Why Manufacturers Are Replacing Metal Parts With High-Performance 3D Printed Polymers

Manufacturers worldwide are rethinking the role of metal in production. Not because metal is failing — but because better options are now within reach. High-performance polymers, reinforced and engineered for demanding applications, are proving they can do the job — often better, faster, and at a lower cost.

At Chemtron, we supply industrial 3D printers from Markforged, a leader in composite and metal additive manufacturing. These printers are built for production environments where strength, precision, and speed matter. What makes them stand out is their ability to produce parts that compete directly with metal components — without the weight, machining time, or expense.

A big part of this capability comes from Onyx®, Markforged’s flagship composite base material. Onyx is a micro carbon fiber-filled nylon that delivers parts with exceptional accuracy and a near-perfect surface finish. It balances strength, toughness, and chemical resistance, making it one of the most versatile materials in the field. Used alone, it already outperforms many traditional plastics. But when reinforced with Markforged’s continuous fibers, Onyx parts can match the strength of aluminum — all while being lighter and faster to produce. Today, over a million Onyx parts are in active use across industries, reshaping the way manufacturers approach their toughest challenges.

This isn’t about replacing metal, it’s about applying the right material where it makes the most sense — and in many cases, advanced polymers are that solution. They’re tough, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and much faster to produce. Whether it’s jigs, fixtures, spare parts, or even final-use components, Markforged machines give manufacturers the freedom to move faster without compromising quality.

Here’s what you gain:

• Shorter Lead Times — Skip outsourcing and produce parts in-house, on your schedule.
• Reduced Costs — Lower material and production costs, while extending the life of your tooling.
• More Design Freedom — Create complex geometries and custom parts that traditional methods can’t easily achieve.

Chemtron works closely with manufacturers to integrate Markforged technology into existing operations. We’re not here to sell hype — we’re here to deliver practical solutions that make a real impact on your bottom line.