Machine Comparison
3D Systems DMP Factory 500 vs 3D Systems DMP Flex 200
3D Systems vs 3D Systems · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 and the 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 are metal printers from the same maker, at opposite ends of its range. The headline difference is build volume: 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in) against 140 x 140 x 100 mm (5.51 x 5.51 x 3.94 in), both heights inclusive of the build plate.
The 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 has the wider layer range, adjustable from a minimum of 5 µm to a maximum of 200 µm, where the 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 builds at 30 μm with 40 μm as the alternative. The smaller machine publishes the tighter repeatability, 20 µm in x, y and z against a minimum of 50 μm, and weighs 1400 kg (3086 lbs) against 8232 kg (18148 lb) for the larger printer excluding RPM.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 | 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Repeatability | x, y and z = min. 50 μm | x=20 µm, y=20 µm, z=20 µm ▲ |
| Build Volume | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in), height inclusive of build plate | 140 x 140 x 100 mm (5.51 x 5.51 x 3.94 in), height inclusive of build plate |
| Layer Thickness | Adjustable, min. 5 µm, max. 200 µm | 30 μm; Alt. 40 μm |
| Machine Weight | 8232 kg (18148 lb), printer excluding RPM | 1400 kg (3086 lbs) |
Advantages
3D Systems DMP Factory 500
- Build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in) against 140 x 140 x 100 mm
- Layer thickness adjustable from 5 µm to 200 µm against 30 μm or 40 μm
- Suited to large single parts and full plates of production parts
3D Systems DMP Flex 200
- Repeatability of 20 µm in x, y and z against a minimum of 50 μm
- Lighter installation: 1400 kg (3086 lbs) against 8232 kg (18148 lb)
- Suited to small fine-feature parts and to sites with single-phase power only
Verdict
These printers serve different jobs. Choose the 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 for large single parts or full plates of production parts that need its 500 x 500 x 500 mm build volume, and for work that uses layers anywhere between 5 µm and 200 µm. Choose the 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 for small, fine-feature parts that fit within 140 x 140 x 100 mm, where its 20 µm repeatability and 1400 kg (3086 lbs) weight suit a development lab or a site with single-phase power.