Xact Metal Introduces XM200C Metal 3D Printer

Xact Metal has launched the XM200C, intended to be an affordable option for metal powder-bed fusion 3D printing. It is designed for use by universities, labs and small-to-medium businesses for prototyping, tooling and printing of small parts. The metal powder-bed fusion process provides high-quality and complex parts without the need for washing and debinding or sintering steps, and offers reduced cycle time over other options, the company says. 

The XM200C printer features a build volume of 125 in.³, measuring 5" × 5" × 5" (2,048 cc³ measuring 127 × 127 × 125 mm) with a small footprint that simplifies integration into the lab or manufacturing floor. It is equipped with a 100-W Yb fiber laser and a proprietary scanner that fuses at speeds ranging to 500 mm/sec.

The Xact Core, a high-speed gantry system platform, uses light, simple mirrors to move quickly and consistently above the powder bed on an X-Y axis, maintaining a constant laser angle across the whole build plate and simplifying gas flow over the powder bed. This gantry system avoids the use of complex components, helping to keep the cost of the 3D printer low, the company says.

The XM200C system prints a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, super alloys and tooling steels, and is designed in an open architecture which allows qualified users the ability to develop their own printing parameters or use their own powder.

Orders for the XM200C printer are now being taken, with shipments starting June 2018.