Machine Comparison
Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ vs Velo3D Sapphire XC
Velo3D vs Velo3D · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ and Velo3D Sapphire XC are both from Velo3D's metal additive manufacturing lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Velo3D ecosystem. The Velo3D Sapphire XC leads in laser power (8 x 1 kW fiber lasers vs 2 x 1 kW fiber lasers). The Velo3D Sapphire XC shows specification advantages in 5 categories, though the Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a metal additive manufacturing.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ | Velo3D Sapphire XC |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 2 x 1 kW fiber lasers | 8 x 1 kW fiber lasers ▲ |
| Build Volume | 315 mm dia x 1,000 mm H (12.4 x 39.4 in) | 600 mm dia x 550 mm H (23.6 x 21.7 in) ▲ |
| Laser Count | 2 | 8 ▲ |
| Layer Thickness | 50 - 100 um (0.002 - 0.004 in) | 50 - 100 um (0.002 - 0.004 in) |
| Min Feature Size | Approx. 150 um (0.006 in) | Approx. 150 um (0.006 in) |
| Supported Materials | Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Ti-6Al-4V, Hastelloy X | Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Ti-6Al-4V, Hastelloy X, Al F357, stainless steels |
| Recoater Type | Non-contact recoater | Non-contact recoater |
| Min Overhang Angle | Sub-5 degrees (SupportFree) | Sub-5 degrees (SupportFree) |
| Atmosphere | Argon inert gas | Argon inert gas |
| Software | Flow (print prep), Assure (quality management) | Flow (print prep), Assure (quality management) |
| Process Monitoring | Intelligent Fusion — real-time thermal and deformation monitoring | Intelligent Fusion — real-time thermal and deformation monitoring |
| Machine Dimensions | Approx. 2,600 x 1,600 x 3,400 mm (102 x 63 x 134 in) | Approx. 3,500 x 2,400 x 3,000 mm (138 x 94 x 118 in) ▲ |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) | Approx. 7,000 kg (15,432 lb) ▲ |
| Power Requirements | 3-phase, 480V, 60A | 3-phase, 480V, 100A |
| Price Range | $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 ▲ | $2,000,000 - $3,500,000 |
Advantages
Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ
- More competitive pricing at $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 compared to $2,000,000 - $3,500,000
- Backed by Velo3D's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Space propulsion companies printing regeneratively cooled combustion chambers and thrust assemblies as single pieces
Velo3D Sapphire XC
- Superior laser power at 8 x 1 kW fiber lasers vs 2 x 1 kW fiber lasers
- Superior build volume at 600 mm dia x 550 mm H (23.6 x 21.7 in) vs 315 mm dia x 1,000 mm H (12.4 x 39.4 in)
- Superior laser count at 8 vs 2
- Superior machine dimensions at Approx. 3,500 x 2,400 x 3,000 mm (138 x 94 x 118 in) vs Approx. 2,600 x 1,600 x 3,400 mm (102 x 63 x 134 in)
- Superior machine weight at Approx. 7,000 kg (15,432 lb) vs Approx. 4,500 kg (9,921 lb)
Verdict
The Velo3D Sapphire XC edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in Laser Power and Build Volume. However, the Velo3D Sapphire 1MZ remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.