Metal 1.0 Brings True LPBF Metal 3D Printing to the Desktop for Under €10,000

True Metal LPBF at a New Price Point

Metal-Base, a Dutch company, has launched the Metal 1.0 on Kickstarter — bringing true laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing to the desktop for €8,500 (approximately $9,754) for early backers.

Traditional metal 3D printers cost between $50,000 and $500,000, putting true metal additive manufacturing out of reach for most small businesses and makers. The Metal 1.0 aims to change that.

Key Specifications

• Technology: Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
• Materials: 316L Stainless Steel, Inconel 718, Bronze (CuSn)
• Build Volume: 128mm diameter × 100mm height (upgradeable to 150mm)
• Layer Height: 0.05-0.10mm
• Laser: 60W 445nm diode module
• Firmware: Klipper (open source)
• Power: Single-phase, requires nitrogen gas

How It Works

Unlike metal-infused plastic filaments or binder jetting systems that require post-processing, the Metal 1.0 uses a high-power laser to melt metal powder directly — the same technology found in industrial metal 3D printers.

The machine requires nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation during printing. Users can either use bottled nitrogen or add an optional nitrogen gas generator.

Concerns and Considerations

While the technology and pricing are compelling, experts express caution. This is a self-assembly kit that requires some technical expertise. Additionally, fulfilling on a Kickstarter campaign for complex machinery carries inherent risk — backers should be aware that delivery timelines and final product quality can vary.

The campaign runs until April 16th, 2026, and has already surpassed its €51,000 funding goal.