Mastrex amplia l’accesso alla produzione additiva a metallo con i sistemi LPBF della serie MX a costi accessibili

Metal additive manufacturing is typically associated with high costs and complex infrastructure, remaining out of reach for all but the largest industrial players. A new generation of manufacturers is working to change this. Among them is Mastrex, a US company positioning itself as a more accessible alternative in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) market.

The company leverages its established expertise in laser technology to offer high-performance metal 3D printing systems at lower prices. The MX-Series portfolio aims to democratize LPBF technology by offering systems that maintain industrial-grade precision and performance while reducing costs by approximately three times compared to traditional platforms.

A market in transformation

The timing of Mastrex’s market entry reflects a broader transformation of additive manufacturing. The LPBF sector is following a similar trajectory to previous technologies such as fused filament deposition and stereolithography. When these processes were first commercialized, high development costs and significant capital investments created strong barriers to entry.

As these technologies have matured, new manufacturers have been able to enter the market with more cost-effective systems, building on existing engineering advances rather than developing them from scratch. Applying the same principle, Mastrex leverages established laser technology expertise while operating with a more streamlined cost structure, enabling a truly affordable entry point to metal 3D printing.

A range built around accessibility

The MX-Series portfolio translates this philosophy into practice. The range extends from compact desktop systems starting at $39,000 to larger platform configurations costing up to approximately $185,000, allowing manufacturers, research institutions, and machine shops to choose a system that fits their needs and budget.

All MX-Series platforms are designed as hybrid systems, combining pre-qualified material and software parameters with open configuration options for users requiring greater flexibility. The machines are compatible with a range of metals, including stainless steel, titanium, aluminum , cobalt chrome, and Inconel, supporting applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, dental, and research.

At the heart of the range is the MX-300, the flagship laser powder bed fusion system designed to balance productivity and precision. The machine offers a build volume of 300 x 300 x 350 mm and is equipped with dual 500W lasers, enabling high productivity while maintaining a high level of detail.

The MX-300 also offers adjustable laser beam diameters from 50 to 120 microns, allowing users to tailor the system to specific part requirements. With layer heights ranging from 20 to 120 microns and a build speed of up to 70 cm³ per hour, the system is designed to support both prototyping and production workflows.

Compatible with materials including aluminum, cobalt chrome, copper, stainless steel, and titanium, the MX-300 is suitable for a range of demanding applications. Priced at $185,000, it offers capabilities comparable to traditional industrial LPBF systems at a fraction of their cost.

Sectors and Applications

MX-Series systems are already being used in industries where performance and material capabilities are critical. In aerospace and defense, initial use cases include components such as heat exchangers, impellers, turbine parts, and combustion chambers, where machining high-performance alloys like Inconel is essential.

Beyond these sectors, the systems are also used in medical and dental applications, including surgical instruments and partial dentures, as well as in the semiconductor and electronics industries for thermal and fluid management devices. Research institutions and academic environments represent another key segment, where more accessible LPBF systems can support experimentation, materials development, and the discovery of new applications.

Future prospects

“Our mission at Mastrex is to empower current and future generations with high-performance, precision metal additive manufacturing that unlocks new designs and applications. By making this technology accessible, we democratize engineering talent and are excited about this opportunity for our users, partners, and collaborators.” — says Ilay Fridland, co-founder of Mastrex.

As metal additive manufacturing continues to mature, the barriers that once limited access to laser powder bed fusion are beginning to disappear. More cost-effective systems are enabling a wider range of organizations to explore and adopt the technology.

Mastrex is among the companies responding to this shift, with a range of machines designed to make high-performance metal 3D printing more accessible in the aerospace, defense, medical, dental, semiconductor, and research sectors. The emergence of more affordable LPBF platforms reflects a broader evolution in the metal additive manufacturing market, where precision and affordability are increasingly being developed in parallel rather than treated as competing priorities.

To learn more about Mastrex, visit https://mastrex.com or email in**@*****ex.com

Do you think more accessible systems like the MX series could change your approach to metal 3D printing?

*All photos credited to: Mastrex