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Can you really trust a $200,000 DMLS Metal 3D printer?

May 8, 2025 10:45:19 AM

That question came from Shane Jetton during a conversation—and it stuck with me.  In an industry full of big promises and even bigger price tags, it's a fair question to ask.  At M5D (formerly MasterGraphics), we've been deeply involved in metal additive manufacturing for years.  And like many others in this space, we've made some expensive mistakes—investing in systems that didn't live up to the hype.  So when One Click Metal approached us about becoming a reseller,  our initial reaction was skepticism.  Affordable DMLS printing with industrial-grade output? It sounded like another lofty promise. But after doing the research—speaking with other resellers, end users, and evaluating their product line—we decided to move forward.

One Year In:  One of Our Best Decisions in Additive Manufacturing

Now, nearly a year later, we've installed over 10 One Click Metal systems across a range of customers—from small shops to enterprises.  And we're confident in saying this was one of the two best AM decisions we've made in the last decade (the other being HP in 2017).

Here's why:

1. Simplified & Safer Powder Handling

One Click's cartridge-based powder management system drastically reduces direct interaction with metal powders, improving both safety and cleanliness on the shop floor.  The integrated MPURE station automates depowdering and sieving, making unused powder easy to recycle and reuse—a crucial feature for cost control and sustainability.

Pulverkreislauf_Grafik_19202.  Industrial-Grade Hardware in an Accessible Package

Despite its compact size and lower price point, the MPRINT+ system is packed with serious performance:

  • 200W Fiber Laser
  • Galvo Scanner with scan speeds up to 3000 mm/s
  • Focus diameter of 45 microns
  • Build Volume of 150 x 150 x 150 mm

This makes the system ideal for both prototyping and low-volume production.

MPRINT_open_02-23. Cost-Effective and Scalable

Lead with price?! I always believe that any solution needs to start wit the "pain" first to see if there is even a solution.  The clear ground breaking part of the system is a total system price around $200,000, One Click offers a far more accessible entry point into metal AM compared to traditional DMLS systems, which often exceed $800k.

Want to break it down even further?  You're looking at about $5K/month, including equipment and maintenance.   That's a very manageable entry point—and a strong starting ROI for SMBs, service bureaus, or educational institutions.  

4. Modular Design for Future-Proofing

The BOLDSERIES platform includes:

  • MPRINT+ Printer
    • Ask me about the lab print module - an innovative way to run different materials!
  • MPURE Processing Station
  • MONE 3D Print Software

This modular ecosystem makes upgrades and servicing far more manageable, ensuring that customers can scale their system as their needs evolve.

ocm system5. Remote Monitoring & Control

Through the MONE software, users can remotely control and monitor print jobs from anywhere—ideal for busy teams or distributed production environments.

mone1

Real-World Performance: Side-by-Side with the Big Guys

We've installed One Click systems alongside legacy DMLS systems that cost nearly four times as much—and the results are comparable.  That's not just a selling point, that's proof.  While no system is perfect—and One Click continues to improve, especially in their OS—we're confident in the solutions.  So confident, in fact, that we've personally guaranteed success to our customers.  

big guys - ocm

Final Thoughts

If you've been skeptical of metal AM systems, you're not alone.  If you've been burned in the past, we've been there too.  But the One Click Metal system is the real deal:  safe, scalable, and affordable—without sacrificing performance.  So, can you trust a $200K DMLS system?

Yes—you can!

And we believe it's changing the landscape of metal 3D printing.

If you'd like to see it in action, learn more, or talk to other customers, we'd be happy to connect you with the right people—even if you're outside our region.

M5D One Click Metal webpage

Thanks for reading!

Kevin Carr
President | M5D
kcarr@m5d.com

 

Kevin Carr

Written by Kevin Carr

I have the privilege of leading MasterGraphics — which truly is more than a company but a cohesive family. MG has evolved over the years and our team continues to evolve to help our clients leverage both 2D Wide Format and 3D Printing effectively. My role is to ensure that MG continues in the same legacy it was built on – Midwest Values, Client Focused, Family oriented, Innovative, Evolving, and most of all a great place to work and a great company for our customers to partner with. I spent many years as a sales rep for Xerox, took some time to be a stay at home dad, and then was fortunate enough to join MasterGraphics as a sales manager. Overtime I moved into my current role as the leader for MG. I have enjoyed leveraging my history in wide format print and also was fortunate enough to leverage our 3D print business to really set up the next evolution of the company.