Metal 3D Printing: Desktop Metal vs. Markforged – Who’s Leading the Race?
Metal 3D printing is making waves in manufacturing, from aerospace to automotive to medical sectors. Two names dominate the conversation right now: Desktop Metal and Markforged. Both companies are innovating at lightning speed, bringing metal additive manufacturing to the front lines of production. But with both investing heavily in R&D and launching new products, which one truly stands out in 2024?
Let’s break down what’s new, what’s working, and what each company brings to the table. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a small manufacturer, or just curious about how things are made today, here’s your all-access look into the current battle brewing in the world of metal 3D printing.
What Is Metal 3D Printing and Why Does It Matter?
Metal 3D printing, or metal additive manufacturing, allows manufacturers to build strong metal parts layer by layer. Unlike traditional methods that involve cutting or molding, metal 3D printing produces designs that are complex, lightweight, and more efficient — reducing material waste and production time.
This is especially useful in industries like:
- Aerospace: Where every gram of weight shaved off can save thousands of dollars in fuel.
- Medical: Customized implants and tools that are difficult to mass-produce traditionally.
- Automotive: Quick-turn prototypes and specialty parts.
According to a Grand View Research report, the global market for metal 3D printing is expected to reach USD 28.94 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.3%.
The Contenders: Overview of Desktop Metal vs. Markforged
Desktop Metal, based in Burlington, Massachusetts, was founded in 2015. It gained rapid attention by promising affordable and fast metal printing for offices and shops rather than just large industrial settings. The company went public in 2020 via a SPAC merger and expanded its portfolio through acquisitions like EnvisionTEC and ExOne.
Markforged, headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, began in 2013. Unlike Desktop Metal, it started with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer printing but quickly moved into metal. Its Metal X system, launched in 2017, became popular due to its ease of use, safety, and compact footprint. Markforged IPO’d in 2021 and continues to focus on reliability and decentralizing manufacturing.
Let’s take a deeper look at how they stack up side by side.
1. Technology Comparison
Desktop Metal offers two core printing platforms based on its patented technologies:
- Single Pass Jetting (SPJ): Best for mass production. High speed and designed for throughput.
- Bound Metal Deposition (BMD): Best for low to mid-volume production, prototyping, and office-friendly environments.
Markforged, in contrast, relies heavily on:
- Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM): A unique process combining metal powder and polymer binders, making the printing process safer and more accessible.
Here’s a quick technology comparison table:
| Desktop Metal | Markforged | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Technology | BMD & SPJ | ADAM |
| Print Speed | Very fast (SPJ) | Moderate |
| Material Cost | Varied (bulk options available) | Higher (proprietary) |
| Ease of Use | Industrial setup needed | Plug-and-play; safer |
| Best For | Mass production, high throughput | Small to medium part runs, on-site integration |
2. Product Line
In 2024, Desktop Metal is leveraging its production-focused strategy with the Shop System™, Production System™, and dental-specific solutions. The company’s technology can print in over 30 qualified metal materials.
Markforged’s updated Metal X System is now part of a unified Digital Forge ecosystem. This includes cloud-based software (Eiger) for seamless design-to-print processes and a centralized device monitoring system.
Use case example: A car part supplier uses Desktop Metal’s Production System to print 10,000 precision gear knobs per week. That same supplier may use Markforged’s Metal X on-site for emergency part replacements without waiting for shipping logistics.
3. Market Position & Financial Health
Both companies went public—Desktop Metal in 2020 and Markforged in 2021. However, they’ve followed different strategies since then.
Desktop Metal: Although reporting losses, the company is pushing productivity at scale. Its acquisition of binder jetting leader ExOne and biomaterials firm Beacon Bio signals ambition, but also raises questions. Investors are watching closely. According to 2023’s Q4 earnings call, Desktop Metal expects to turn EBITDA positive by late 2024.
Markforged: Known for maintaining a leaner operation, Markforged has also faced profitability obstacles. However, it has stuck to serving specific use cases like tool and fixture printing, robotic parts, and aerospace brackets. Its 2023 revenue was $101 million, just shy of earlier forecasts, but it boasts lower burn rates compared to Desktop Metal.
A glance at stock comparison from Yahoo Finance as of April 2024:
| Company | Stock Price | Market Cap | 2023 Revenue |
| Desktop Metal (DM) | $0.90 | $300M | $200M+ |
| Markforged (MKFG) | $1.30 | $280M | $101M |
4. Innovation and Patents
Innovation is heating up. As of early 2024:
Desktop Metal holds over 725 patents, with a focus on binder jetting and materials science.
Markforged owns over 250 patents, emphasizing part durability, cloud software, and digital inventory tracking.
Markforged’s ecosystem edge is its full integration — combining hardware, software, and materials into a seamless package. Desktop Metal, on the other hand, is focusing on speed, variety of materials, and industrial throughput.
5. Environmental Impact
Sustainability is big on the agenda.
Desktop Metal claims its SPJ process dramatically reduces material waste. Their systems require fewer steps and energy input compared to powder bed fusion (used by competitors like EOS and SLM Solutions).
Markforged has also made strides in reducing energy consumption and promoting distributed manufacturing. By allowing parts to be printed closer to where they’re used, companies reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions.
Customer Experience & Support
From feedback across social media and review platforms:
- Desktop Metal users report impressive throughput and quality but say support can be patchy due to rapid scaling.
- Markforged gets high marks for software, ease of use, and responsive customer support.
Both offer educational resources and webinars for users. Markforged leads slightly with its beautifully integrated Eiger software, letting teams collaborate, simulate, and print within one cloud solution.
What’s New in 2024?
Both companies kicked off 2024 with new announcements:
- Desktop Metal revealed a roadmap for tooling solutions, targeting injection molding industry pain points.
- Markforged just introduced a new alloy (Inconel 625) integration into their platform for extreme heat-resistance parts.
Also noteworthy: Desktop Metal was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to expand deployable 3D printing systems. Markforged has also landed aerospace contracts this year, showing increasing trust from government sectors.
Which Metal 3D Printer Is Right For You?
Choosing between these two often boils down to what your business needs:
- Need high-volume part production? Desktop Metal might suit your needs better.
- Need a compact, user-friendly machine for on-site jobs? Markforged could be your go-to.
For example, a university lab may prefer Markforged’s ease of use and robust safety safeguards. However, a large parts manufacturer might lean into Desktop Metal’s Production System for cost-per-part savings at scale.
The Bottom Line: Innovation vs. Integration
Both Desktop Metal and Markforged are pushing the boundaries in different ways. Desktop Metal is betting on becoming the factory of the future, while Markforged is taking precision tools to the shop floor, empowering small teams around the globe.
If you’re considering investing in metal 3D printing, staying up to date with both brands is smart. Whether you’re keeping track of stock prices, researching devices for your company, or exploring new technologies, the race between these two is far from over.
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Geographic relevance: United States and international markets.