Colibrium Additive Metal Additive Manufacturing

Colibrium Additive Concept M2 Series 5

$700,000 – $1,100,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Build Volume (X×Y×Z)

250 × 250 × 350 mm

Number of Lasers

Laser Power

2 × 400 W or 2 × 1,000 W

Layer Thickness

20 – 80 µm

Build Rate

Up to 70 cm³/h (dual 1,000 W configuration)

Accuracy

±0.05 mm (typical for aerospace alloys)

Overview

The Colibrium Additive Concept M2 Series 5 is a production-grade direct metal laser melting (DMLM) system developed by Colibrium Additive, the metal additive manufacturing division of GE Aerospace. As the fifth-generation evolution of the M2 platform — one of the most widely deployed metal AM systems in the aerospace industry — the Series 5 incorporates significant advances in build speed, process monitoring, and powder management derived from GE's extensive flight-hardware production experience.

The M2 Series 5 features a build volume of 250 × 250 × 350 mm and supports a dual-laser configuration with two 400 W or 1,000 W fiber lasers. The updated optical path delivers tighter beam quality and improved scan field overlap management, enabling higher laser power to be applied with greater melt pool stability. An expanded suite of in-process monitoring tools — including melt pool imaging, laser power feedback, and recoater force sensing — provides layer-by-layer data that supports process qualification under NADCAP and other aerospace regulatory frameworks.

Powder management has been substantially upgraded in Series 5, with a fully closed powder circuit reducing manual handling and cross-contamination risk between material campaigns. The system supports rapid alloy changeover, making it practical for contract manufacturers and research facilities running multiple qualified material families on a single machine. Validated parameters are available for nickel superalloys, titanium alloys, aluminum, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel.

With GE Aerospace as its parent, Colibrium Additive brings deep credibility in flight-hardware qualification. The M2 Series 5 is in production use at GE Aerospace engine facilities and at aerospace Tier 1 suppliers producing turbine blades, combustor liners, and fuel nozzle components — the same class of applications that first demonstrated the industrial viability of metal powder bed fusion at scale.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume (X×Y×Z)	250 × 250 × 350 mm
Number Of Lasers	2
Laser Power	2 × 400 W or 2 × 1,000 W
Layer Thickness	20 – 80 µm
Build Rate	Up to 70 cm³/h (dual 1,000 W configuration)
Accuracy	±0.05 mm (typical for aerospace alloys)
Materials	Nickel superalloys (IN718, IN625, CoCrMo), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), aluminum alloys (AlSi10Mg), stainless steel (316L), cobalt-chrome
Machine Weight	Approx. 2,800 kg

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Backed by GE Aerospace with proven flight-hardware production pedigree
Comprehensive in-process monitoring suite supports NADCAP and AS9100 qualification
Dual high-power laser option (2 × 1,000 W) delivers strong throughput for dense alloys
Closed powder circuit supports safe multi-alloy operation and rapid changeover

Limitations

Build volume is mid-sized — not suited for large structural aerospace parts
Premium pricing reflects aerospace pedigree and GE brand positioning
Software ecosystem is optimized for GE's validated parameters, limiting open experimentation

Best For

Aerospace and defense suppliers producing NADCAP-qualified nickel superalloy flight components Gas turbine manufacturers printing fuel nozzles, turbine blades, and combustor hardware Contract AM bureaus requiring multi-alloy flexibility with full process traceability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the relationship between Colibrium Additive and GE Additive?

Colibrium Additive is the rebranded metal additive manufacturing business formerly known as GE Additive, now operating as part of GE Aerospace. The M2 platform originated with Concept Laser, which GE acquired in 2016. The Series 5 represents continued development under the Colibrium Additive brand with direct aerospace production input from GE.

02 Is the Concept M2 Series 5 suitable for NADCAP-qualified production?

Yes. The M2 Series 5 was specifically designed with aerospace process qualification in mind. Its extensive in-process monitoring, parameter traceability, and documented material properties for nickel superalloys and titanium alloys align directly with NADCAP AC7110/7 additive manufacturing requirements. Multiple GE Aerospace facilities run qualified production on the M2 platform.

03 Can the M2 Series 5 process nickel superalloys like IN718?

Yes, IN718 is one of the primary qualified materials for the M2 Series 5 and the broader M2 platform family. Colibrium Additive provides production-validated parameters for IN718 developed through GE Aerospace's own turbine component manufacturing programs. IN625, CoCrMo, and René alloys are also supported.