Oerlikon Installed First Global ATLIX xBUILD Printer
The Huntersville facility has deployed the new metal 3D printing system to boost production capacity.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Oerlikon has installed the world's first production ATLIX xBUILD 5000 metal 3D printer at its Huntersville manufacturing plant. The installation marks a significant upgrade to the facility's additive manufacturing capabilities.
Why it matters
This deployment aims to expand manufacturing capacity for high-demand sectors including the aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries. It reinforces the site's role as a key hub for advanced industrial production.
The xBUILD 5000 features four 1 kW lasers and a build volume of 500 by 500 by 400 mm. The system allows operators to switch between builds in approximately 15 minutes.
The players
Oerlikon
This global technology and engineering company operates the manufacturing site in Huntersville.
ATLIX
This company operates as an independent firm specializing in the development of industrial 3D printing technology.
The details
The 125,000-square-foot Huntersville site integrates design, heat treatment, machining, and inspection processes. Oerlikon plans to further scale these operations by purchasing additional xBUILD 5000 systems in 2027.
Timeline
The Huntersville facility opened in 2019.
Oerlikon added an AMCM M4K-4 printer in March 2025.
ATLIX became an independent company in September 2025.
The xBUILD brand name was introduced by ATLIX in September 2026.
Oerlikon plans to purchase more xBUILD 5000 machines in 2027.
Market Landscape
The adoption of the ATLIX xBUILD 5000 metal 3D printer marks a transition toward automated, high-speed additive manufacturing workflows in industrial settings. This investment positions Oerlikon to compete more aggressively in the high-precision aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing markets.
For industrial clients in the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, this upgrade translates to faster turnaround times for complex metal components. The increased site capacity helps ensure steady supply chain availability for high-precision manufactured parts.
The takeaway
Advancements in automated build-switching technology continue to reduce downtime in high-volume industrial manufacturing environments. Companies utilizing these systems can achieve greater output efficiency by minimizing manual intervention between printing cycles.
What happens next
Oerlikon has scheduled the procurement of additional xBUILD 5000 systems for the year 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industrial developments in the Manufacturing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3DPrint.com | Additive Manufacturing Business.
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