The best metal 3D printing systems

1. Introduction: The confusing market for metal 3D printing

Selecting the right metal 3D printing system is one of the most complex investment decisions for manufacturing companies. The market has grown enormously in recent years, and manufacturers' technical data sheets are often difficult to compare directly.

This white paper offers an independent, structured market overview of the leading industrial systems in 2026. We focus on established machines for series use and evaluate them based on performance, installation space, material openness and cost-effectiveness.

2. Leading manufacturers in the Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) sector

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is still the standard for highly complex, detailed components with internal structures.

2.1 EOS GmbH (Krailling, Germany)

EOS is a pioneer and global market leader in the PBF sector. The system ecosystem is extremely mature and offers the highest level of process control, which is particularly important for industries requiring certification.

• Top system: EOS M 400-4
• Special feature: 4 laser system with a large installation space of 400 x 400 x 400 mm. Excellent scalability for mass production.
• Focus: Aerospace, medical technology, automotive series production.

2.2 Nikon SLM Solutions (Lübeck, Germany)

Since its acquisition by Nikon, SLM Solutions has further expanded its pioneering role in the field of multi-laser systems. They are known for machines with extremely high build-up rates in the powder bed.

• Top system: NXG XII 600
• Special feature: A 12-laser powerhouse. Installation space 600 x 600 x 600 mm. Offers up to 20 times faster build speeds than standard single laser systems.
• Focus: Large series components, space applications, automotive industry.

2.3 TRUMPF (Ditzingen, Germany)

TRUMPF brings in its decades of experience in laser technology. The TruPrint series is characterized by high reliability, excellent powder management and green lasers.

• Top system: TruPrint 5000
• Special feature: Option for "Green Laser", which is revolutionary especially for printing reactive materials such as pure copper and gold, as these infrared lasers reflect too strongly. Preheating to 500°C reduces tension.
• Focus: E-mobility (copper components), tool making.

3. Leading manufacturers in the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) sector

WAAM is unbeatable for extremely large structural components due to its high deposition rates and low material costs.

3.1 WAAM3D (Milton Keynes, UK)

A spin-off from Cranfield University. WAAM3D offers complete solutions including highly specialized software (WAAMPlanner) that drastically simplifies complex tool path generation for arc welding.

• Top system: RoboWAAM Advanced
• Special feature: Completely integrated cell with in-situ monitoring, sensors for temperature monitoring and active cooling during welding.
• Focus: Aviation structural components, energy generation.

3.2 MX3D (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Made famous for the printed bridge in Amsterdam, MX3D now delivers a standardized system of hardware and software for industrial users.

• Top system: MX3D M1 (Metal AM System)
• Special feature: MetalXL software that transforms any commercially available industrial robot (e.g. ABB, KUKA) into a powerful WAAM printer. High flexibility and open choice of materials.
• Focus: Maritime applications, construction, large mechanical engineering.

3.3 Gefertec (Berlin, Germany)

Gefertec follows the “printing in the machine tool” approach. The systems look and operate like modern 5-axis CNC milling machines, but use a welding torch.

• Top system: arc605
• Special feature: High machine rigidity and CNC control (Siemens Sinumerik). The operation is immediately understandable for CNC machinists, which avoids the shortage of skilled workers.
• Focus: Medium-sized mechanical engineering, contract manufacturer.

4. Leading manufacturers in the Directed Energy Deposition (DED) sector

DED (laser deposition welding) is often used for repairs, coatings and hybrid applications.

4.1 Meltio (Linares, Spain)

Meltio has revolutionized the DED market with compact, affordable and extremely reliable laser wire systems.

• Top system: Meltio M450 & Meltio Robot Cell
• Special feature: Unique print head that bundles 6 diode lasers around the wire. The system can process wire smoothly (cleanly and cheaply). Open system that can be coupled with any CNC or robot system ("Meltio Engine").
• Focus: Research, cost-efficient production, repair.

4.2 DMG MORI (Bielefeld, Germany)

World market leader in machine tools and pioneer of hybrid production.

• Top system: LASERTEC 65 DED hybrid
• Special feature: A fully-fledged 5-axis simultaneous milling machine combined with a DED print head. A component can be constructed additively in the machine and precisely milled in the same operation.
• Focus: Tool and mold making, repair of turbine parts.

5. Summary comparison table

Manufacturer	System (example)	Technology	Special strength
EOS	M 400-4	PBF	Highest process maturity, certifications, scalability
Nikon SLM Solutions	NXG XII 600	PBF	Brachial construction speed thanks to 12 lasers
TRUMPF	TruPrint 5000	PBF	Processing of pure copper (Green Laser)
WAAM3D	RoboWAAM	WAAM	Comprehensive in-situ control & software for large titanium parts
MX3D	MX3D M1	WAAM	Software (MetalXL) to control any robot
Meltio	Meltio Engine	DED (wire)	Outstanding price-performance ratio, plug & play integration
DMG MORI	LASERTEC 65 hybrid	DED + CNC	Construction and machining in one machine

6. Conclusion and recommendation for action

If you want to print complex, delicate parts or components with internal channels, you usually use PBF systems (EOS, SLM, TRUMPF). For huge raw parts where costs and build rate are crucial, WAAM (WAAM3D, Gefertec) is unbeatable. When it comes to repairs, wear protection or direct post-processing on the same machine, DED (Meltio, DMG MORI) is the method of choice.

Use the systems and manufacturer profiles listed on Welding3D to contact the providers directly and request benchmark components (test prints).