Metal X can now 3D print pure copper parts

The US manufacturer Markforged announced last week that it would be possible to 3D print pure copper parts on its Metal X machine – a metal additive manufacturing solution that is relatively more accessible than competing systems. This is interesting news for all users of metal 3D printing as copper remains a difficult material to print using a Laser Powder Bed Fusion process. The addition of copper to its range of materials, in filament form, should enable users of the Markforged solution to produce complex components with high electrical and thermal conductivity.

In 2017, Markforged introduced its first metal 3D printer, the Metal X, whose printing process is close to MIM (Metal Injection Molding). It is based on an extrusion process, like other machines in the manufacturer’s range, and can create parts in steel, Inconel and now copper. The user could therefore obtain parts made of pure copper, which is uncommon in the additive manufacturing market. Indeed, copper in powder form is difficult to 3D print using a laser process because the metal reflects light so well that it will also reflect a large part of the energy required to manufacture the part. Only a few players such as GE Additive or Optomec offer this material for their machines, while others rely on copper alloys.

Different 3D printed copper parts on Metal X | Credits: Markforged

Markforged adds copper to its range of 3D printing materials

The additive manufacturing process developed by Markforged avoids the issue posed by the reflectivity of the copper. Greg Mark, CEO and founder of the company, adds: “Copper is the engine of our world. It is everywhere. It builds our cars, activates telephones and runs electrical equipment. Copper has always been an expensive and difficult material to machine, incompatible with other 3D printing processes in its pure form. Today, we have made it easier and cheaper to produce. Markforged’s 3D printed copper will be a game-changer for the automotive and electronics industries, and will open the door to innovation in many other areas.”