Machine Comparison
GF DMP Factory 500 vs GF DMP Flex 350
GF Machining Solutions vs GF Machining Solutions · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The GF DMP Factory 500 and GF DMP Flex 350 are both GF metal powder-bed systems, but they serve different jobs. The Factory 500 is the large-format production machine, with a 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in) build volume and three 500 W fiber lasers with full-field access. The Flex 350 is a mid-format, multi-material machine with a removable print module, one, two or three 500 W lasers, and a 275 x 275 x 420 mm build volume, or 350 x 350 x 350 mm on the Triple laser version.
The Flex 350 lists tighter repeatability, 60 μm (3σ) in X, Y and Z against 75um. The Factory 500 takes layers from 2 um to 200 um against a 5 um minimum.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | GF DMP Factory 500 | GF DMP Flex 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Repeatability | Δx (3σ) = 75um, Δy (3σ) = 75um, Δz (3σ) = 75um | Δx (3σ) = 60 μm, Δy (3σ) = 60 μm, Δz (3σ) = 60 μm ▲ |
| Laser Source | 3 x 500 W / Fiber laser | 1 or 2 or 3 x 500 W / Fiber laser |
| Laser Power | 3x 500 W (full-field access) | 1x, 2x, or 3x 500 W |
| Build Volume | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.7 x 19.7 x 19.7 in), height inclusive of build plate | 275 x 275 x 420 mm (height inclusive of build plate) or 350 x 350 x 350 mm |
| Layer Thickness | Adjustable, min 2 um, max 200 um; typical 60 um | Adjustable, min 5 um; typical 30, 60, 90 um |
Advantages
GF DMP Factory 500
- 500 x 500 x 500 mm build volume against 275 x 275 x 420 mm, or 350 x 350 x 350 mm on the Triple laser version
- Three 500 W lasers with full-field access
- Layer thickness adjustable from 2 um up to 200 um
GF DMP Flex 350
- 60 μm (3σ) repeatability in X, Y and Z against 75um
- Removable print module for switching between alloy families
- Laser count configurable as one, two or three 500 W lasers
Verdict
Choose the GF DMP Factory 500 when parts exceed a mid-format chamber: large aerospace structures, rocket combustion chambers and nozzles, or energy components that need the 500 x 500 x 500 mm build volume. Choose the GF DMP Flex 350 for implants, flight parts and R&D work within 350 mm, especially in shops running several alloys, where the removable print module and 60 μm repeatability matter more than size.