Scrap Labs, a Colorado-based additive manufacturing startup, unveiled the Scrap 1 — a compact laser powder-bed fusion metal 3D printer — at the Rocky Mountain RepRap Festival in Loveland, Colorado, which took place from April 18–19, 2026. The company is hoping to bring industrial-level metal additive manufacturing into the hands of individual builders, small manufacturers, research labs, and schools that have traditionally been priced out of the technology.
Metal 3D printing is one of the most compelling manufacturing technologies available today. It can produce fully functional parts with complex internal geometries, intricate lattice structures, and near-full material density that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to machine by conventional means.
Build Volume |
100×100×100 mm (~4×4×4 in) |
Physical Dimensions |
43W×50D×57H cm (16.9W×19.7D×22.4H in) |
Weight |
30 kg (66 lb) |
AC Input |
100-240V AC, 50-60 Hz, single phase |
Power Consumption |
500W max (250W avg) |
Working Temp |
10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F) |
Spot Size |
~135 µm (~0.0053 in) |
Layer |
20-100 µm (0.0008-0.004 in) |
Despite those advantages, metal printing remains far less accessible than its plastic counterpart. The problem is that until very recently, metal 3D printing has been almost entirely unreachable for anyone outside a well-funded industrial operation. Entry-level systems from established players like EOS or Trumpf typically run well above $200,000 (£148,198), and require three-phase electrical infrastructure, dedicated floor space, and extensive safety systems for handling reactive metal powder.
Even the more affordable end-of-market machines from companies like Xact Metal, which has made a point of targeting smaller buyers, start at around $65,000 (£48,164) and still require a proper lab environment.
Scrap Labs says it wants to change that. The company describes its mission as making advanced metal printing radically more affordable and practical, while maintaining genuine industrial capability, so that builders and makers can prototype, iterate, and deploy high-performance metal parts without a six-figure machine. Scrap Labs is also emphasizing open workflows, browser-based controls, and compatibility with familiar slicing software rather than locking users into a closed ecosystem.
Its first product, the Scrap 1 machine, is a compact platform designed for workbench use. The machine uses laser powder bed fusion — a metal 3D printing technique that works by spreading thin layers of fine metal powder across a build platform and melting them selectively with a high-powered laser, layer by layer, until the complete 3D geometry forms.
Scrab Lab brings this capability into a compact machine with the following specs:
For cooling, the machine combines liquid and air systems, while a HEPA filter handles filtration. Supported materials include stainless steel, tool steel, copper, nickel alloys, and cobalt chrome, covering a wide range of prototyping and production needs. Connectivity includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, and a web dashboard, while the firmware is based on Klipper. The machine also supports ScrapSlicer, PrusaSlicer, and OrcaSlicer workflows.
The machine could open new opportunities for university labs, vocational schools, automotive repair shops, motorsport garages, jewelry makers, product design studios, maintenance departments, small contract manufacturers, and serious enthusiasts. Instead of outsourcing every metal prototype or waiting weeks for machined parts, users could potentially produce components in-house on demand.
As of now, Scrap 1 is not yet shipping. Pre-orders are open, with kits starting at $9,600 (£7,133) under limited-time founder pricing, rising to $14,200 (£10,522) after April 30, 2026. Fully assembled and tested systems start at $17,990 (£13,330). Shipments are expected to begin in early 2027. Prospective buyers can either place a fully refundable deposit for priority access or join a free waitlist for updates and early production slots.
The company completed its proof-of-concept phase in December 2025 and is currently in Phase 02, onboarding alpha testers and integrating early partners. Phase 03, planned for December 2026, will scale beta testing with broader field feedback. Full production launch is targeted for June 2027, with initial shipments to US customers. Hopefully we will be able to test one and see for ourselves if it makes the grade as one of the best 3D printers.
