The Innstek MX-Lab CL 5 is a laboratory-scale direct energy deposition (DED) system that utilizes 500 W continuous-wave fiber laser and a coaxial powder delivery system to deposit metal powder onto a substrate. A key feature of the MX-Lab CL 5 system is the ability to simultaneously feed from different hoppers during a build for multi-material or graded material deposition.

The system features a 3-axis motion platform and supports processing of steels, titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, and various other metal powder. To accommodate oxidation-sensitive materials, the MX-Lab CL 5 is equipped with a purge system that enables printing in an inert atmosphere at a 50 ppm O2 content. This feature minimizes contamination and improve material quality.  

The system is also equipped with a vision feedback system that enables real-time process control and maintains a stable melt pool throughout the build by adjusting the laser power. This enables precise deposition of materials during printing improving repeatability, minimize defects and optimize layer bonding.