. Standard power. Straightforward install. Production‑grade 316L today; inconel, copper, bronze and brass in development. Near‑full density on 316L.
Beta program live • ends Dec 2025
Kickstarter launch • Q1 2026
Printer specs
Motion systemXY gantry; stepper drives
RecoatingMechanical recoater; thin‑layer spread
Z‑axisPrecision lift for 0.05–0.10 mm layers
Powder handlingSupply & overflow bins; depowder workflow
SafetyInterlocks; laser off on door‑open; O₂ monitoring
ConnectivityWi‑Fi / Ethernet; webcam; live parameter tuning
SlicingOrcaSlicer (open‑source)
LPBF sequence: spread → melt → repeat → depowder → finish.
Specs at a glance
ProcessSelective Laser Melting (LPBF)
Laser445 nm diode, 60 W
Build area128 × 100 mm (128 × 150 mm optional)
Layer height0.05–0.10 mm (typ.)
Power< 800 W continuous; standard outlet
N2 consumption6L/min continuous
Compressed air consumption80L/min @8bar; For N2 generator
Throughput~1.5–2.5 cm³/h, geometry‑dependent
FootprintCompact, floor‑standing
Printer availability plan
May 2025 – Dec 2025
Beta program ongoing.
Q1 2026
Kickstarter launch planned.
Dates align with current program status and public roadmap.
Printer price & options (ex. VAT)
Base printer€ 9,000
Partly assembled; ~20–30 h remaining
OptionNitrogen generator — € 1,000
Option150mm Z-range upgrade — € 2,000
OptionFull assembly & tested — € 3,000
Prices listed exclusive of VAT.
Material specs (indicative LPBF properties)
| Material | Typical properties | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel 316L | High corrosion resistance; near‑full density; Measured tensile strength: 550-600 MPa; | Production‑grade on Metal‑Base |
| Inconel 718 | High‑temp Ni‑superalloy; near-full density; Measured tensile strength: 900-950 MPa; | Production‑grade on Metal‑Base |
| Copper | High thermal & electrical conductivity; Measured Density of samples: 65-75%, Tensile strength: 20-30MPa | Low Density (sintered) supported on Metal‑Base |
| Bronze (CuSn) | Good wear & appearance; Measured Density of samples: 90-95%, Measured tensile strength: 300-320 MPa | Supported on Metal‑Base |
| To be determined | TBD | To be determined material |
Values are indicative ranges for LPBF; final properties depend on powder, parameters, and post‑processing. All measured values are determined by measuring samples directly from the printer, so no post processing like heat treatment or grinding of the samples is performed