The M1 will function as a complete solution that allows companies to print and use welding robots through the MetalXL software and control system.
Robotic metal 3D printing company MX3D recently announced that it has successfully raised USD$2.7 million (EUR€2.25 million) following investments from DOEN Participaties, PDENH, and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The Dutch company is planning on using the funds to commercially launch the M1, a complete robotic 3D printing platform for medium and large-scale metal structures. The investment will also be used to further develop the company’s MetalXL software and control system, which allows welding robots to function as industrial-grade 3D metal printers.
M1 is designed as an all-in-one solution that enables companies to print metal parts, utilize a welding robot, and employ a software and control system to manage the 3D printing process. According to MX3D, the company decided to develop the technology after receiving numerous inquiries from its customer base for a complete solution. The M1 is equipped with an 8-axis ABB robotic wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) setup, a Fronius GMAW/CMT welding machine, MetalXL, and the MX3D Control System.
MX3D’s metal AM technology is primarily based on WAAM, which uses multi-axis welding robot technology to develop generative, support-free structures from metal feedstock. The company has demonstrated the use of this technology in various applications such as the 3D printing of structural components, robotic arms and bicycles. MX3D is probably best known for using WAAM in the construction of a 3D-printed stainless steel bridge in Amsterdam back in 2019.
The company’s MetalXL software also plays an intergral role by providing the software and control system that allows companies to transform their welding robot into a 3D metal printer. The company stated that it will be working on enhancing MetalXL’s connectivity and compatibility with multiple robot brands, power sources and sensors.
“Our goal is to connect several more robot brands, which allows us to service more than 80 percent of the worldwide robotic market,” shared MX3D CEO Gjis van der Velden.
MX3D expects is expected to reach high impact industries such as oil and gas, as well as enabling maritime and tooling to leverage the benefits of additive manufacturing technologies.
DOEN Participaties, the biggest impact investor in sustainable and social startups in the Netherlands, will be funding the next stages of the project alongside sustainability and energy transition investment firm PDENH.
“DOEN Participaties has supported MX3D for a long time and with this new investment we show that we have a lot of faith in the new M1 metal AM System and the future of MX3D,” said Merijn ten Thije, impact investment manager at DOEN Participaties. “The innovative MX3D solution enables companies to improve their production methods and significantly reduce the need for transport and material. This can have a significant positive impact towards a more sustainable future.”
PDENH Investment Manager, Joost de Waard, also expressed the firm’s enthusiasm for the company’s endeavors. “We strongly believe in the technological lead and worldwide potential of MX3D and gladly help to realize the growth plans of the ambitious MX3D team.”
For more information, visit http://www.mx3d.com.
