Independent metal AM
EOS M 290 vs Markforged Metal X
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- EOS M 290 uses Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF); Markforged Metal X uses Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion.
- These specifications alone cannot tell us which machine will make a given part faster or cheaper.
Side by side
| Question | EOS M 290 | Markforged Metal X |
|---|---|---|
| Quick description | LPBF machine; compare published build space and laser configuration below. | Bound-metal extrusion system; compare print and furnace workflow below. |
| Process | Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) | Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion |
| Build size | 250 x 250 x 325 mm (Z incl. build platform, application-dependent) | build 300 x 220 x 180 mm |
| Energy / lasers | 1 × 400 W | Metal-filled feedstock · debind and sinter |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal-filled bound feedstock |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | Availability unconfirmed |
| Public price | Current quote required | Current quote required |
Build size is the maximum published physical space. Energy or laser counts describe the machine configuration; they do not prove a throughput winner.
What do these differences actually mean?
A difference may matter when your part size, material, production plan or process qualification requires it. Confirm the exact application with both suppliers; this page does not declare a winner.
What public specs cannot tell you
Real throughputYour geometry, orientation, parameters and finishing route matter.
Actual yieldPublished specs do not tell you your accepted-part rejection rate.
Total installed priceInstallation, training, service, software and options require a current quote.
Finished-part costPrinting is only one part of the complete accepted-part route.
Service qualityLocal response, parts availability and support experience need supplier validation.
Qualified application fitPublic specs cannot approve your material, parameters, tolerances or inspection plan.
EOS M 290
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| EOS M 290 build volume | 250 x 250 x 325 mm (Z incl. build platform, application-dependent)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 laser | Yb-fiber laser; 1 x 400 WOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| EOS M 290 power consumption | max 8.5 kW / typical 2.4 kW; supply 1 x 32 AOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 machine footprint | 2500 x 1300 x 2190 mm; weight approx 1250 kgOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 optics/scan | up to 7.0 m/s scan; focus approx 100 um; 1 F-theta lensOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 machine-level layer-thickness range | not published as a single machine range; per-material layer values published (e.g. 316L 20/40/80 um)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 price | No public retail price found in the cited source during the research review.OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Materials — OEM scope | OEM-listed examples: AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, IN625, IN718 and Ti64. Confirm the exact material/parameter set; this is not a universal qualification claim.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Approximately 1250 kg.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | EOS presents the M 290 as a mid-sized system for qualified metal parts.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
Markforged Metal X
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Markforged Metal X | build 300 x 220 x 180 mm; layer 85-170 um post-sinter; printer 575x467x1120 mm / 75 kg; bound-metal filament + debind/sinter (NOT LPBF)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Markforged Metal X materials | OEM list: 17-4PH, 316L, Copper, Inconel 625, H13, A2 + D2 tool steels; IN718 NOT on listOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Published build envelope | 2020 OEM Metal X sheet: 300 x 220 x 180 mm printer build volume, before sintering shrinkage.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | 2020 OEM printer size: 575 x 467 x 1120 mm.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | 2020 OEM Metal X printer mass: 75 kg; excludes wash and sintering equipment.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | The OEM describes a bound-metal printing workflow followed by debinding and sintering.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | 50 µm and 125 µm post-sinter.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Gas / atmosphere — stated scope | Gas types: Argon, argon / hydrogen mix.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
These public specifications cannot establish a throughput, finished-part quality, support or price winner. Confirm usable envelope, exact alloy and process parameters, effective build time, finishing and local service for both options.