3D Systems DMP Flex 350

$450,000 - $700,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

Repeatability

Δx (3σ) = 60um, Δy (3σ) = 60um, Δz (3σ) = 60um

build volume

275 x 275 x 420 mm (10.8 x 10.8 x 16.5 in)

laser count

laser power

500 W fiber laser

layer thickness

Adjustable, minimum 5 μm, typical values: 30, 60, 90 μm

supported materials

Ti-6Al-4V ELI, Inconel 718, CoCr, 316L SS, 17-4PH SS, AlSi10Mg, maraging steel

Overview

The 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 is a production-grade direct metal printing system built around a 275 x 275 x 420 mm build volume and a single 500W fiber laser. The 'Flex' designation reflects the machine's positioning as a versatile platform suitable for both application development and 24/7 production — it bridges the gap between R&D prototyping systems and the fully automated DMP Factory line. With a vacuum-capable build chamber that achieves oxygen levels below 25 ppm, the Flex 350 is particularly well-suited for reactive metals like titanium and aluminum alloys where atmosphere purity directly affects material properties.

3D Systems' Direct Metal Printing technology uses a top-down powder layering approach with a precision roller-based recoating system. The 500W laser combined with 3DXpert process software provides a mature parameter development ecosystem — 3D Systems has been in the metal AM game since acquiring Phenix Systems in 2013, and the DMP platform has accumulated a decade of process knowledge. Qualified materials include LaserForm Ti Gr23 (Ti-6Al-4V ELI), LaserForm Ni718 (Inconel 718), LaserForm CoCr, LaserForm 316L and 17-4PH stainless steels, LaserForm AlSi10Mg, and maraging steel.

The Flex 350's removable print module (RPM) is a key workflow feature. The entire build chamber can be removed from the printer and replaced with a fresh module, allowing one build to begin while the previous build is being unpacked and processed offline. This dramatically improves machine utilization in production environments. The RPM also maintains vacuum seal during transport, preserving atmosphere quality for reactive material processing.

The 3DXpert integrated software suite handles everything from CAD import through support generation, build preparation, simulation, slicing, and post-processing planning. 3D Systems also provides DMP Monitoring for in-process quality assurance — layer-by-layer images and sensor data support first-article qualification and production consistency tracking. The machine operates on the same software and material ecosystem as the DMP Factory 500, so parts developed on the Flex 350 can transition to the Factory platform without re-qualification.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	275 x 275 x 420 mm (10.8 x 10.8 x 16.5 in)
Laser Count	1
Laser Power	500 W fiber laser
Layer Thickness	Adjustable, minimum 5 μm, typical values: 30, 60, 90 μm
Supported Materials	Ti-6Al-4V ELI, Inconel 718, CoCr, 316L SS, 17-4PH SS, AlSi10Mg, maraging steel
Recoater Type	Roller-based precision recoater
Atmosphere	Vacuum chamber, <25 ppm O2
Software	3DXpert (build prep), DMP Monitoring (in-process QA)
Removable Print Module	Yes (RPM)
Min Feature Size	Approx. 150 um (0.006 in)
Machine Dimensions	2,200 x 1,600 x 2,500 mm (87 x 63 x 98 in)
Machine Weight	Approx. 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)
Power Requirements	3-phase, 400V, 32A
Laser Power Type	DMP Flex 350: 500W/Fiber laser1
Laser Wavelength	1070 nm
Single Build Volume Height Inclusive Of Build Plate	275 x 275 x 420 mm (10.82 x 10.82 x 16.54 )
Material Deposition	Soft blade recoater
Repeatability	Δx (3σ) = 60um, Δy (3σ) = 60um, Δz (3σ) = 60um
Minimum Feature Size	200 μm
Typical Accuracy	± 0.1-0.2% with ± 100 μm minimum
Build Platform Heating	250°C

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Vacuum-capable build chamber achieving <25 ppm O2 provides superior atmosphere purity for reactive metals like titanium and aluminum
Removable print module (RPM) enables offline part unpacking while the next build starts, maximizing machine utilization
Mature material ecosystem with a decade of development — LaserForm materials come with validated process parameters
3DXpert integrated software covers the full workflow from CAD to finished part without third-party tools
Parts developed on the Flex 350 transfer directly to the DMP Factory 500 for high-volume production without re-qualification
DMP Monitoring provides layer-by-layer quality data for part qualification in aerospace and medical applications

Limitations

Single 500W laser limits build speed compared to dual or quad-laser competitors in the same price range
275 x 275 mm build area is smaller than some competitors offering 300+ mm platforms at similar prices
3D Systems' LaserForm material pricing is premium compared to open-material systems
Proprietary material ecosystem limits flexibility for shops wanting to use third-party powders
Roller-based recoater can be less forgiving of aggressive overhangs compared to blade or non-contact systems

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers producing Ti-6Al-4V components where build chamber atmosphere purity is critical for material properties Medical device companies printing CoCr and titanium implants requiring FDA-compatible quality documentation Production facilities using RPM workflow to maximize machine uptime across multiple builds per day Organizations developing parts on the Flex 350 for eventual scale-up to the DMP Factory 500 production platform Research and development teams needing a versatile metal AM platform with a broad material portfolio Contract manufacturers requiring qualified, traceable metal AM processes for regulated industry customers

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 cost?

New DMP Flex 350 systems typically price between $450,000 and $700,000 depending on material packages, monitoring options, and service agreements. This positions it as a mid-range production metal AM system, below the DMP Factory 500 but above entry-level LPBF machines.

02 What is the removable print module (RPM)?

The RPM is the entire build chamber module, which can be detached from the printer after a build completes. A fresh RPM is loaded to start the next build while the completed build is unpacked offline. This reduces machine downtime between builds from hours to minutes.

03 How does the Flex 350 differ from the DMP Factory 500?

The Factory 500 has a much larger build volume (500x500x500mm vs 275x275x420mm), uses multiple lasers, and includes automated powder handling. The Flex 350 is a standalone system suited for development and moderate production, while the Factory 500 is designed for high-volume manufacturing.

04 Why does the vacuum chamber matter?

The vacuum-purge process achieves oxygen levels below 25 ppm, compared to 500-1000 ppm typical of flow-purge systems. This matters for reactive metals like titanium, where even trace oxygen affects mechanical properties, ductility, and fatigue life of printed parts.

05 Can I use third-party metal powders in the Flex 350?

The Flex 350 is designed around 3D Systems' LaserForm material ecosystem with optimized, validated parameters. While some users have qualified third-party powders, this requires independent parameter development and may void certain warranty or support provisions.