Metal-Base The Metal 1.0: Affordable LPBF Metal 3D Printer

# Metal-Base The Metal 1.0

Overview

The Metal-Base The Metal 1.0 is a compact floor-standing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printer developed to lower the entry cost of direct metal powder-bed fusion for laboratories, startups, R&D teams, universities, and small manufacturing groups.

Unlike bound-metal filament systems, The Metal 1.0 fuses metal powder directly during the build. Its current production design uses a 60 W, 445 nm blue diode laser on an XY gantry, a cylindrical Ø128 × 100 mm standard build area, and typical 50–100 µm layers. An optional Z-axis upgrade increases the build height to 150 mm.

The machine uses mechanical recoating, nitrogen, oxygen monitoring, webcam monitoring, and an open Klipper + OrcaSlicer workflow. Metal-Base publishes approximately 1.5–2.5 cm³/h throughput and less than 800 W continuous power.

The Kickstarter campaign was funded in April 2026. Metal-Base plans backer shipments for October–November 2026, regular orders from October 2026, and first regular shipments for December 2026–January 2027. The base machine is €8,500 excluding VAT and requires roughly 20–30 hours of final assembly.

For current specifications and pricing, see the official Metal-Base printer page, Metal-Base safety guidance, and Metal-Base LPBF process guide. You can also browse the Print3DIndex metal 3D printer directory.

Key Strengths

• Direct LPBF metal fusion
• 60 W blue diode laser
• 445 nm laser wavelength
• Ø128 × 100 mm cylindrical standard build area
• Optional 150 mm Z height
• 50–100 µm typical layer thickness
• Approximately 1.5–2.5 cm³/h stated throughput
• Production-grade 316L workflow
• Production-grade Inconel 718 workflow
• Bronze / CuSn support
• Open process-parameter access
• Klipper-based motion control
• OrcaSlicer-based slicing
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Integrated webcam
• Oxygen monitoring
• Live parameter tuning
• Mechanical powder recoating
• Supply and overflow bins
• Less than 800 W continuous power consumption
• Standard grounded-outlet installation
• Optional nitrogen generator
• Class 1 laser product during normal closed operation
• Safety interlocks around an internal Class 4 laser source

Best For

1. Metal additive-manufacturing research
2. 316L stainless-steel prototypes
3. Inconel 718 development
4. Small functional metal components
5. Alloy and parameter development
6. University and laboratory work
7. Startup metal-AM experimentation
8. Low-volume production
9. Open-parameter LPBF research
10. Teams that need lower powder consumption than larger industrial LPBF platforms

Technical Specifications

60 W Blue-Laser LPBF

The Metal 1.0 takes a very different optical approach from conventional compact LPBF machines that use higher-power infrared fiber lasers.

Its 445 nm blue diode laser is mounted on an XY gantry rather than steered by a traditional galvanometer scanner.

Laser wattage alone does not predict density, feature size, or productivity; results also depend on spot size, scan strategy, powder chemistry, layer thickness, recoating, and atmosphere.

Metal-Base's own development history also shows the limits of the 60 W design. Aluminum did not process successfully, while copper remains a lower-density experimental material rather than a production-ready option.

Material Capability

Production-Grade / Near-Full-Density Workflows

Metal-Base currently positions these as its strongest materials:

• 316L Stainless Steel
• Inconel 718

The current printer page describes both as near-full-density workflows.

Metal-Base has published third-party tensile testing from the University of Zagreb showing roughly 607 MPa UTS, 434 MPa yield strength, and 49% total elongation on tested as-built 316L specimens. These results do not guarantee every build or powder batch.

Bronze / CuSn

Bronze is supported, but current detailed data reports about 80–90% density and 300–320 MPa tensile strength on tested samples, so it should not be described as near-full-density LPBF without qualification.

Copper

Copper remains experimental / under development.

Metal-Base currently publishes relatively low measured density for its copper trials and does not position it alongside 316L and Inconel as a mature production material.

Tool Steel

SS CX / Corrax is also listed as under development.

Titanium and Aluminum Are Prohibited

This is a major safety limitation.

Metal-Base's current safety guidance explicitly prohibits reactive powders such as titanium and aluminum in The Metal 1.0.

The machine therefore should not be positioned as a general-purpose titanium LPBF system. Buyers needing reactive alloys should compare it with the indexed Lasefinity Fusion X, which supports argon and titanium materials.

Nitrogen Atmosphere and Gas Requirements

The Metal 1.0 uses nitrogen during printing and publishes approximately 6 L/min continuous nitrogen consumption.

Users can provide bottled nitrogen or purchase the optional nitrogen generator.

The optional generator requires approximately 80 L/min compressed air at 8 bar.

Metal-Base's current safety guidance says that when external nitrogen bottles are used, the room must be adequately ventilated because nitrogen accumulation can create an asphyxiation risk. An oxygen-depletion monitor is recommended for that setup.

Powder and Laser Safety

The Metal 1.0 is an industrial powder-processing system even though it runs from standard electrical service.

Metal-Base describes the closed machine as a Class 1 laser product during normal operation, while the enclosure contains an internal Class 4 60 W laser source. Door interlocks disable the laser when the enclosure is opened.

Current manufacturer safety guidance also calls for:

• P3 / N99 respiratory protection or suitable PAPR during open-powder work
• Nitrile gloves and protective clothing
• ESD precautions
• HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaning
• A Class D metal-fire extinguisher within 5 m
• No water on a metal-powder fire
• Appropriate ventilation when using bottled nitrogen

This is not a consumer desktop appliance simply because the electrical demand is low.

Open Klipper and OrcaSlicer Workflow

One of The Metal 1.0's most distinctive features is its open software approach.

Metal-Base uses:

• Klipper-based motion control
• OrcaSlicer-based slicing
• User-accessible process parameters
• Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Webcam monitoring
• Live parameter tuning

That suits R&D teams experimenting with scan paths, laser parameters, layer settings, and materials, but open access also increases responsibility for process qualification and safety.

Direct LPBF vs Bound-Metal Filament

The Metal 1.0 directly melts metal powder during printing.

That differs from bound-metal filament machines such as the indexed Kare S1, where metal powder is carried inside a polymer binder.

The Metal 1.0 / LPBF

• Metal powder feedstock
• Laser fusion during the build
• No polymer-binder debinding stage
• No furnace sintering required for basic consolidation
• Powder handling and inert-gas requirements
• Supports may need removal
• Heat treatment and machining can still be required

Bound-Metal FFF

• Polymer-bound metal filament
• Produces a green part
• Requires debinding
• Requires sintering
• Significant shrinkage compensation
• Lower powder-exposure burden during printing

LPBF provides direct metallurgical consolidation; bound-metal extrusion reduces open-powder handling but adds debinding and sintering.

Post-Processing

LPBF does not eliminate post-processing.

Typical work after printing may include:

• Depowdering
• Powder sieving and reuse
• Support removal
• Part separation from the plate
• Stress relief
• Heat treatment
• Machining
• Grinding
• Polishing
• Dimensional inspection
• Density testing

No debinding or furnace sintering is required for basic LPBF consolidation, but many parts still need conventional metal post-processing.

Comparison Table: Accessible Compact LPBF Metal Printers

The Metal 1.0 competes on price, openness, standard electrical service, and low powder demand; it gives up laser power, reactive-metal support, and commercial maturity.

Metal-Base The Metal 1.0 vs Lasefinity Fusion X

The Metal-Base The Metal 1.0 vs Lasefinity Fusion X comparison is one of the most useful current searches for affordable compact LPBF.

The indexed Lasefinity Fusion X uses a 500 W fiber laser, a 100 × 100 × 80 mm build volume, adjustable 50–200 µm beam size, nitrogen or argon atmosphere, and integrated layer-by-layer monitoring.

Fusion X starts at £24,999, versus €8,500 for the partly assembled Metal 1.0. Metal-Base offers lower power demand and a more open Klipper/OrcaSlicer workflow; Fusion X brings far higher laser power, titanium support, and a more turnkey industrial package.

Wait for The Metal 1.0 for low-cost non-reactive LPBF research and 316L/Inconel experimentation. Choose Fusion X when titanium, higher laser power, broader alloy development, and a more turnkey industrial package matter more.

The Metal 1.0 vs One Click Metal MPRINTpro

The One Click Metal MPRINTpro provides a 150 × 150 × 150 mm build volume, 500 W fiber laser, 20–120 µm layer range, 80 µm focus diameter, nitrogen/argon operation, and interchangeable build modules.

Its ecosystem also includes dedicated powder-handling equipment and build modules, while Metal-Base targets much lower acquisition cost and simpler installation.

Choose MPRINTpro when an integrated industrial powder ecosystem, larger build volume, and 500 W laser capability are required. Choose The Metal 1.0 when cost, openness, compact installation, and low-volume R&D are more important.

The Metal 1.0 vs Xact Metal XM200G

The Xact Metal XM200G provides a 150 × 150 × 150 mm standard build volume and configurable 100, 200, or 400 W fiber lasers, with single- and dual-laser versions.

Published Xact Metal data includes 50 or 100 µm spot-size options, open materials, open parameters, and reactive/non-reactive configurations.

XM200G also offers higher throughput and a more established industrial service footprint.

Choose XM200G when performance, reactive materials, build volume, and industrial configuration options matter most. Choose The Metal 1.0 when the goal is the lowest practical entry cost into real LPBF experimentation.

The Metal 1.0 vs Farsoon FS121M

The Farsoon FS121M is one of the closest build-size comparisons.

Farsoon publishes:

• 120 × 120 × 100 mm build cylinder
• 500 W fiber laser
• 20–80 µm layers
• Up to 10 m/s scan speed in the current sheet
• Nitrogen / argon
• 3–5 L/min inert-gas consumption
• Open machine parameters

FS121M weighs roughly 700 kg, making Metal-Base far easier to place in a small workshop or lab.

Choose FS121M for established industrial deployment, higher laser power, titanium capability, and mature software/service support. Choose The Metal 1.0 for much lower cost and easier workshop installation.

Which The Metal 1.0 Alternative Fits Best?

• Lasefinity Fusion X: best indexed alternative for compact open-parameter L-PBF with much higher laser power and titanium capability.
• One Click Metal MPRINTpro: best for a larger 500 W build area and integrated powder-management ecosystem.
• Xact Metal XM200G: best for configurable industrial laser options, reactive materials, and higher throughput.
• Farsoon FS121M: best for a mature compact industrial LPBF platform with published layer and scan-speed specifications.
• Metal-Base The Metal 1.0: strongest fit when €8,500-class entry price, open Klipper/OrcaSlicer control, standard electrical service, and non-reactive-metal R&D are the priorities.

Metal-Base Metal 1.0 Price and Availability

From €8,500 · US$9,922 · £7,280 GBP · C$13,679 CAD · A$13,946 AUD · ₹949,832 INR · AED 36,442. Actual regional pricing may vary with VAT, taxes, import duties, shipping, exchange rates, availability, assembly options, and promotions.

Limitations and Practical Considerations

• Regular retail shipments have not started yet.
• The €8,500 base price excludes VAT.
• The base machine requires roughly 20–30 hours of final assembly.
• Full assembly and testing costs extra.
• Titanium and aluminum powders are explicitly prohibited.
• Bronze currently has lower measured density than 316L and Inconel.
• Copper remains experimental / under development.
• Throughput is only about 1.5–2.5 cm³/h and depends on geometry.
• The machine requires continuous nitrogen during printing.
• The optional nitrogen generator needs a substantial compressed-air supply.
• LPBF powder handling requires respirators, PPE, ESD controls, and Class D fire planning.
• There is no published universal dimensional-accuracy specification.
• Machine dimensions and final production weight are not clearly published on the current printer page.
• Blue-laser wattage should not be compared directly with fiber-laser wattage without considering spot size, scan strategy, wavelength, and material absorption.
• Standard installation is simpler than many industrial LPBF systems, but the machine remains industrial metal-powder equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions