Markforged stands at the forefront of industrial 3D printing, renowned for its ability to produce robust and highly accurate parts using cutting-edge materials. For businesses seeking to move beyond basic prototyping and into functional, end-use components, the Markforged Onyx One, Onyx Pro, and Mark Two 3D printers present compelling solutions. Let’s explore why these printers are recognized as excellent choices for demanding applications.
Unleashing Advanced Material Capabilities with Markforged
What truly sets Markforged 3d Printers apart is their sophisticated material technology. These machines utilize Onyx, a proprietary composite material developed by Markforged. Onyx is a unique blend of nylon infused with chopped carbon fibers. This innovative combination results in parts exhibiting exceptional strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. Unlike standard 3D printing materials, Onyx delivers performance characteristics closer to engineering-grade plastics, opening up a wider range of functional applications.
Streamlined Workflow with User-Friendly Software and Cloud Connectivity
Beyond material innovation, Markforged prioritizes user experience. Their Eiger software is a testament to this, offering an intuitive and cloud-based platform for managing the entire 3D printing process. Eiger simplifies design sharing and team collaboration, fostering efficient workflows. Furthermore, its cloud connectivity enables users to remotely monitor and control their Markforged 3D printer, providing added convenience and operational oversight. This seamless software integration is crucial for businesses aiming to integrate 3D printing into their existing workflows without steep learning curves.
Versatility Across the Markforged Onyx Series
The Markforged Onyx series – encompassing the Onyx One, Onyx Pro, and Mark Two – provides a tiered range of capabilities to match diverse user needs and application complexities. The Onyx One serves as an ideal entry point into high-strength 3D printing, enabling users to create parts with the robust Onyx material. Stepping up, the Onyx Pro enhances part performance by incorporating continuous fiberglass reinforcement, significantly boosting strength and stiffness. For the most demanding applications requiring ultimate strength and durability, the Mark Two stands as the flagship model. It offers the unique ability to print with continuous carbon fiber, Kevlar®, and fiberglass, achieving unparalleled part performance within the desktop 3D printing realm.
Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR): The Key to Exceptional Strength
At the heart of Markforged’s groundbreaking technology lies Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR). This patented process is what enables Markforged 3D printers to produce parts with strength profiles rivaling, and in some cases exceeding, that of metal components. CFR works by embedding a continuous strand of reinforcing fiber within the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printed part. A specialized second nozzle precisely lays down fibers – carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar® – within the Onyx matrix during the printing process. This strategic reinforcement dramatically increases the part’s overall strength and stiffness, creating parts that are significantly stronger than those printed with conventional 3D printing plastics. Parts produced with CFR technology can be up to 10 times stronger than traditional 3D printed parts.
3D Printed Parts Ready to Replace Machined Metal Components
The robust nature of Continuous Fiber Reinforcement empowers Markforged 3D printers to produce parts strong enough to substitute certain machined aluminum components. While specific performance depends on design and application parameters, CFR technology demonstrably closes the performance gap between 3D printed plastics and machined metals. This capability presents a compelling alternative to traditional metal machining, offering potential advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and faster production cycles.
Consider Wärtsilä, a leader in marine and energy market solutions. They leverage Markforged 3D printers for diverse applications, notably creating lifting tools for assembling and servicing large cargo ship engines. Traditionally manufactured from solid steel, these lifting tools were successfully replicated using Markforged carbon fiber 3D printed parts. Remarkably, these 3D printed tools demonstrated the capacity to lift up to 960kg with a safety factor of four, showcasing the real-world strength and reliability of Markforged CFR technology.
“This will enable Wärtsilä to speed up the introduction of new products with faster, cheaper, and safer tool creation,” notes Giuseppe Saragò, Director, Manufacturing Excellence at Wärtsilä, highlighting the tangible benefits realized through Markforged adoption.
A Diverse Material Portfolio for Varied Applications
Markforged’s commitment to material innovation extends beyond Onyx and CFR reinforcement. They offer a range of high-performance materials designed to meet diverse engineering requirements. Markforged desktop 3D printer users can leverage materials including:
- Carbon Fiber: For maximum strength and stiffness.
- Aramid Fiber (Kevlar®): Offering exceptional toughness and impact resistance.
- Fiberglass: Providing a balance of strength and cost-effectiveness.
- HSHT Fiberglass: High-Strength, High-Temperature Fiberglass for demanding thermal environments.
This material versatility is critical for industries like the U.S. Army, who utilize Markforged machines and materials to produce personal protective equipment (PPE), robust brackets for military vehicles, specialized tools, and low-volume production parts. The ability to tailor material selection to specific application demands underscores the adaptability and problem-solving potential of Markforged 3D printers.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Strong 3D Printing with Markforged
Markforged 3D printers are not just tools for prototyping; they are powerful manufacturing solutions capable of producing end-use parts with exceptional strength and precision. Through advanced materials like Onyx and revolutionary CFR technology, Markforged empowers businesses to create parts that can replace metal components, optimize workflows, and drive innovation. For organizations seeking to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing and require robust, reliable parts, Markforged 3D printers represent a clear path forward.
