A metal 3D printer for under €10,000 might sound like a pipe dream, but one Dutch engineer is turning it into a reality. Thomas Martinus Gerardus Bakker, a specialist in mechatronics engineering and system design, has developed the Metal 1.0. Marketed under his company, Metal Base, he is calling the machine the world’s first affordable laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) system, targeting a base price below the €10k mark. The project launched on Kickstarter earlier this year with an initial goal of €51,000. As of April 3, 2026, the campaign has already doubled its target, reaching €110,870 in funding.
The Metal 1.0 is compact, floor-standing, and designed for labs, startups and R&D teams who need production-grade metal parts. This is a stark contrast to typical metal 3D printers, which often cost upwards of €100k, require special facility upgrades, high-voltage power, and dedicated operators. It can even plug into a standard wall outlet.
Metal 1.0 can print with stainless steel, Inconel, bronze, and copper.
How Is the Metal 1.0 Affordable?
Metal Base shared that it re-engineered the optics and motion systems to cut costs without compromising density. Note that the printer is being sold as a kit – users will have to assemble it themselves. It’s supposed to be easy, only requiring knowledge of how to turn a screwdriver and follow a detailed step-by-step manual. Users will need to bolt together the main frame, assemble the motion gantry, route the pneumatic lines, and wire the electronics. The sensitive parts, like the precision Z-axis piston blocks and the laser optics, are handled at the factory.
Software, Materials, and Availability
On the software side, the Metal 1.0 is powered by Klipper firmware and is fully compatible with OrcaSlicer, giving users significant freedom over their workflow. According to Metal Base, the Metal 1.0 is a “true LPBF printer,” that uses high-power diode laser to selectively melt fine metal powder. One of its advantages is material flexibility; the machine is compatible with standard, affordable metal powders rather than expensive, proprietary cartridges.
In terms of materials, current performance specs include:
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316L Stainless Steel & Inconel 718: Near-full density.
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Bronze: 94% density.
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Copper: Currently in testing, achieving 80% density.
The Metal 1.0 has a build volume of 128 × 100 mm, and it’s upgradable to 128 × 150 mm for an extra €2000. The machine can be used for a diversity of applications, including functional brackets, tools, jewelry, and industrial parts.
The project is moving fast. Metal Base has already sold 12 of their initial 20-unit goal. For those who have backed the project, machines are scheduled to begin shipping in Q3–Q4 of 2026.
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*Cover Photo: Prototype of Metal 1.0. All Photo Credits: Metal Base