Markforged FX10

We worked closely with Markforged to create the FX10, a groundbreaking leap in industrial 3D printing, designed to bring industrial parts to the point of need. By redefining industrial printing standards, the FX10 exemplifies a seamless marriage of innovation and accessibility, setting a new benchmark for printers in its category. The success of the FX10 was recognised in Markforged’s wins at the 2025 iF Design Awards, 2024 Spark Design Awards, and the 2024 Good Design Awards.

Enhancing accessibility in 3D printing

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Massachusetts, Markforged is a leader in additive manufacturing, offering a robust portfolio of industrial and metal 3D printers, software, and materials.

As industries increasingly adopt digital tools and automation, there is a growing demand for equipment that not only performs at a high level but is also easy to use and maintain. Our challenge was to elevate the standard of industrial 3D printers by integrating the refined aesthetics and repeatable quality of consumer devices at a lower cost, enhancing both accessibility and usability without compromising performance.

While Markforged brought a strong foundation in manufacturing technology, the complexity of this project required a deep understanding of both the technical requirements of high-capacity 3D printing and the user experience design needed to make these capabilities accessible.

Balancing industrial durability with consumer-friendly design

We started by learning the needs of users and pushing it into a more consumer-friendly space, all while maintaining the durability and performance required for industrial environments.

To drive down manufacturing costs, we shifted to a panel-on-frame construction that offers the same high-quality fit and finish as previous milled or bent solutions. Through tight integration between design and engineering and drawing on our hands-on experience with similar tools in the space, we presented bold ideas that stretched what was possible, collaborating closely with Markforged’s engineering team to ensure these innovations could be seamlessly manufactured.

Our vision also extended to the user’s experience with the printing process – advocating for a wrap-around visor that maximises visibility making it easier to glance at the prints and quickly check everything is working. The result is one of the most open and transparent metal 3D printers on the market.

With strategically placed components and piston-assisted mechanisms to help list the heavy visor screen, the FX10 delivers intuitive interaction on par with modern consumer electronics. Another benefit to the FX10 is its ability to print both composite and flexible metal filaments. This fusion of cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and manufacturing efficiency sets the FX10 apart as a leader in its class, driving the brand’s growth and enhancing user satisfaction.

Building towards a sustainable future

The FX10 is not just a tool for today’s manufacturing needs but a step towards a more sustainable future. By enabling the production of parts on-demand, it reduces waste and inventory overhead. Its capability to produce parts strong enough for use in final products can significantly lower the carbon footprint associated with traditional manufacturing processes. It can also unlock the capability to craft bespoke end-use parts for a myriad of applications that confer societal advantages. Whether it’s tailored hand controls for disabled drivers, crafting prosthetics for veterans, or engineering robust tools for wind turbine maintenance to prevent costly downtime – the possibilities are boundless.

The FX10 exemplifies this shift by bringing the reliability and precision of industrial-grade machinery into a benchtop form factor, making advanced manufacturing capabilities more accessible to a broader range of users.

The successful launch of the FX10 has enabled Markforged to strengthen their position in the market and enhance their credibility as a leader in both manufacturing technology and user-centred design. The FX10 was recognised at the 2025 iF Design Awards, won gold at the 2024 Spark Design Awards and was also triumphant at the Good Design Awards in 2024 in the Industrial category.