Lasefinity Fusion X: Compact Metal 3D Printer

# Lasefinity Fusion X

Overview

The Lasefinity Fusion X (FX-500) is a compact industrial Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) metal 3D printer developed by Sheffield-based Lasefinity. It is aimed at research laboratories, universities, alloy-development teams, engineering groups, and smaller manufacturers that need direct metal fusion without the footprint of a full-size production L-PBF platform.

The standard FX-500 combines a 100 × 100 × 80 mm build volume with a 500 W fiber laser and an adjustable 50–200 µm beam spot. Lasefinity positions the variable beam as a process-development tool: a smaller spot can support finer localized processing, while a larger spot can be used when energy distribution and throughput are more important.

The build chamber operates under nitrogen or argon, with the manufacturer specifying oxygen levels below 500 ppm during processing. An upper-feed soft-blade recoater spreads powder between layers, while integrated monitoring tracks laser power, scan speed, chamber atmosphere, and powder-spread quality.

The current machine footprint is 600 × 650 × 860 mm at approximately 120 kg, making Fusion X unusually compact for a true metal powder-bed-fusion system. Lasefinity currently lists the system from £24,999, including commissioning support, a two-day operator-training program, a 12-month warranty, and its Layer Slicing software.

For current specifications and ordering, see the official Lasefinity Fusion X page. For independent launch coverage, see TCT Magazine's Fusion X launch report.

Key Strengths

• 100 × 100 × 80 mm build volume
• 500 W fiber laser
• Adjustable 50–200 µm beam spot
• Nitrogen or argon atmosphere
• Manufacturer-stated oxygen level below 500 ppm
• Layer-by-layer process monitoring
• Upper-feed soft-blade recoater
• Manufacturer-stated ≥30,000-hour HEPA-grade filter lifetime
• Open consumable and parameter-development positioning
• Stainless-steel, titanium, superalloy, cobalt-chrome, and HEA workflows
• STL and STEP input support
• 600 × 650 × 860 mm machine footprint
• Approx. 120 kg machine weight
• Commissioning and operator training included
• 12-month warranty

Best For

1. Metal additive-manufacturing research
2. Alloy and parameter development
3. 316L stainless-steel parts
4. Titanium and Ti-6Al-4V research
5. Inconel and nickel-superalloy development
6. High-entropy-alloy research
7. Functional metal prototypes
8. Small tooling and conformal-cooling studies
9. University and technical education
10. Low-volume advanced-manufacturing projects

Technical Specifications

Adjustable Beam and Process Development

The 500 W laser can vary its beam spot from 50 to 200 µm. Beam diameter affects energy density, melt-pool geometry, scan strategy, and potential productivity.

A smaller spot can support finer localized energy delivery; a larger spot can distribute energy across more area. The smallest spot should not be interpreted as dimensional accuracy.

Final part quality depends on the full parameter set, including layer thickness, scan speed, hatch spacing, power, contour strategy, powder characteristics, recoating, thermal history, supports, and alloy behavior.

Lasefinity does not currently publish one universal dimensional-accuracy figure for Fusion X.

Open Parameters and Alloy Development

TCT's launch coverage reports that Fusion X is open to third-party consumables and user-developed process parameters.

That makes it relevant to:

• New alloy development
• High-entropy alloys
• Parameter optimization
• Microstructure studies
• Porosity research
• Melt-pool studies
• Scan-strategy development
• Heat-treatment research
• Powder-reuse studies

An open platform gives research teams more control but also places more responsibility on the user for process qualification, traceability, and safety.

Supported Metals

Lasefinity currently lists:

• 316L stainless steel
• Ti-6Al-4V
• Pure titanium
• Inconel 625
• Inconel 718
• Maraging steel
• Cobalt-chrome alloys
• High-entropy alloys
• Custom alloys on request

Powder chemistry, particle-size distribution, morphology, flowability, oxygen content, layer thickness, atmosphere, laser settings, and post-processing all influence final density and properties.

Inert Atmosphere and Titanium Processing

Fusion X supports nitrogen or argon and is specified to maintain oxygen below 500 ppm during processing.

Argon capability is important for titanium and other reactive alloys.

Reactive-metal powder workflows still require professional powder handling, grounding, housekeeping, PPE, fire-risk controls, inert-gas safety, and appropriate facility procedures. A compact machine does not make titanium powder a consumer-safe material.

Recoating and Process Monitoring

The upper-feed soft-blade recoater spreads powder between layers.

Recoating quality is critical because uneven powder can contribute to lack of fusion, layer streaks, collisions, density variation, or build interruption.

Fusion X also integrates real-time monitoring of:

• Laser power
• Scan speed
• Chamber atmosphere
• Powder-spread quality

Filtration and Maintenance

Lasefinity advertises a ≥30,000-hour HEPA-grade filter lifetime.

That should be treated as a manufacturer service-life claim for the filtration system, not a guarantee that the complete machine can operate for 30,000 hours without maintenance.

Optics, recoater components, seals, gas systems, sensors, and powder-contact surfaces still require inspection and service.

Layer Slicing Software

Lasefinity Layer Slicing is the supplied build-preparation software.

The manufacturer lists:

• STL import
• STEP import
• Parameter libraries
• Build-layout optimization
• Process preparation
• Post-build analytics

STEP support can reduce conversion steps for some engineering workflows, although the final L-PBF build still depends on triangulation, supports, orientation, and process parameters.

L-PBF vs DMLS and SLM

Fusion X belongs to the broader laser metal powder-bed-fusion family.

Common search terms include:

• L-PBF
• DMLS
• SLM
• Metal laser sintering
• Metal powder-bed fusion
• Direct metal 3D printing

L-PBF is the standards-oriented generic term.

This is fundamentally different from bound-metal filament printing. Fusion X directly fuses metal powder during the build rather than producing a binder-rich green part that later requires sintering.

Post-Processing

L-PBF parts usually require downstream work such as:

• Powder removal
• Part separation from the build plate
• Support removal
• Stress relief
• Heat treatment
• HIP where required
• Machining
• Surface finishing
• Dimensional inspection
• Density or CT inspection for critical parts

Comparison Table: Compact L-PBF Metal 3D Printers

Lasefinity Fusion X vs One Click Metal MPRINTpro

The Lasefinity Fusion X vs One Click Metal MPRINTpro comparison is highly relevant for laboratories and smaller manufacturers.

The One Click Metal MPRINTpro provides a 150 × 150 × 150 mm build volume, 500 W fiber laser, 80 µm focus diameter, and 20–120 µm layer range. One Click Metal also offers interchangeable standard, heated, extended, and laboratory build modules.

MPRINTpro is much larger and heavier at roughly 500 kg and is designed as part of a broader powder-handling ecosystem.

Fusion X is smaller at 120 kg with a 100 × 100 × 80 mm build area. Its differentiators are the adjustable 50–200 µm beam, much smaller footprint, and lower published entry price.

Choose MPRINTpro for build volume and an established integrated ecosystem. Choose Fusion X for compact installation, low powder use, adjustable beam size, and acquisition cost.

Lasefinity Fusion X vs Xact Metal XM200G

The Xact Metal XM200G provides a 150 × 150 × 150 mm standard build volume and can be configured with one or two lasers at 100, 200, or 400 W.

Xact Metal offers 50 or 100 µm spot sizes, reactive and non-reactive configurations, open materials, open parameters, and optional glovebox hardware.

Fusion X has a smaller volume but a more powerful standard 500 W laser and adjustable 50–200 µm beam.

Choose XM200G for a mature configurable platform, larger build area, and broader powder-handling options. Choose Fusion X for higher standard laser power, compact footprint, and lower advertised entry price.

Lasefinity Fusion X vs Farsoon FS121M

The Farsoon FS121M is a close compact industrial comparison.

Farsoon publishes a 120 × 120 × 100 mm build cylinder, 500 W fiber laser, 20–80 µm layer thickness, up to 10 m/s scan speed, nitrogen or argon processing, and open machine parameters.

FS121M is much larger at about 780 × 1000 × 1700 mm and roughly 700 kg.

Choose FS121M for an established industrial platform with a published layer range and mature software/service ecosystem. Choose Fusion X for a far smaller footprint, lower price, and adjustable beam.

Lasefinity Fusion X vs AconityMINI

The Fusion X vs AconityMINI comparison is most relevant to advanced research.

The AconityMINI supports build-space configurations around Ø140 × 190 mm, laser configurations from hundreds of watts into multi-kilowatt options, and preheating configurations up to 500°C or 800°C with reduced build diameters.

Aconity is substantially more configurable for exotic materials, beam shaping, preheating, and custom research.

Fusion X offers a simpler buying proposition: 500 W, 100 × 100 × 80 mm, adjustable 50–200 µm beam, and current pricing from £24,999.

Choose AconityMINI for deep research customization. Choose Fusion X when a compact open-parameter system with simpler deployment is sufficient.

Which Fusion X Alternative Fits Best?

• One Click Metal MPRINTpro: best for a larger 500 W build area and integrated powder ecosystem.
• Xact Metal XM200G: best for configurable single/dual-laser hardware and a larger build volume.
• Farsoon FS121M: best for a mature open industrial 500 W small-frame platform.
• AconityMINI: best for advanced configurable university and process-development research.
• Lasefinity Fusion X: strongest fit when compact installation, 500 W laser power, adjustable beam size, low powder volume, and a £25k-class entry price matter together.

Price and Availability

The Lasefinity Fusion X starts from £24,999 in the UK, approximately US$34,078 in the United States, €29,190 in Europe, C$46,972 in Canada, A$47,889 in Australia, ₹3,262,980 in India, and AED 125,226 in the UAE. Actual regional pricing may vary depending on local taxes or VAT, import duties, shipping, exchange rates, availability, and distributor pricing.

Limitations and Practical Considerations

• Build volume is limited to 100 × 100 × 80 mm.
• Layer thickness is not currently published.
• Universal dimensional accuracy is not currently published.
• Maximum scan speed is not listed in the main technical table.
• The 50–200 µm beam specification is not layer resolution.
• The ≥30,000-hour filter figure is a manufacturer's service-life claim.
• Compact size does not eliminate professional powder, gas, fire, ventilation, and housekeeping requirements.
• Reactive titanium powder requires especially careful facility controls.
• Standard powder sieving, recycling, storage, and unpacking equipment are not clearly described on the main product page.
• Medical, dental, aerospace, and other regulated parts require application-specific qualification.
• Post-processing can add substantial equipment, labor, and inspection costs.
• Open parameter access increases user responsibility for process development and validation.
• AC input voltage and detailed electrical service requirements are not published in the main specification.

Frequently Asked Questions