How Spectrum Technology Reduced Machine Component Costs with Markforged

Custom machinery development demands flexibility. For Spectrum Technology, led by CEO Jonas Zitek, outsourcing machined components made design changes expensive and slowed progress.

The Challenge: Custom Components and Changing Designs

While developing a repackaging and marking system for a Swedish customer, the company needed approximately 25–30 bespoke mechanical components. Producing these in CNC-machined aluminium would introduce supplier lead times and make revisions harder to accommodate.

The Solution: In-House Printing with the Markforged X7

Spectrum Technology redesigned suitable components for production on its existing Markforged X7, using Onyx.

The team incorporated Eiger Simulation and Performance Advisor to assess performance and refine material usage before printing.

The Results: Lower Costs and Faster Iteration

Markforged reports that component costs fell from approximately €220 for machining to around €27 for printing, describing the saving as 85%.

Design changes that previously involved weeks of validation could now move through redesign, simulation and printing within hours. This gave the engineering team greater freedom to respond to evolving requirements.

Exploring Composite 3D Printing for Your Machinery

For manufacturers considering a similar approach, a useful starting point is to identify components that require frequent revisions, involve costly outsourcing or are needed in small quantities.

The Markforged X7 supports applications including fixtures, tooling and functional parts. Its continuous fibre reinforcement capability provides additional options for components requiring greater strength. Material selection and reinforcement should match the requirements of each application.

Discuss Your Application with Chemtron

At Chemtron, we help businesses in Singapore and Malaysia explore Markforged additive manufacturing solutions. Our application engineers can discuss material properties, potential applications and where 3D printing fits into your operations.

Interested in evaluating a component? Contact our team to discuss your requirements or arrange a demonstration.