The Metal 1.0 — LPBF Printer
Compact, floor‑standing LPBF built for labs, startups, and R&D. Standard power. Straightforward install. Production‑grade 316L, Bronze and Inconel 718 today; Copper in development. Near‑full density on 316L and Inconel, High density bronze.
Kickstarter Funded
Regular Orders Open • Oct 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 air80L/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 completed.
Q1 2026
Kickstarter successfully funded.
Oct – Nov 2026
Shipment of Kickstarter machines.
Machine available for regular orders.
Machine available for regular orders.
Dec 2026 – Jan 2027
Shipment of first regular orders.
Dates align with current program status and public roadmap.
Printer price & options (ex. VAT)
Base printer€ 8,500
Partly assembled; ~20–30 h remaining
OptionNitrogen generator — € 1,200
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 |
| Bronze (CuSn) | Good wear & appearance; Measured Density of samples: 80-90%, Measured tensile strength: 300-320 MPa | Supported 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 |
| SS CX (Corrax) | High strength tooling steel with excellent corrosion resistance, low temperature heat treatment required for final hardness and strength | In development |
| 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