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 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 are both from 3D Systems's metal additive manufacturing lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the 3D Systems ecosystem. The 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 leads in laser power (500 W fiber laser vs 3 x 500 W fiber lasers). These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. 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 | 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 | 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 3 x 500 W fiber lasers | 500 W fiber laser ▲ |
| Build Volume | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in) ▲ | 140 x 140 x 115 mm (5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 in) |
| Laser Count | 3 ▲ | 1 |
| Layer Thickness | 10 - 100 um (0.0004 - 0.004 in) | 10 - 100 um (0.0004 - 0.004 in) |
| Supported Materials | Ti-6Al-4V ELI, Inconel 718, AlSi10Mg, CoCr, 316L SS, maraging steel | CoCr (dental grade), Ti-6Al-4V ELI, 316L SS, 17-4PH SS, Inconel 718 |
| Recoater Type | Roller-based precision recoater | Roller-based precision recoater |
| Atmosphere | Vacuum chamber, <25 ppm O2 | Vacuum chamber, <25 ppm O2 |
| Software | 3DXpert (build prep), DMP Monitoring (in-process QA) | 3DXpert (build prep) |
| Min Feature Size | Approx. 150 um (0.006 in) ▲ | Approx. 100 um (0.004 in) |
| Machine Dimensions | Approx. 3,500 x 2,800 x 3,200 mm (138 x 110 x 126 in) ▲ | 1,700 x 1,100 x 1,800 mm (67 x 43 x 71 in) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 7,500 kg (16,535 lb) ▲ | Approx. 1,100 kg (2,425 lb) |
| Power Requirements | 3-phase, 400V, 63A | Single-phase, 230V, 20A ▲ |
| Price Range | $1,500,000 - $2,500,000 | $250,000 - $400,000 ▲ |
Advantages
3D Systems DMP Factory 500
- Superior build volume at 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in) vs 140 x 140 x 115 mm (5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 in)
- Superior laser count at 3 vs 1
- Superior min feature size at Approx. 150 um (0.006 in) vs Approx. 100 um (0.004 in)
- Superior machine dimensions at Approx. 3,500 x 2,800 x 3,200 mm (138 x 110 x 126 in) vs 1,700 x 1,100 x 1,800 mm (67 x 43 x 71 in)
- Superior machine weight at Approx. 7,500 kg (16,535 lb) vs Approx. 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
3D Systems DMP Flex 200
- Superior laser power at 500 W fiber laser vs 3 x 500 W fiber lasers
- Superior power requirements at Single-phase, 230V, 20A vs 3-phase, 400V, 63A
- More competitive pricing at $250,000 - $400,000 compared to $1,500,000 - $2,500,000
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The 3D Systems DMP Factory 500 and 3D Systems DMP Flex 200 trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.