AFS-M120X — Print Hundreds of Alloy Compositions in a Single Build
The AFS-M120X is the accessible way to own gradient-material capability. A dual-powder gradient feeding system blends two metal powders continuously along the X-axis, so one build can screen 100+ alloy variants or produce a component that transitions from one material to another — no interfaces, no joints, no weak points.
Why Gradient Metal Printing? Three Problems the M120X Solves
Conventional manufacturing and single-material SLM hit the same wall when you need to vary metal composition inside one part. The AFS-M120X removes that wall.
Materials R&D Takes Months Per Composition
Traditional alloy development casts, tests and iterates one composition at a time. A full screen can take 6–18 months of furnace time and machining.
Dissimilar Metals Can’t Be Joined Without Weak Interfaces
Welding or brazing creates a distinct interface — the classic failure initiation site for thermal and fatigue loads.
No Way to Vary Composition Inside One Part
Conventional manufacturing can’t make a component that is hard and wear-resistant on one surface and tough and ductile on the other.
One Printer That Replaces a Lab Full of Equipment
Standard SLM prints one alloy at a time. Traditional alloy development needs months of casting per composition. The M120X prints continuously varying compositions in a single build.
What took 6–18 months of casting and testing can now be done in weeks. That’s why national labs, aerospace R&D centers and university materials science departments are choosing gradient SLM.
How Gradient Metal Printing Works
The M120X precisely mixes two different metal powders during printing, creating a seamless composition transition inside a single component.
Dual Powder Loading
Two metal powders (e.g., SS316L + CoCrMo) load into independent hoppers with precision dosing. Each hopper feeds its own powder delivery channel.
Gradient Powder Deposition
AFSWin V8.4 varies the powder ratio layer by layer along the X-axis — Powder A decreases while Powder B increases, creating a continuous composition gradient.
Laser Melting & Solidification
The 500W IPG fiber laser melts each layer at up to 6 m/s. Because the powder composition changes gradually, every layer bonds seamlessly to the one below.
Gradient Component Ready
The finished part transitions smoothly from Material A to Material B. Cut, polish and etch to reveal the gradient microstructure — no distinct interface, just continuous property change.
Dual-powder gradient deposition: Powder A to Powder B transitions continuously along the X-axis within a single build.
What the AFS-M120X Delivers
Every capability you need to run gradient material programs — built on the proven AFS-M120 SLM platform.
120 × 120 × 150 mm Build Volume
Optimized for test coupons, research samples and small production parts — enough capacity to build complete composition libraries in one job.
Horizontal Gradient Powder Feeding
Two or more metal powders vary continuously along the X-axis, with Y and Z held constant. Change the powder storage structure to customize the gradient ratio.
500W IPG Fiber Laser
Global brand laser with 6 m/s max scan speed, TEM00 beam quality (M²<1.05) and 100,000+ hour pump life. Reliable, serviceable, globally supported.
±0.1 mm / 100 mm Accuracy
Precision forming with ±5 μm worktable repeatability — the gradient ratio is macroscopically identifiable on the finished material.
Six Material Families
Stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, die steel, cobalt-chrome and nickel-based alloys — with custom powder storage for tailored gradient combinations.
Compact, Lab-Ready Footprint
1,532 × 1,390 × 1,830 mm, ≈1.5 t, 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 7 kW. Fits standard laboratory and industrial spaces with minimal site preparation.
Certified Gradient Material Pairs
3DPTEK has qualified multiple material combinations on the M120X platform — documented process parameters, microstructure and mechanical property data, ready for your application.
Ta – Ti Gradient Alloy
Tantalum for radiopacity and corrosion resistance, transitioning to titanium for osseointegration and lightweight strength — ideal for biomedical implants with dual functional surfaces.
CoCrMo → IN718 Gradient
Cobalt-chrome wear resistance at the surface, Inconel 718 high-temperature strength at the core — for turbine components, valve seats and high-wear tooling.
SS316L → CoCrMo Gradient
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel body transitioning to a wear-resistant cobalt-chrome surface — for mold inserts, pump components and chemical processing equipment.
Custom powder combinations can be qualified through 3DPTEK’s application lab. Contact us with your material pair →
Application Cases
Gradient material research and components produced on AFS-M120X systems.
High-Throughput Alloy Screening
Composition gradient library of 100+ Ni-based superalloy variants printed in a single build. Accelerated new alloy development from months to days.
Functionally Graded Turbine Blade
Turbine blade with a wear-resistant tip (CoCr) and ductile root (Ni alloy) — continuous composition gradient, no interface. Demonstrated 3× thermal cycle life vs. conventional.
Bimetal Mold Insert
Injection mold insert with a hard tool-steel surface and tough stainless-steel body. The continuous gradient eliminated the delamination failure mode.
Biomedical CoCrMo – SS316L Gradient
Dental and orthopedic components printed with a cobalt-chrome surface and stainless-steel core — the classic implant alloy pair, joined as one continuous gradient with no brazing interface.
Which Model Fits Your Program?
Three platforms, one family. Pick the gradient capability your application actually needs.
AFS-M120
- Build Volume 120 × 120 × 150 mm
- Gradient None — single material
- Powder Feeding Single powder
- Best For Precision metal parts
AFS-M120X
- Build Volume 120 × 120 × 150 mm
- Gradient Horizontal (X-axis continuous)
- Powder Feeding Dual / multi-powder
- Best For Alloy screening & FGM parts
AFS-M120XT
- Build Volume 120 × 150 × 150 mm
- Gradient Horizontal + vertical (Z-axis)
- Powder Feeding Multi-powder, 4 hoppers
- Best For 3D composition profiles
Plan for vertical gradients up front. The M120XT’s vertical capability requires dedicated hardware — a field upgrade from the M120X isn’t available. If you anticipate needing Z-axis gradients, start with the M120XT. 3DPTEK also offers trade-in programs for customers who upgrade later.
Technical Specifications
The numbers engineers ask about first — build envelope, laser, gradient capability — plus the site requirements your facility must provide.
3-phase 5-wire
clean, dry source
Why Researchers & Engineers Choose 3DPTEK
Buying a gradient SLM system is a long-term decision. Here’s what you get beyond the machine.
Unique Gradient Capability
Dual-powder gradient feeding with ±2% delivered-vs-programmed ratio accuracy — verified by EDS line scans, microhardness mapping and metallographic cross-sections.
Customizable Gradient Profiles
Change the powder storage structure to manufacture gradient alloys with customized proportion variations. Full control over composition vs. position.
30+ Years of AM Expertise
Built on three decades of additive manufacturing engineering. The M120X benefits from our deep understanding of laser-material interaction and powder handling.
Global Brand Components
IPG fiber laser, precision galvanometer scanner and industrial motion control from leading global suppliers. Reliability for long-duration research builds.
Application Engineering Support
Our materials scientists review phase diagrams, design gradient profiles, develop parameters and help interpret results — from feasibility study to first build.
Full Support Package
Installation, 3–5 day training, 12-month system warranty, 24-month IPG laser warranty and remote diagnostics — from engineers who know both the hardware and the materials science.
AFS-M120X FAQ
Answers to the questions researchers and engineers ask before committing to a gradient SLM system.
Standard SLM printers use a single powder. The M120X adds a dual-powder gradient feeding system that precisely mixes two different metal powders during printing, enabling continuous composition gradients along the X-axis — impossible on any conventional SLM system.
Stainless steel (304, 316L), titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, die steels, cobalt-chrome alloys and nickel-based alloys. Custom powder combinations can be qualified through our application lab.
The M120X provides horizontal gradient capability (continuous variation along the X-axis). Choose the M120XT if you need both horizontal and vertical gradient control for more complex 3D composition profiles. Because a field upgrade isn't available, we recommend starting with the M120XT if vertical gradients are in your roadmap.
3DPTEK validates gradient accuracy three ways: EDS line scans across the gradient direction to measure elemental composition vs. position, microhardness mapping to verify the property transition, and metallographic cross-section analysis. The gradient ratio is macroscopically identifiable, and calibration ensures the delivered powder ratio matches the programmed ratio within ±2%.
Power: 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 7 kW, three-phase five-wire. Compressed air: 0.6–0.8 MPa at ≥1.0 m³/min, clean and dry. Ambient temperature 18–25 °C with HVAC control, humidity ≤60% (non-condensing). Floor load ≥1 t/m² and building height 3.5–6 m. 3DPTEK provides a detailed site preparation guide 4 weeks before shipment.
Standard warranty: 12 months parts and labor on the complete system, plus a 24-month IPG laser warranty. Extended service plans include annual preventive maintenance, priority remote support, discounted consumables and optional on-site application support days. 3DPTEK maintains service hubs in China with partner networks covering EMEA and the Americas.
Compare with other metal 3D printers
For a different build volume or material set, compare the metal systems: 3DPTEK J160R, 3DPTEK J400P, 3DPTEK J800P. Or browse the full metal 3D printers range.