Continuum Powders and Mastrex Partner to Qualify Metal Powders for LPBF Printers

Continuum Powders and Mastrex have announced a strategic partnership to evaluate and qualify Continuum's metal powders for use on Mastrex's MX-series laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) machines. The collaboration targets cobalt chrome, Ti-6Al-4V, and 17-4 stainless steel in the first phase, with nickel-based superalloys and copper-nickel alloys planned for later stages.

What the Partnership Covers

The two companies will jointly optimise processing parameters and establish repeatable print performance benchmarks across Mastrex's six-model MX portfolio. The work covers powder behaviour under real operating conditions, layer consistency, build repeatability, and final part mechanical properties. Continuum says the goal is to reduce the qualification burden for customers who want to run new materials on Mastrex hardware without running a full in-house development programme.

Mastrex entered the metal LPBF market with a specific price argument: its MX-series machines are priced well below traditional industrial systems, with the MX100 desktop unit starting around $39,000. The company has so far released six LPBF systems covering build volumes from 100 mm cubes up to the larger MX400, targeting dental labs, universities, R&D shops, and aerospace customers.

Why Qualification Matters

Metal LPBF adoption is still constrained by how long it takes to qualify a new powder on a given machine. Most industrial buyers cannot afford to run blind material trials. A pre-qualified material set from the powder maker and machine builder gives customers a shorter path from purchase to production.

Jon Cozens, CEO of Continuum Powders, said the partnership is about giving buyers confidence in the complete manufacturing solution, not just the feedstock. Ilay Fridland, partner at Mastrex, noted that customers increasingly want integrated systems rather than disconnected components from separate vendors.

Broader Market Context

The announcement lands at a moment when several metal AM players are working to lower the qualification barrier. The America Makes-funded AIM-4AM programme is exploring AI-driven approaches to accelerate qualification timelines. Tekna reported a profitable quarter this week on growing aerospace and defence powder demand. Continuum itself has been expanding its powder supply relationships with HP Metal Jet, INDO-MIM, and now Mastrex.

For Mastrex, the partnership also opens a route to new application markets. The company has been building its presence at trade shows including RAPID + TCT, CES, and AMUG, and a Continuum co-qualification could make its systems more attractive to buyers in medical, aerospace, and defence who need certified material chains.