Following the launch of its Custom Foundry Runtime (CFR) for small-batch production, Continuum Powders collaborates with machine manufacturer Mastrex to validate the use of its powders across all Mastrex MX series machines.
As you may know, this type of collaboration is not new in the industry. For a long time, material producers and machine manufacturers have been working hand in hand to simplify the path from powder selection to successful production.
This increases the chances for repeatable print performance when processing new materials for demanding additive manufacturing applications.
“One of the biggest barriers to broader adoption of additive manufacturing isn’t a lack of innovation; it’s reducing the effort required for customers to confidently implement new materials and technologies,” said Jon Cozens, Chief Executive Officer of Continuum Powders. “By working closely with Mastrex from the beginning, we’re helping create a more seamless path from material selection and process development to successful production. Ultimately, our shared goal is to give customers greater confidence in the complete manufacturing solution, not just the powder.”
First materials to be qualified
Both companies will first focus on cobalt chrome, Ti-6Al-4V, and 17-4 stainless steel and plan to qualify nickel-based superalloys and copper-nickel alloys in the long run.
As part of this validation process, the teams will assess powder behavior, processing conditions, build consistency, and material performance on applicable Mastrex systems.
According to Continuum Powders, the collaboration will lead to reliable starting parameters and supporting technical data, helping AM users reduce the time and resources typically required to introduce a new material.
I met Mastrex at RAPID+TCT 2026. Just like Xact Metal and One Click Metal, the company positions itself in the market of affordable Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D printers.
The company launched the MX300, an industrial metal 3D printer priced at $185,000. The company claims it is the industry’s most affordable LPBF metal 3D printer.
From what I discovered on the show, at the process level, Mastrex is not really different from Xact Metal and One Click Metal. However, unlike others, the company brings to the market a decade of expertise as a provider of polymer printers, CNC mills and fiber laser cutters. It moved to the metal 3D printing segment when component prices (optics, software) dropped down.
With this collaboration, we see here an effort that contributes to its ultimate goal: “provide high-quality LPBF technology while at the same time lowering the barrier of entry.”
This means it is certainly not the only collaboration Mastrex will have with a material producer.
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