Markforged is an American company founded in 2013 in Watertown, Massachusetts. It pioneered Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFF) technology, the only 3D printers that can print with continuous carbon fibers, Kevlar, fiberglass in a plastic matrix. This gives mechanical strength close to unannealed aluminum, with 3D printing advantages (design freedom, fast prototyping). Markforged printers are used in aerospace (Lockheed Martin), automotive (Ford), oil & gas (Shell), and medical industries. Less widespread due to high prices, but several large firms and research institutes use them.
Markforged launched in 2013 with the goal of making 3D printing that delivers real engineering strength, not just prototypes. Founder Greg Mark came from the racing car industry and saw the limitations of FDM plastic.
Key innovation:Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFF). The printer has two extruders, one extrudes Nylon base matrix, the other lays a continuous carbon fiber (or Kevlar / fiberglass) in the desired layer and direction. The result is a composite material with mechanical strength 3-10× higher than pure Nylon.
2014, Mark One, first CFF printer. €8000.
2016, Mark Two with improved accuracy and new materials. €13,000.
2018, X7 industrial printer with laser calibration. €70,000.
2020, Metal X for metal 3D printing (DMLS alternative). €100,000.
2023, FX20 with larger build volume and PEEK support. €100,000.
FDM printers:
Metal printers:
Materials:
*Base (matrix):*
- Onyx, Nylon with micro carbon fibers. Standard matrix. €180/kg.
- Onyx FR, flame-retardant Onyx. €220/kg.
- ULTEM, for FX20 printers. €280/kg.
- PEEK, for FX20. €350/kg.
*Continuous fibers (CFF):*
- Continuous Carbon Fiber, maximum strength. €450/kg.
- Continuous Kevlar, impact resistance. €380/kg.
- Continuous Fiberglass, electrical insulation. €280/kg.
- Continuous HSHT Fiberglass, high heat. €350/kg.
*Metals (Metal X):*
- 17-4 PH Stainless Steel, standard stainless.
- H13 Tool Steel, tool steel.
- Copper, pure copper powder.
- Inconel 625, nickel alloy.
- A2 Tool Steel, alternative.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Access:
- Authorized Markforged distributors, sales, certified installation and training. Warranty and support.
Similar brands and alternatives:
When does Markforged make sense? For a small industrial team needing continuous fiber composites (CFF), Mark Two is the only desktop choice. For a large firm with critical engineering applications, X7 or FX20. For small prototypes and general engineering needs, Bambu Lab X1-Carbon with PolyMide PA6-CF is economically more sensible (90% of applications).
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Mark Two with Onyx FR:€30-€80 per prototype (60 g material × €0.30 + amortization + labor). With Continuous Carbon Fiber: €80-€250 per prototype. For single prototypes, send to a Markforged partner for €200-€1500 by size.
Often, yes. Mark Two or X7 with Continuous Carbon Fiber delivers 130-150 MPa flexural strength, close to aluminum 6061-T6 (250 MPa) but at 30% of the weight. For static EOAT and low-speed applications, full replacement. For high-RPM or critical-safety EOAT, usually a hybrid (Markforged for bases + aluminum for critical points).
For small series (1-100 parts), yes, competitive. Metal X uses BMD (Bound Metal Deposition) technology, prints metal powder with plastic binder, then sintered in a specialized oven. Cost per piece: €30-€200 for standard components. EOS SLM gives higher quality and certified materials, but cost per piece €100-€500 for the same size. For small series Markforged Metal X is economically more sensible.
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