Machine Comparison
SLM Solutions SLM 280 PS vs SLM Solutions SLM 500
SLM Solutions vs SLM Solutions · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The SLM Solutions SLM 280 PS and the SLM Solutions SLM 500 are metal additive manufacturing machines from the same maker, which publishes few comparable figures for this pair: build volume and layer thickness. The headline difference is the length of the build envelope.
The SLM 500 builds within 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in), against 280 x 280 x 365 mm on the SLM 280 PS. Depth and height are the same, so the larger machine's gain is all in one direction. Both list a layer thickness of 20-75 µm, which the SLM 500's table notes is material dependent.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | SLM Solutions SLM 280 PS | SLM Solutions SLM 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Build Volume | 280 x 280 x 365 mm | 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) |
| Layer Thickness | 20-75 µm | 20 - 75 µm (material dependent) |
Advantages
SLM Solutions SLM 280 PS
- Square 280 x 280 x 365 mm envelope for work that does not need the longer 500 mm build length
- Suits nickel alloy parts, upright parts and tooling inserts that fit a square plate
SLM Solutions SLM 500
- 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) build volume against 280 x 280 x 365 mm
- Longer envelope for longer single parts or more parts on one plate
- Suits process development with open parameters, and copper, maraging steel and tool steel work alongside titanium and Inconel
Verdict
Choose by part length, since that is the one dimension the table separates. Parts and plates that fit within 280 x 280 x 365 mm belong on the SLM Solutions SLM 280 PS, which suits nickel alloy parts and tooling inserts on a square plate. Work that needs up to 500 mm in one direction, or a longer plate for more parts per build, calls for the SLM Solutions SLM 500. Layer thickness, 20-75 µm on both, does not separate them.