AFS-M120XT — Horizontal and Vertical Composition Gradients in a Single Build
The AFS-M120XT is an industrial-grade SLM system that blends two or more metal powders (3+) along the X-axis and steps composition along the Z-axis — so one machine prints surface-to-core gradients, multi-layer alloy stacks and multiple composition variants in a single job. If your research or production needs properties that change in more than one direction, this is the platform.
Why Dual-Axis Gradient? Three Problems the M120XT Solves
Single-material parts force a compromise between two conflicting properties. Single-axis gradients solve half the problem. The AFS-M120XT removes the rest.
Surface Wear vs. Core Toughness
A valve seat needs a hard, wear-resistant face — but the same part must stay tough and machinable underneath. Brazing and coating both create a weak interface that fails in service.
M120XT: gradient a wear-resistant alloy onto a tough base in one continuous build — no interface to fail.
Multi-Layer Alloy Stacks
Components that need different alloys at the top, middle and bottom — a turbine blade root, shroud and tip, for example — usually require welding or mechanical joining of separate pieces.
M120XT: step composition along the Z-axis to build the whole stack in one print job.
Slow, Expensive Alloy Screening
Conventional alloy development casts dozens of discrete samples — each with its own melt, pour and test cycle. Months of work to explore a single composition space.
M120XT: print dozens of composition variants on one plate and screen them in days, not months.
Standard SLM vs. Single-Axis vs. Dual-Axis Gradient
See where the M120XT sits — and why it is the only machine that closes the gap.
How Dual-Axis Gradient Printing Works
Two independent gradient mechanisms — continuous blending across the plate, and step-wise composition change up the build — give the M120XT its unique capability.
Dual Powder Loading
Two or more metal powders (up to 3+) load into independent hoppers with precision dosing. The gradient distributor meters each powder by volume ratio before the mixer delivers a homogeneous blend to the recoater.
Continuous X-Axis Blend
AFSWin V8.4 varies the powder ratio across each layer — from 100% Powder A to 100% Powder B, and through intermediate alloy ratios with 3+ material profiles — creating a seamless composition gradient along the X-axis.
Step-Wise Z-Axis Transition
At programmed layer heights the feed ratio shifts to a new composition, stacking distinct alloy zones along the Z-axis with metallurgically bonded interfaces.
Dual-Gradient Component
The finished part combines both effects: property change across the surface and through the thickness — verified by EDS line scans and microhardness mapping.
Gradient powder deposition: composition transitions continuously along the X-axis and in steps along the Z-axis within a single build.
Features That Make Dual-Axis Gradient Practical
Gradient printing only matters if it is repeatable. These are the engineering details behind the M120XT’s results.
Continuous X-Axis Gradient
Two powders blend seamlessly across each layer, from 0% to 100% of each phase — for surface-to-core property transitions in a single part.
Step-Wise Z-Axis Transition
Composition changes in programmed steps up the build height — stacking distinct alloy zones with metallurgically bonded, defect-free interfaces.
High-Throughput Screening
Print dozens of composition variants on a single 120 × 150 mm plate. Compress months of alloy development into days.
Precision Volume-Ratio Feeding
The gradient powder distributor meters each powder by volume ratio for repeatable composition profiles, verified by EDS line-scan calibration on every system before shipment.
Open Powder System
Run stainless, titanium, aluminum, die steel, CoCr and Ni-based alloys — plus your own custom powder combinations qualified with our team.
AFSWin V8.4 Control
Fully self-developed software with gradient profile programming — linear, stepped or custom curves. No third-party dependencies or license fees.
Certified Gradient Material Pairs
3DPTEK has qualified multiple material combinations on the M120XT 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-M120XT systems.
316L + CoCrMo Gradient
Continuous composition gradient from pure 316L to pure CoCrMo across 100 mm — identify the sweet spot for corrosion resistance plus wear performance in one print.
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.
Graded Turbine Component
Wear-resistant CoCr tip transitioning to a ductile Ni alloy root with no interface. Demonstrated 3× thermal-cycle life versus conventional designs.
High-Throughput Screening
Dozens of alloy compositions in a single build job. What used to take months of metallurgy work now fits in one print cycle.
Which Model Fits Your Program?
The gradient family shares one software ecosystem and one powder-handling philosophy. Pick the capability your application needs.
AFS-M120X
- Build Volume 120 × 120 × 150 mm
- Gradient Horizontal (X-axis continuous)
- Best For Alloy screening & surface gradients
AFS-M120XT
- Build Volume 120 × 150 × 150 mm
- Gradient X-axis continuous + Z-axis step
- Best For 3D composition profiles
AFS-M300XAS
- Build Volume 300 × 300 × 300 mm
- Gradient Multi-axis (4 powders)
- Best For Full 3D gradients, larger parts
Plan for vertical gradients up front. The M120XT’s Z-axis capability is built into the gradient feeding hardware — a field upgrade from the M120X isn’t available. If you anticipate needing vertical composition steps, 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 Buyers Choose 3DPTEK for Gradient SLM
Gradient metal printing is hard to do well. 3DPTEK has spent years perfecting powder feeding, software and process control so your team can focus on the science, not the machine.
Dual-Axis Capability
Continuous X-axis gradient plus step-wise Z-axis transition in one machine. Only the M120XT delivers both.
Precision Gradient Feeding
Gradient powder is metered by volume ratio and composition verified with EDS calibration — reproducible results you can publish.
Open Material Platform
Qualified SS, Ti, Al, die steel, CoCr and Ni-based alloys — plus custom powder pairs developed with our applications team.
In-House Software
AFSWin V8.4 gives direct control of laser power, scan strategy and gradient profile — no third-party license fees.
30+ Years of AM Expertise
3DPTEK has built industrial 3D printers since 1994 — binder jetting, SLS and SLM platforms trusted by foundries and research institutes worldwide.
Service & Support
Installation, operator training and process support included. Service hubs in China with partner coverage across EMEA and the Americas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The M120X provides continuous horizontal gradient along the X-axis. The M120XT adds step-wise composition transition along the Z-axis — so you can build surface-to-core gradients AND multi-layer alloy stacks in a single part. The Z-axis capability is built into the hardware, so it cannot be added to an M120X as a field upgrade.
Stainless steel (304, 316L), titanium alloys, aluminum alloys, die steels, cobalt-chrome alloys and nickel-based alloys — plus multi-material gradient combinations (3+ powders in one build). Custom powder sets can be qualified through 3DPTEK’s application lab.
3DPTEK validates gradient composition via EDS line scans, microhardness mapping and metallographic cross-section analysis on printed samples — documenting microstructure and mechanical property data for your application.
Standard lead time is 8–12 weeks from order confirmation. Installation and operator training (3–5 days on-site) is included with every system — 3DPTEK engineers handle uncrating, positioning, calibration and first-article print verification.
Power: 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 8 kW three-phase five-wire. Compressed air: 0.6–0.8 MPa at ≥1.0 m³/min, clean and dry. Ambient 18–25 °C, humidity ≤60%. Floor load ≥1 t/m², building height 3.5–6 m. 3DPTEK provides a detailed site preparation guide before shipment.
Yes. 3DPTEK’s applications engineering team provides parameter development, gradient profile design, sintering and heat-treatment optimization, and mechanical property verification. Remote and on-site support packages are available.
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.