Continuum Powders’ metal powder materials are to be evaluated and validated for use on Mastrex’s MX series of laser powder bed fusion machines as the two companies enter a strategic partnership.
Initial efforts will focus on cobalt chrome, Ti-6Al-4V, and 17-4 stainless steel, with nickel-based superalloys and copper-nickel alloys planned later in the roadmap.
Together, Continuum and Mastrex will optimise processing parameters and establish repeatable print performance across the MX portfolio. Mastrex has so far developed a six-strong portfolio of metal powder bed fusion systems, with a variety of build volumes and laser configurations. The company is aiming to lower the barrier of entry to metal 3D printing, focusing primarily on the price point of its products. Now, Mastrex is also seeking to open up application opportunities for prospective customers.
In Continuum, it has seen an opportunity to validate a range of metal powder products against its machines. As they move through this process, the companies will assess powder behaviour, processing conditions, build consistency, and material performance, ultimately helping to ‘reduce the time and resources required for customers to introduce a new material.’
This announcement, they say, is just the start of their partnership. Both parties expect to establish a broad technical collaboration, with technical updates, application data, and customer success stories all set to be shared as progress is made.
“One of the biggest barriers to broader adoption of additive manufacturing isn’t a lack of innovation – it’s reducing the effort required for customers to confidently implement new materials and technologies,” said Jon Cozens, CEO of Continuum Powders. “By working closely with Mastrex from the beginning, we’re helping create a more seamless path from material selection and process development to successful production. Ultimately, our shared goal is to give customers greater confidence in the complete manufacturing solution, not just the powder.”
“Mastrex entered the market with the aim of providing high-quality LPBF technology while at the same time lowering the barrier of entry,” added Ilay Fridland, Partner for Mastrex. “Customers are looking for complete manufacturing solutions, not disconnected pieces of the process. Collaboration closely with Continuum allows us to optimise materials alongside our LPBF platforms, helping customers adopt new applications with greater confidence while reducing development effort.”
