Independent metal AM
Xact Metal XM200C vs Markforged Metal X
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Xact Metal XM200C 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.
What this pairing comes down to
This pairing crosses process families — Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) against Material extrusion · bound-metal extrusion — 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 powder versus Metal-filled bound feedstock — 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 | Xact Metal XM200C | 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 | 127 x 127 x 127 mm (125 in³; 2,048 cc) | build 300 x 220 x 180 mm |
| Energy / lasers | 100 W Yb fiber laser; spot size greater than 20 µm; fusing speed up to 650 mm/s | Metal-filled feedstock · debind and sinter |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal-filled bound feedstock |
| Machine status | Legacy generation · confirm support | Availability unconfirmed |
| Public price | LAUNCH · 2018 $80,000 (advertised launch, 2018) (dated public record, not a current quote) | LAUNCH · 2017 $99,500 (printer, 2017) (dated public record, not a current quote) |
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.
Xact Metal XM200C
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 127 x 127 x 127 mm (125 in³; 2,048 cc)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Laser | 100 W Yb fiber laser; spot size greater than 20 µm; fusing speed up to 650 mm/sOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Layer thickness | 20–50 µm per the OEM datasheetOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Machine dimensions | Approx. 610 x 610 x 1,295 mm (W x D x H); power 100–120/200–240 VOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Generation | Historical XY-gantry machine, distinct from the later galvo-based XM200G per the OEM company historyOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Launch price | US$80,000 advertised launch price, historical (OEM press release, 2018-04-02)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Recent exact-model research | A September 2026 forum question requests XM200C build dimensions and process parameters for Netfabb configuration; the author’s assumptions are not OEM validationTHIRD-PARTY ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Used supply | One identified used machine (CAE inventory, quote only); generated category/spec text excluded as unreliableTHIRD-PARTY ↗ · Source reviewed |
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.