MX3D Secures €2.25M Investment to Propel M1 Robotic Metal AM System and Expand Metal XL Software Globally

MX3D, a pioneering robotic metal 3D printing company based in the vibrant innovation hub of Amsterdam, has successfully secured a significant investment of €2.25 million. This crucial funding round saw contributions from prominent investors including DOEN Participaties, PDENH, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), underscoring confidence in MX3D’s groundbreaking technology and strategic vision. The company’s primary objective for this substantial capital injection is to facilitate the highly anticipated launch of the M1, their comprehensive robotic metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) system. The M1 system is designed as a complete solution, integrating a sophisticated welding robot, proprietary software, and an advanced control system, all engineered to enable efficient and precise 3D printing of metal parts. This innovative solution promises to empower users with the capability to produce medium to large-scale metal components in-house, thereby drastically reducing lead times and significantly cutting manufacturing costs. Furthermore, a portion of the funds will be strategically allocated to support the widespread commercial rollout of MX3D’s acclaimed software, Metal XL, which was previously accessible only to a select group of launching customers. This expansion marks a pivotal moment for MX3D, poised to democratize access to advanced robotic metal additive manufacturing.

MX3D has a rich history of innovation and a strong reputation within the additive manufacturing industry, having garnered attention for its advancements in robotic 3D metal printing technology since its inception in 2015. The company first rose to international prominence and captured the imagination of the public and industry experts alike through its remarkable achievement of 3D printing a stainless steel bridge in Amsterdam. This iconic project not only showcased the immense capabilities of their technology but also earned them numerous accolades, including several prestigious Dutch Design Awards and the coveted 3D Printing Challenge award. At the core of MX3D’s technology lies Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), a highly effective deposition process that distinguishes them as a key player in both the robotic WAAM and industrial 3D printing sectors. Their cutting-edge technology masterfully combines the dexterity and reach of robotic arms with sophisticated software, delivering an unparalleled blend of precision and speed. This unique combination makes their solutions exceptionally well-suited for high-impact industries where robust, large-scale, and customized metal parts are critical, such as Oil & Gas, Maritime, and Tooling. These sectors demand components that can withstand extreme conditions and often require custom geometries, making MX3D’s WAAM technology an ideal fit for addressing complex manufacturing challenges.

The MX3D team with a MetalXL console and the M1 system (photo credits: MX3D)

The company’s software, Metal XL, has already established itself as a foundational element of MX3D’s ecosystem, recognized for its transformative ability to convert an ordinary industrial robot and power source into a high-performance, industrial-grade 3D metal printer. This intelligent software is celebrated for its comprehensive coverage of the entire end-to-end workflow required for printing intricate 3D metal parts. From initial design to final production, Metal XL streamlines every step, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability. A standout feature of the software is its continuous monitoring capabilities, which are crucial for achieving consistent material performance. By constantly overseeing the printing process, Metal XL can make real-time adjustments, mitigate potential issues, and ensure that each layer is deposited with precision, leading to superior part quality and reduced material waste. This advanced monitoring provides valuable data logging and insights, allowing users to fine-tune their processes and optimize material properties. Previously, while Metal XL was acclaimed, the full potential of MX3D’s vision was constrained by the absence of a complete hardware solution. Now, with this substantial investment, MX3D is not only poised to further enhance and develop its celebrated software but also to introduce a fully integrated metal AM solution to the market, addressing a critical need for comprehensive systems that simplify adoption and accelerate industrial implementation.

Gijs van der Velden, the insightful CEO of MX3D, articulated that the introduction of the M1 metal AM system is a direct and strategic response to the overwhelming success and positive reception of their acclaimed Metal XL Software and Control system. He stated, “Our Metal XL Software and Control System empowers companies to transform their existing welding robot into a high-end 3D metal printer, often within the span of a single day. Since the initial launch of Metal XL, we have been inundated with numerous customer requests inquiring whether we could provide them with a complete, integrated solution. The M1 metal AM System is our definitive answer to this market demand. Now, customers who do not currently possess a welding robot can quickly and affordably begin printing large-scale metal parts, significantly broadening the accessibility of advanced metal additive manufacturing.” This sentiment highlights MX3D’s responsiveness to market needs and their commitment to providing user-friendly, comprehensive solutions. The M1 system is specifically designed to eliminate barriers to entry, making cutting-edge robotic WAAM technology accessible to a wider range of industrial players, regardless of their existing hardware infrastructure. This strategic move is expected to accelerate the adoption of in-house metal AM capabilities across various industries, fostering innovation and operational efficiency.

The substantial €2.25 million investment from DOEN Participaties, PDENH, and RVO marks a new chapter for MX3D, enabling the company to officially launch its comprehensive metal AM system, the M1. This integrated system represents a significant leap forward in making robotic metal additive manufacturing more accessible and powerful for industrial applications. The M1 system is a meticulously engineered package, designed for immediate and effective deployment. It notably includes an advanced 8-axis ABB robotic arm WAAM setup, renowned for its precision and expansive reach, coupled with a high-performance welding machine that forms the core of the deposition process. Crucially, the system is fully integrated with Metal XL, MX3D’s dedicated workflow software for WAAM, and features MX3D’s proprietary control system, ensuring seamless operation and optimal performance. This complete solution is engineered to empower users to efficiently 3D print medium to large industrial metal parts directly in-house, offering unprecedented control over production. MX3D emphasizes that the M1 control system delivers “enhanced print control and performance” through a sophisticated array of sensors that enable continuous monitoring and control throughout the printing process. This real-time feedback mechanism, combined with high-resolution data logging capabilities, provides users with advanced insights into printing processes, allowing for meticulous optimization and unparalleled quality assurance. These features are critical for industries requiring high integrity and precise material properties. Beyond the M1 system, the newly acquired funds will also be strategically allocated to support the expanded commercial rollout of Metal XL. This software, previously available to a limited group of pioneering customers, will now reach a broader market, further solidifying MX3D’s position as a leader in industrial robotic metal 3D printing solutions.

The introduction of the M1 system and the expanded availability of Metal XL are set to profoundly impact the landscape of industrial metal additive manufacturing. By providing a complete, accessible, and high-performance solution, MX3D is addressing a critical market demand for robust in-house production capabilities. This shift towards localized manufacturing through advanced AM technologies offers numerous benefits, including reduced dependency on complex supply chains, greater agility in responding to design changes, and the ability to produce highly customized parts without the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods. Industries like oil and gas can now rapidly produce specialized components for infrastructure, maritime sectors can print large repair parts on demand, and tooling manufacturers can create complex molds or fixtures with unprecedented speed and precision. The continuous monitoring and data logging features of the M1 system are not merely technical specifications; they are vital tools for quality control, process improvement, and certification in demanding applications where component integrity is paramount. This level of control ensures that parts meet stringent industry standards, opening doors for broader adoption of WAAM technology in critical applications.

Looking ahead, this significant investment positions MX3D for accelerated growth and further innovation. The capital will fuel ongoing research and development, allowing the company to push the boundaries of WAAM technology even further, exploring new materials, improving printing speeds, and enhancing software functionalities. MX3D’s strategic vision involves not only expanding its market reach globally but also continuing to cultivate an ecosystem where robotic AM is not just a niche technology but a mainstream industrial tool. Their dedication to providing comprehensive, user-friendly solutions like the M1 and Metal XL is central to achieving this vision. This investment is not just a financial boost; it’s a testament to the transformative potential of MX3D’s technology and its role in shaping the future of metal manufacturing, enabling industries worldwide to adopt advanced, efficient, and sustainable production methods.

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