Machine Comparison
DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM vs Renishaw RenAM 500Q
DMG Mori vs Renishaw · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM from DMG Mori and Renishaw RenAM 500Q from Renishaw are direct competitors in the metal additive manufacturing category. The DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM leads in laser power (200 W or 400 W fiber laser vs 4 x 500 W). 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 | DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM | Renishaw RenAM 500Q |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 200 W or 400 W fiber laser ▲ | 4 x 500 W |
| Build Volume | 125 x 125 x 200 mm (4.9 x 4.9 x 7.9 in) | 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.85 x 9.85 x 13.78 in) ▲ |
| Control | CELOS X with touchscreen interface | Renishaw proprietary |
| Laser Type | Fiber laser | Yb-fiber laser |
| Layer Thickness | 15 - 50 micrometers | From 20 µm ▲ |
| Inert Gas | Argon | Argon |
| Materials | Cobalt-chrome, titanium Ti-6Al-4V, stainless steel 316L, precious metals | Titanium, Inconel, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Tool Steel (melting points 750-2,000°C) ▲ |
| Price Range | 00,000 - 00,000 ▲ | $600,000 - $1,000,000 (estimated) |
Advantages
DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM
- Superior laser power at 200 W or 400 W fiber laser vs 4 x 500 W
- More competitive pricing at 00,000 - 00,000 compared to $600,000 - $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Backed by DMG Mori's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Dental laboratories producing cobalt-chrome crowns, bridges, partial denture frameworks, and custom abutments
Renishaw RenAM 500Q
- Superior build volume at 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.85 x 9.85 x 13.78 in) vs 125 x 125 x 200 mm (4.9 x 4.9 x 7.9 in)
- Superior layer thickness at From 20 µm vs 15 - 50 micrometers
- Superior materials at Titanium, Inconel, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Tool Steel (melting points 750-2,000°C) vs Cobalt-chrome, titanium Ti-6Al-4V, stainless steel 316L, precious metals
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The DMG Mori LASERTEC 12 SLM and Renishaw RenAM 500Q 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.