MakerBot METHOD X: Revolutionizing Industrial ABS 3D Printing for Professionals

The landscape of professional 3D printing continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of material capability and machine performance. Leading this charge, American 3D printer manufacturer MakerBot announced a significant addition to its esteemed Method range: the groundbreaking METHOD X 3D printer. This innovative machine is poised to redefine expectations for desktop industrial 3D printing by enabling the use of ‘real ABS’ — a material previously challenging to leverage effectively outside of high-end industrial systems.

The METHOD X distinguishes itself through a suite of advanced features designed to deliver unparalleled accuracy and precision for complex parts. Central to its capabilities is a fully enclosed 100°C heated chamber, a critical component for achieving optimal material properties with demanding engineering-grade thermoplastics. Furthermore, it incorporates Stratasys SR-30 soluble supports, streamlining the post-processing workflow and allowing for the creation of intricate geometries with superior surface finishes. According to MakerBot, the ‘real ABS’ processed by the METHOD X boasts impressive performance metrics, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 15°C higher, exhibiting up to 26% greater rigidity, and being 12% stronger than conventional modified ABS formulations commonly used in desktop 3D printing.

Nadav Goshen, CEO of MakerBot, articulated the company’s vision behind the Method series, stating, “When we initially launched METHOD, we broke the price-to-performance barrier by delivering a 3D printer that was designed to bridge the technology gap between industrial and desktop 3D printers. This made industrial 3D printing accessible to professionals for the first first time. Since then, we have shipped hundreds of printers and received positive feedback from a number of our customers on the precision and reliability of the machine.” This sentiment underscores MakerBot’s commitment to democratizing access to industrial-grade additive manufacturing capabilities for a broader professional audience.

The introduction of ‘real ABS’ alongside a precisely controlled heated build environment directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges in 3D printing: material integrity and dimensional accuracy. Engineers and designers often face issues like crackling or warping when attempting to print with modified ABS on conventional desktop machines lacking heated chambers. The MakerBot ABS for METHOD X fundamentally eliminates these concerns, ensuring that printed parts possess thermal and mechanical properties remarkably similar to ABS materials traditionally used in demanding injection molding applications. This crucial advancement means that prototypes and functional components can be produced with confidence, knowing they will perform as expected in real-world scenarios.

The METHOD X’s capabilities extend its utility across a broad spectrum of industrial applications. It is ideally suited for creating robust end-use parts, durable manufacturing tools, and high-fidelity functional prototypes. By providing engineers with a reliable method to test and produce models with production-grade ABS, MakerBot empowers them to accelerate product development cycles, reduce outsourcing costs, and innovate with greater freedom. Nadav Goshen further emphasized this transformative potential, adding, “With METHOD X, we are taking a step further to revolutionize manufacturing. METHOD X was created for engineers who need true ABS for production-ready parts that are dimensionally-accurate with no geometric restrictions. METHOD X delivers industrial-level 3D printing without compromising on ABS material properties and automation in a new price category.” This strategic positioning highlights the printer’s ability to combine industrial performance with a compelling economic model.

One of the most significant advantages for engineers utilizing the METHOD X is the assurance of repeatable and consistent parts. For applications such as jigs, fixtures, and end-effectors – critical tools in manufacturing and assembly lines – the machine promises a measurable dimensional accuracy of plus or minus 2 millimeters. This level of precision is paramount for tools that must consistently interact with other components. Beyond its material prowess and thermal control, the METHOD X incorporates several other key features typically found in much more expensive industrial systems. These include a Dry Sealed Material Bay, which protects materials from ambient moisture, ensuring consistent print quality and material longevity. Dual Performance Extruders allow for efficient printing of both model material and soluble supports simultaneously, optimizing print times and material usage. Furthermore, an Ultra-Rigid Metal Frame underpins the entire system, providing exceptional stability and vibration dampening to guarantee the highest possible print resolution and accuracy.

The integration of Stratasys SR-30 soluble supports is another game-changer, particularly for engineers tackling complex designs. These supports dissolve easily in a water-based solution, eliminating the need for tedious manual removal that can damage intricate features or leave unsightly marks. This not only saves significant post-processing time but also allows for designs with internal cavities, overhangs, and complex geometries that would be impossible or extremely difficult to achieve with break-away supports. The result is parts with excellent surface finish and true design freedom, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in additive manufacturing.

The METHOD X is not just an incremental upgrade; it represents a comprehensive solution designed to empower engineers with the tools necessary to tackle demanding applications that require industrial-grade materials and precision. By bringing the capabilities of ‘real ABS’ and a heated chamber to a more accessible price point, MakerBot is effectively democratizing advanced additive manufacturing. This enables a wider range of industries—from automotive and aerospace to consumer goods and medical devices—to prototype, tool, and even produce low-volume end-use parts with confidence and efficiency. The ability to produce strong, dimensionally stable, and heat-resistant parts directly on the desktop streamlines workflows and dramatically reduces time-to-market.

The shipping of the MakerBot METHOD X commenced at the end of August 2019, making this powerful new tool available to professionals eager to elevate their 3D printing capabilities. For those looking to delve deeper into the technical specifications and explore how the METHOD X can transform their engineering and manufacturing processes, further information is available directly on the official MakerBot website HERE. This machine truly stands as a testament to MakerBot’s dedication to innovation and its ongoing mission to make industrial 3D printing more accessible and reliable for professionals worldwide.

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