Machine Comparison
Colibrium M Line vs Colibrium M2
Colibrium Additive vs Colibrium Additive · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The Colibrium M Line and Colibrium M2 are both from Colibrium Additive's metal additive manufacturing lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Colibrium Additive ecosystem. On paper, the Colibrium M Line edges ahead with advantages in 5 of the compared specifications, though real-world performance depends heavily on your specific applications and workholding. 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 | Colibrium M Line | Colibrium M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 500 x 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 15.7 in) ▲ | 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in) |
| Technology | Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) | Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) |
| Laser Configuration | 4 x 400W or 4 x 1,000W fiber lasers ▲ | 2 x 400W fiber lasers |
| Laser Overlap | Full-field overlap (all lasers access entire build platform) | Full-field overlap (both lasers access entire build platform) |
| Layer Thickness | 20 - 100 um | 20 - 100 um |
| Build Rate | Up to 96 cm3/hr (quad 1,000W lasers) ▲ | Up to 30 cm3/hr (dual laser) |
| Beam Diameter | 100 um nominal ▲ | 70 - 200 um (variable) |
| Atmosphere | Argon or Nitrogen, O2 < 100 ppm | Argon or Nitrogen, O2 < 100 ppm |
| Supported Materials | Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718/625, CoCr, 316L, 17-4PH, AlSi10Mg, Maraging Steel | Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718/625, CoCr, 316L, 17-4PH, AlSi10Mg, Maraging Steel, Copper alloys |
| Powder Handling | Automated closed-loop powder management | Integrated sieving and recirculation |
| Monitoring | In-situ melt pool monitoring, layer imaging, full process logging | QM Melt Pool Monitoring, layer imaging |
| Control Software | Colibrium Additive Build Processor | Colibrium Additive Build Processor |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) total system ▲ | 2,400 kg (5,291 lb) |
| Power Requirements | 3-phase 400V, approximately 60 kW | 3-phase 400V, approximately 7 kW |
| Price Range | $1,500,000 - $3,000,000 | $600,000 - $900,000 ▲ |
Advantages
Colibrium M Line
- Superior build volume at 500 x 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 15.7 in) vs 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in)
- Superior laser configuration at 4 x 400W or 4 x 1,000W fiber lasers vs 2 x 400W fiber lasers
- Superior build rate at Up to 96 cm3/hr (quad 1,000W lasers) vs Up to 30 cm3/hr (dual laser)
- Superior beam diameter at 100 um nominal vs 70 - 200 um (variable)
- Superior machine weight at Approx. 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) total system vs 2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
Colibrium M2
- More competitive pricing at $600,000 - $900,000 compared to $1,500,000 - $3,000,000
- Backed by Colibrium Additive's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Aerospace manufacturers producing flight-critical components with established AM qualification requirements and process documentation needs
Verdict
The Colibrium M Line holds a spec advantage in this comparison, but the right choice depends on your shop's priorities. If the Colibrium M Line's strengths in areas like Build Volume and laser configuration align with your work, it's the clear pick. The Colibrium M2 may still win on dealer proximity, existing tooling compatibility, or specific features that matter most to your applications. Request quotes from both dealers and, if possible, run your actual parts on each machine before deciding.