3DGence Unveils ELEMENT Series: Revolutionizing Accessible Metal 3D Printing with Advanced FFF Technology

The landscape of additive manufacturing is continuously evolving, with metal 3D printing emerging as a particularly dynamic sector. While polymers have long held a dominant position, the growth of metal additive manufacturing has accelerated significantly in recent years, outpacing many other segments within the industry. This surge is especially pronounced in the realm of desktop and compact metal 3D printing solutions, which are transforming how businesses approach metal part production. These innovative printers are democratizing access to metal additive manufacturing by leveraging Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technologies, making it considerably more cost-effective and accessible than traditional methods. Now, a prominent player in the European 3D printing market, 3DGence, is making a bold entry into this rapidly expanding segment. At Formnext, the world’s leading exhibition for additive manufacturing, 3DGence officially announced the launch of their new range of metal 3D printers: the ELEMENT Series. This groundbreaking series was showcased at the event and is set to launch commercially in Q1 2022, featuring both ultra-compact and compact industrial printers – the MP260 and MP350 – designed to cater to a diverse range of industrial needs.

The move into the metal additive manufacturing segment by 3DGence represents a logical and strategic expansion, driven by the escalating popularity and proven efficacy of desktop and compact metal 3D printers. Ron Faruqui, CEO Americas of 3DGence, articulated the company’s vision, stating, “Our overarching goal is to deliver reliable, progressive, industrial-grade Metal FFF technology to our extensive industrial customer base. We aim to make this technology highly accessible without ever compromising on the expected quality that our customers have come to associate with 3DGence. In recent times, our focus has been on developing high-temperature thermoplastic printers, renowned for sequential, robust printing with high-performance materials like ULTEM™ and the PAEK range. With the ELEMENT Series, we are now making a natural and crucial extension into high-performance non-polymer materials, addressing a clear market demand.” Indeed, the market’s appetite for accessible, high-quality metal 3D printing solutions is undeniable. 3DGence is exceptionally well-prepared for this foray, drawing upon its extensive prior experience and deep expertise in FFF technologies, particularly those engineered for notoriously challenging high-temperature polymers used in demanding end-use and metal replacement applications. This background provides a robust foundation for their transition into the complexities of metal FFF, ensuring their new offerings meet the rigorous standards of industrial performance.

Introducing the 3DGence ELEMENT Series: Advancing Metal FFF Technology

The 3DGence ELEMENT series is engineered to democratize metal additive manufacturing, offering a streamlined path from prototyping to end-use part production. The series will debut with two distinct yet complementary 3D printers, each tailored to specific industrial requirements and production scales. These machines represent 3DGence’s commitment to providing robust, reliable, and accessible metal FFF solutions that bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and cutting-edge additive processes.

The ELEMENT MP260: Cost-Effective Prototyping and Small Batch Production

The first printer in the series, the ELEMENT MP260, is a compact and highly cost-effective machine meticulously designed for rapid prototyping, particularly for companies engaged in Metal Injection Molding (MIM). For MIM users, the MP260 offers an invaluable tool for quickly iterating designs, testing geometries, and producing functional prototypes without the high costs and long lead times associated with traditional MIM tooling. This significantly accelerates product development cycles, enabling companies to bring innovative solutions to market faster. The ELEMENT MP260 will initially be compatible with crucial industrial materials, including 316L Stainless Steel, a popular and versatile metal known for its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties across a wide range of applications, from medical instruments to automotive components. This material choice underscores the printer’s utility in real-world industrial scenarios.

For advanced users seeking greater material flexibility and broader application potential, 3DGence will also offer an enhanced version: the ELEMENT MP260X. This variant extends compatibility to most sinterable filament materials commonly utilized in MIM technology. This versatility is made possible by 3DGence’s proprietary extrusion system, which incorporates intelligent material detection capabilities, ensuring optimal printing parameters for diverse filament types. Furthermore, a specifically designed material feeding technology guarantees consistent and reliable extrusion, crucial for achieving high-quality green parts that proceed smoothly through the debinding and sintering stages. The MP260X thus positions itself as a highly adaptable platform for material research, custom alloy development, and expanded application possibilities within the metal FFF ecosystem, allowing businesses to experiment and innovate with greater freedom and efficiency.

The ELEMENT MP350: Industrial Scale Production with Integrated Workflow

In parallel, the ELEMENT MP350 stands as a mid-sized industrial metal printer, engineered for higher volume production and more demanding industrial applications. This robust system is not merely a printer but a comprehensive solution, comprising a full workflow including an integrated debinder and sintering station. This holistic approach is critical for ensuring seamless production, optimal part quality, and efficient material processing, from the “green” part printed by the machine to the final densified metal component. The MP350 boasts an impressive 80% larger build volume compared to the MP260, significantly expanding its capacity for printing larger components or multiple parts in a single run. This increased volume is complemented by higher throughput capabilities and an ultra-fast print speed, enabling manufacturers to meet tighter deadlines and scale their production more effectively. Furthermore, the MP350 incorporates advanced safety features, paramount for industrial environments handling metal powders and high-temperature processes, ensuring a secure and reliable operational experience. According to 3DGence, the MP350 will also be compatible with a substantially wider array of materials, positioning it as a versatile workhorse for various industrial sectors. Key material announcements are anticipated closer to the product’s official release, hinting at exciting possibilities for specialized alloys and high-performance metals.

The Growing Momentum of Metal FFF Technology

Sebastian Sczasny, Technology Portfolio Director at MS Galleon and Group CEO of 3DGence, underscored the broader market implications of this launch. He concluded, “Over the past two years, Metal FFF technology has demonstrated remarkable progress, establishing itself as an increasingly affordable and effective entry point into both metal part prototyping and production. We’ve witnessed a notable increase in the number of desktop systems capable of printing open market metal filaments, signaling a clear trend towards greater accessibility. Concurrently, the established industrial players in this space are experiencing consistent growth, a testament to the technology’s resilience and adoption even amidst the challenging economic impacts stemming from Covid-19. 3DGence is strategically entering the Metal FFF segment with our middle and compact-sized Metal FFF 3D Printers. Our mission is to provide a solid, reliable, and high-performance option within the entry and middle-priced segments of the market. With our ELEMENT Series MDM (Metal Deposition Modeling) printers, we are committed to delivering industrial-grade quality at scalable pricing, making advanced metal manufacturing capabilities attainable for a wider range of businesses.” This statement perfectly encapsulates 3DGence’s vision: to democratize industrial metal additive manufacturing, making it a viable and attractive option for companies previously deterred by the high investment costs or operational complexities of alternative metal AM technologies.

The ELEMENT Series represents more than just new hardware; it signifies 3DGence’s dedication to fostering innovation and making advanced manufacturing processes more widely available. By offering robust, industrial-grade metal FFF solutions at scalable price points, 3DGence empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations alike to integrate metal 3D printing into their workflows, accelerating product development, enabling complex geometries, reducing waste, and ultimately driving a new era of agile manufacturing. The company’s deep understanding of FFF dynamics, honed through years of working with high-performance polymers, positions them uniquely to tackle the nuances of metal filament extrusion, debinding, and sintering. This expertise ensures that the ELEMENT Series printers are not only capable but also reliable, consistent, and user-friendly, crucial attributes for industrial adoption. You can find more comprehensive information about the ELEMENT series and its capabilities directly on the 3DGence website HERE, where further technical specifications and application insights are detailed.

What are your thoughts on the groundbreaking new ELEMENT range from 3DGence and its potential impact on the metal 3D printing market? We invite you to share your insights and opinions in a comment below, or engage with us on our social media platforms: connect with us on LinkedIn, join the conversation on Facebook, and follow our updates on Twitter. Don’t miss out on the latest advancements and news in the world of 3D printing; sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here to receive curated content directly in your inbox! Additionally, explore our extensive video library on our YouTube channel for in-depth reviews, interviews, and showcases of cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies.

*Cover Photo Credits: 3Dnatives