Markforged Metal X

Markforged make this metal 3D printer which prints with filament made up of metal powder in plastic binder. Parts are incredibly fragile until they are sintered into solid metal.

The Metal X is ideal for use in a high-mix, low-volume "job shop" environment like the Maker Space because it uses easy to change filament material as feed stock. We keep a range of materials in stock - typically 17-4 PH stainless steel and copper, but our supplier keeps most of the others in stock. 

Filament

A variety of materials are available to print with - usually we have 17-4PH Stainless Steel loaded, but we also have A2 tool steel and copper in stock. We are able to order in exotic super alloys like Inconel if the need arises.

If you have a project that specifically needs a certain material then you can ask a member of technical staff and we'll look at whether we can get the material in stock for you.

17-4 PH Stainless Steel

In stock

https://markforged.com/materials/metals/17-4-ph-stainless-steel

Copper

In stock

https://markforged.com/materials/metals/copper

A2 & D2 Tool Steel

A2 Tool Steel - In stock

D2 Tool Steel - Not in stock - Ask

https://markforged.com/materials/metals/a2-d2-tool-steel

H13 Tool Steel

Not in stock - Ask

https://markforged.com/materials/metals/h13-tool-steel

Inconel 625

Not in stock - Ask

https://markforged.com/materials/metals/625-inconel

Gas Supply

Our liquid Argon and bottle gases are supplied by BOC. 

Gas Manifold

The Markforged supplied manifold controls all of the gas supply to the sinter oven during operation. You shouldn't need to adjust it, but if you do the instructions on the Sinter One itself are easy to follow. 

Liquid Argon Dewar

The 300-litre liquid argon dewar is located in the Goods In yard at the back of the building between the civils pedestrian entrance and the fire escape. It is piped into the building through copper piping, terminating on the wall adjacent to the gas cabinets in the Morson Engine Room at a regulator.

Currently it isn't connected to the building, as such we cannot sinter any parts.

Argon Bottle Gas

In the event there isn't enough liquid argon in the dewar to finish a sinter run there is a normal gas cylinder of Argon gas in the Morson Engine Room's right-most gas cabinet. It must be 99.999% pure (Ultra High Purity, or UHP) Argon to prevent any contamination or oxidation of the 1600 degree C parts during sintering. 

The key for the Argon gas cabinet is kept in the key store. 

Mix/Forming Bottle Gas

To assist with the sintering process a specialist "forming gas" is used. This is a mix of 2.9% Hydrogen, with the balance Argon. This is a certified gas supplied by BOC, and it has a shelf life of around 12 months. Two bottles are required to run the sinter oven, there is space in the gas cabinet for three. 

Each bottle contains about 3.5 sinter runs. The manifold will automatically switch from an empty tank to a full tank.