At MX3D, we’re continuously exploring new materials to unlock greater possibilities for robotic 3D metal printing with Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). In collaboration with Novametal, a supplier of premium welding materials, we recently carried out a comprehensive series of material qualification tests. The goal is to determine whether selected Novametal alloys meet the mechanical and quality standards required for WAAM applications, and to expand our library of materials for our customers with the M1/MX Metal AM Systems.
This publication outlines the results of this testing campaign, covering tensile strength, impact resistance, and bend performance for two high-performance alloys: Aluminium ER5183 and Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3.

Materials Overview: Why These Alloys?

WAAM opens up possibilities for producing large, complex metal parts with a shorter lead time than conventional methods. However, not every material behaves the same under arc-based additive manufacturing, and ensuring weldability, mechanical integrity, and repeatability is essential.
With Novametal, we selected two wires to test their performance with WAAM:

  • Aluminium ER5183 — a high-strength aluminium alloy commonly used in shipbuilding, offshore structures, and cryogenic applications, and
  • Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3 (ERNiCrMo-3) — a corrosion-resistant, high-performance nickel-based alloy designed for aggressive environments such as chemical processing, marine, and energy sectors.

It’s key that welding wires for WAAM deliver stable arc characteristics, consistent feed, and high mechanical performance in the as-printed condition. These tests aim to validate whether the selected Novametal alloys meet those demanding criteria.

 

Testing Methods: ASME-Driven Assurance

The material tests were conducted following ASME Section IX, Article VI guidelines, ensuring a rigorous and industry-approved methodology.
For each material, we produced both thin (5mm) and thick (50mm) WAAM-printed test pieces using MX3D’s robotic WAAM systems. These samples were then subjected to:

  • Tensile Tests — to measure Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Yield Tensile Strength (YTS), and elongation (A%).
  • Impact Tests — performed at relevant temperatures to assess toughness.
  • Bend Tests — evaluating ductility and weld soundness.

All Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) reports, X-rays, and mechanical testing data were documented throughout the process.

 

Test Results Per Alloy

The test results for the aluminium ER5183 wire were as follows:

Aluminium ER5183
Thin (5mm) Samples

  • UTS: 282 MPa
  • Bend Test: Acceptable

Thick (50mm) Samples
UTS: 286 MPa

  • YTS: 128 MPa
  • Elongation (A%): 30%
  • Impact Test @20°C: 30 J
  • Bend Test: Acceptable

 

Summary: The ER5183 alloy demonstrated good weldability and mechanical performance in both thicknesses, with consistent UTS values and acceptable ductility for structural WAAM applications.

 

The test results for the nickel alloy NiCrMo-3 were as follows:

Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3
Thin (5mm) Samples

  • UTS: 616 MPa
  • Bend Test: Acceptable

Thick (50mm) Samples

  • UTS: 683 MPa
  • YTS: 401 MPa
  • Elongation (A%): 58%
  • Impact Test @-196°C: 219 J
  • Bend Test: Acceptable

 

Summary: NiCrMo-3 exhibited excellent strength, ductility, and remarkable toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Its performance confirms its suitability for demanding energy, offshore, and marine applications via WAAM.

 

Conclusion: New Materials, New Possibilities

The successful qualification of Aluminium ER5183 and Nickel Alloy NiCrMo-3 marks a significant addition to the range of alloys compatible with MX3D’s M1 and MX Metal AM Systems. Both materials demonstrated consistent weldability and mechanical integrity, meeting the stringent demands of ASME Section IX testing.
What does this mean for you?
If your projects require corrosion-resistant nickel alloys or high-strength aluminium components, MX3D can now print them. Whether you’re looking to manufacture in-house with your own M1/MX Metal System or order custom parts from our Amsterdam production facility, these new qualified materials are available for your next application.
Contact us today to discuss the quality of printing your metal parts with WAAM and discover how MX3D can help you manufacture smarter, faster, and more flexibly.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 13th May 2025 – MX3D, a pioneer in robotic metal 3D printing technology, has raised €7 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate its international growth. The funding round was led by EDF Pulse Ventures, the corporate venture investment arm of the French energy leader EDF, with participation from ING Sustainable Investments and the continued support from existing investor PDENH.

MX3D’s advanced Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology offers a breakthrough alternative to traditional casting and forging methods for complex, high-value metal parts. The process cuts material waste by more than 80%, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits.

MX3D’s flagship product is the M1 Metal AM System, which empowers companies to bring production of large and complex metal parts in-house. This boosts flexibility, slashes costs, and reduces significant manufacturing lead times.

With this strategic backing, MX3D will fast-track global deployment of its range of 3D printing Systems and expand its rapidly growing Print-on-Demand services. Trusted by leading organizations including BMW Group, Framatome, and the US Army, the company is already active in the Energy (Oil and Gas, Nuclear), Maritime, and Aerospace sectors and is now poised to scale into new industrial sectors.

Scaling for the Future

To meet global demand, MX3D is expanding its Amsterdam facility with a new production hall equipped with six additional systems capable of printing up to 20 tonnes of metal parts. This expansion brings the company’s total number of systems to 15, including several systems dedicated to material innovation and the continued development of its proprietary MetalXL Software.

On the commercial front, MX3D is expanding its global sales network with local partners through strategic partnerships. A recent collaboration with Phillips Corporation is set to accelerate adoption among US federal clients.

Recent certifications, including ISO 9001 and a successful API 20S audit conducted by two major Oil & Gas players, further reinforce MX3D’s readiness to serve mission-critical industrial applications.

Strategic Backing

Framatome, a worldwide nuclear leader for Nuclear Steam Supply System design, supply, construction, maintenance, and modernization, associated services (maintenance and IT security), as well as fuel design and fabrication, was among the first to adopt MX3D’s technology and sees it as a game-changer for nuclear manufacturing.

With strong backing from EDF Pulse Ventures, PDENH, and ING, MX3D is uniquely positioned to reshape the future of industrial metal production.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of such a strong consortium of investors as we enter this next growth phase,” said Gijs van der Velden, CEO of MX3D. “This investment will enable us to scale up our operations, further develop our technology, and bring the benefits of robotic metal 3D printing to even more industries worldwide.”

“EDF Pulse Ventures’ investment in MX3D demonstrates our commitment to fostering breakthrough technologies that support a carbon-neutral future. At EDF, we see several advantages to using metal additive manufacturing in our industry, including cost and lead time gains. That is why we are proud to contribute to MX3D global scaling,” said Julien Villeret, Chief Innovation Officer at EDF Group.

“Over the past three years, we have been closely collaborating with MX3D to develop and validate the robotic metal 3D printing for our nuclear applications. MX3D technology has consistently demonstrated the reliable, repeatable, quality, performance, and flexibility that are necessary to meet our high standard requirements. This partnership has laid a strong foundation of trust and innovation, and we’re excited to see how our support with EDF Group will introduce a new phase of growth. We believe that MX3D solutions will play a key role in the future of industrial manufacturing.” Mohamed ZOUARI, Senior Manager, Head of Framatome Advanced & Additive Manufacturing.

Governance Update

As part of the investment, MX3D welcomes Michel Hunsicker (who represents EDF Pulse Ventures) and Tibor van Melsem Kocsis (who represents PDENH) to its Board of Directors. Their combined experience in venture capital, advanced manufacturing, and the energy sector will support MX3D’s next stage of growth.

About MX3D

MX3D is a leading innovator in 3D metal printing known as WAAM or arc-DED, focused on advancing manufacturing capabilities through additive manufacturing technology. The company offers turnkey solutions that enable workshops to produce complex metal parts in-house, reducing the need for traditional casting and forging. With applications spanning nuclear, oil and gas, and maritime sectors, MX3D is revolutionizing how critical metal parts are designed, produced, and delivered in high-impact industries. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. MX3D’s accomplishments have been lauded with prizes like the several 3D Printing Challenge awards, the STARTS Prize from the European Commission for the best Technology Project in 2018, and the American Welding Society’s ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ in 2024.

About EDF

A major player in the energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all business lines: generation, distribution, trading, energy sales, and energy services. The world leader in low-carbon energies, with decarbonised generation of 490 TWh, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydro) and is investing in new technologies to support the energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a CO2-neutral energy future that reconciles preservation of the planet, well-being, and development, thanks to electricity and innovative solutions and services. The Group supplies energy and services to around 41.5 million customers(1) and generated sales of €118.7 billion in 2024.
(1) The customer portfolio comprises electricity, gas, and recurring services contracts.

Within the EDF Group, EDF Pulse Ventures identifies new activities and innovative solutions provided by start-ups in which the Group wishes to invest as part of a corporate venture capital (CVC) approach to help build a carbon-neutral future. Investments are made via EDF Pulse Holding, a venture capital and support structure dedicated to innovation.

About ING Sustainable Investments

ING Sustainable Investments is the EUR 500 million sustainable investment fund of ING committed to sustainable startups, scale-ups, and mature companies that have a proven technology or business concept and make a positive environmental impact on the energy transition and circular economy. ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base offering banking services through its operating company, ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is to empower people to stay one step ahead in life and business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 40 countries. For more information or to contact ING Sustainable Investments, please visit ING Sustainable Investments.

About PDENH

The Participatiefonds Duurzame Economie Noord-Holland (PDENH) is a regional impact investment fund established by the Province of North Holland to drive the transition toward a sustainable and circular economy. Since 2014, PDENH has invested over €70 million in innovative projects and companies focused on the energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable mobility. The fund targets early-stage and scale-up ventures, providing equity and debt financing between €250,000 to €3 million. Managed by ROM InWest, in partnership with KplusV, and StartGreen Capital, PDENH fosters sustainable economic activity, employment, and innovation in the region. Since becoming a closed-end fund in September 2023, PDENH now focuses on follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies, managing outstanding loans, and strategically exiting successful portfolio companies. PDENH has supported MX3D in its pre-seed, seed, and current funding rounds.

About the MX3D Founders

Recognizing the potential of additive manufacturing but frustrated by its limited scale, the founders set out in 2011 to take 3D printing to the next level. Their goal was to scale up the technology and amplify its positive environmental impact. After a successful innovation phase within the Joris Laarman Lab, MX3D was officially founded by Joris Laarman, Anita Star, Tim Geurtjens, and Gijs van der Velden.

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