The FX20 is Markforged’s most powerful printer yet and will allow the company to produce higher performance parts for aerospace, automotive and more.
Since completing its reverse merger via SPAC in July, innovative 3D printing company Markforged has been on a tear—putting its newfound capital toward launching new software and hardware, as well as securing new partnerships. The speed and consistency with which Markforged has effectively worked to deploy its cash infusion is exciting for the industry.
Shortly after going public, Markforged began offering Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, two composite metals with specific applications for the aerospace and defense industries, which have strict materials regulations and standards. This step will allow the company to begin printing parts for airplane interiors after it receives Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. Cabin Management Systems, a manufacturer of in-flight entertainment consoles and management systems, is currently using Markforged printers to produce several parts. Markforged followed this push into the aerospace industry by launching Eiger Fleet, a cloud-based software platform focused on helping manufacturers to scale and manage their additive manufacturing operations.
Now, the company is launching a new 3D printer, the FX20, to produce industrial-strength end-use parts where high strength and heat resistance are key. The FX20 is capable of printing flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic with ULTEM 9085 filament and Markforged’s proprietary Continuous Fiber Reinforcement technology. This new hardware and printing material will make it possible for Markforged to produce parts for the aerospace, automotive and oil and gas industries where high performance and the ability to withstand high temperatures is essential.
The FX20 pairs with Markforged’s Digital Forge printing platform. The new printer is precision-designed and sensor-driven to increase accuracy, quality and reliability, and is the biggest, fastest and smartest device Markforged has brought to market to date. The FX20 can make bigger parts than the company’s existing models without sacrificing speed and efficiency. It can produce nearly five times larger builds than the X7 and is eight times faster than the default print settings on existing Markforged printers.
“Markforged continues to build on our innovative legacy and lead the way in composite 3D printing—the future of manufacturing. With the releases of the FX20 and Continuous Fiber Reinforced ULTEM 9085 filament, we’re now fulfilling that promise to manufacturers who previously, in the most demanding environments, were unable to experience the benefits of the Digital Forge and our unique materials,” said Shai Terem, president and CEO of Markforged. “By helping move composites toward robust production, we’ll unlock more functional parts, made of stronger materials of even more impressive size, with applications from the factory floor to flight.”
Markforged’s FX20 printer shows that the company is serious about making inroads in the highly competitive world of manufacturing and helping to make 3D printing more mainstream. The FX20 and ULTEM 9085 filament are expected to ship worldwide in the first half of 2022. Markforged will display the FX20 at Formnext from November 16-19.
To learn more, check out the “Introducing the FX20” webinar on November 9 at 10 a.m. Eastern time, or visit Markforged’s website.
