Independent metal AM
Markforged Metal X vs Xact XM300G
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Markforged Metal X uses Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion; Xact XM300G uses Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
- These specifications alone cannot tell us which machine will make a given part faster or cheaper.
What this pairing comes down to
This pairing crosses process families — Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion against Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) — so the decisive factor is usually which process fits the part geometry, material and finishing route, not which machine is bigger. Feedstock differs as well: Metal-filled bound feedstock versus Metal powder — powder and wire systems rarely share qualification work. The spec sheet narrows the field; your volumes and quotes decide the buy case — the calculator computes the crossing for this pair.
Side by side
| Question | Markforged Metal X | Xact XM300G |
|---|---|---|
| Quick description | Bound-metal extrusion system; compare print and furnace workflow below. | LPBF machine; compare published build space and laser configuration below. |
| Process | Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion | Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) |
| Build size | build 300 x 220 x 180 mm | 300 x 300 x 350 mm (300 x 300 x 450 extended-feed option) |
| Energy / lasers | Metal-filled feedstock · debind and sinter | See published specifications |
| Feedstock | Metal-filled bound feedstock | Metal powder |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | In development · review dated 2026-09-07 |
| Public price | LAUNCH · 2017 $99,500 (printer, 2017) (dated public record, not a current quote) | 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.
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 |
Xact XM300G
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Xact XM300G specs | 300 x 300 x 350 mm (300 x 300 x 450 extended-feed option); one/two/four 400 W Yb fiber; 700 W selectable; 100% overlapping zonesOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Published build envelope | Development-stage specification: 300 x 300 x 350 mm; optional extended feed permits 300 x 300 x 450 mm.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | 20–100 µm; development-stage specification.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | Approximately 2019 x 845 x 2390 mm (W x D x H); development-stage specification.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Development-stage variants: XM300G approximately 726 kg; XM300G2 approximately 816 kg; XM300G4 approximately 907 kg.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | Xact Metal presents the XM300G as a mid-sized system under development; shipping availability is not confirmed.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Materials — OEM scope | OEM development-stage powder options include AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, 718, 625, Ti64 and M300; parameter availability on request.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Published print speed / throughput — stated basis | OEM development-stage build speed: 11.5 cc/hr for the single-400 W configuration; not finished-part throughput.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.