Introduction
Desktop metal printing competition is shifting from compact dimensions toward reliable production.
In October 2026, Nanjixiong learned that Riton Additive had launched MCUBE, a new bottom-fed desktop SLM printer. The first release under its top-fed/bottom-fed dual-route strategy targets precision metal parts in small and medium batches.
From MLAB to MCUBE: two powder-feeding routes
Riton was among China's early adopters of metal printing in dentistry and has over 25 years of laser equipment production experience. In 2024, it introduced the dental-focused desktop MLAB, with a footprint of 0.36 square meters and capacity to process 100 crowns or seven frameworks in 2.5 hours. Applications later expanded into education, research, practical training, competitions and jewelry customization.
In April 2026, Riton broadened its strategy from dental metal printing to solutions across industrial sectors and presented its industrial equipment portfolio. MCUBE represents a structural change within the desktop line. The established top-fed MLAB route supports standardized larger-batch production, while bottom feeding targets precise control and particular applications, beginning with MCUBE.
Bottom feeding: controlled recoating and over 30% higher powder utilization
The principal difference is its feed architecture. Conventional top-fed systems let powder fall to the recoating area, potentially creating airborne dust, scattering and uneven layers. MCUBE raises precisely metered powder from below, controlling each recoating cycle.
Three benefits are identified:
1. Powder utilization improves by more than 30%. On-demand feeding reduces scattering and waste, lowering material costs for titanium and cobalt-chromium alloys in batch work.
2. Cleaner operation and reduced maintenance. A dust-free chamber design protects laser optics from contamination and reduces cleaning frequency.
3. Faster material changes. The chamber can be wiped without dismantling drive shafts, doubling switching efficiency. This is useful for dental trials and multimaterial research.
Standard 220 V power and no external water chiller
Deployment is the second key difference. MCUBE is fully air-cooled and runs from a standard 220 V household supply. It measures 630 × 640 × 870 mm and weighs approximately 140 kg, with desktop deployment as its intended format.
Build dimensions are 100 mm in diameter by 80 mm high. A 300 W or 500 W single-mode fiber laser supports adjustable layers of 20–60 μm and materials including cobalt-chromium, titanium and stainless steel. The moderate volume targets precision batches, with accuracy and stability aligned with industrial standards for dental production, medical accessories, research specimens and small precision components.
Software combines intelligent production scheduling and deformation compensation to control batch dimensional consistency. A sealed, low-oxygen chamber helps prevent oxidation and discoloration and maintain surface quality and density.
MCUBE and MLAB at DTC Shanghai
Both machines will appear at Riton's DTC Shanghai booth on October 22–25, 2026. Samples include precision dental parts, fine open structures and thin-walled components, demonstrating dimensional consistency and surface quality.
Exhibition: 2026 International Dental Equipment Exhibition.
Booths: C24–25 and C55–56, first floor of Hall 1, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Dates: October 22–25, 2026.
Nanjixiong's observation: competition moves from price toward production systems
In 2025, several desktop SLM suppliers brought pricing into the RMB 100,000 range, shifting metal printing from million-yuan industrial systems toward desktop production tools. Lower prices are only a first step. Reliable output and support for precision batches determine practical adoption.
MCUBE addresses powder feed architecture, deployment, switching efficiency and material utilization. Bottom feeding targets recoating precision and waste; 220 V air cooling lowers installation requirements; fast powder changes address multimaterial efficiency. Together, these features aim to provide practical engineering capability for small- and medium-batch precision production.
Contact
Telephone: +86-20-81509265 / 18023471061.
Email: marketing@riton3d.com.
Website: www.riton3d.com.
AI-translated from an article by Xiaoruanxiong on Nanjixiong, originally published on 2026-10-14. Text and images retain the original source attribution.
Read the original Chinese article |
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