Colibrium Additive Metal Additive Manufacturing

Colibrium M2

$600,000 - $900,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

technology

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

build volume

250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in)

laser configuration

2 x 400W fiber lasers

laser overlap

Full-field overlap (both lasers access entire build platform)

layer thickness

20 - 100 um

build rate

Up to 30 cm3/hr (dual laser)

Overview

The Colibrium M2 (formerly GE Additive Concept Laser M2) is a mid-range dual-laser metal 3D printer that has become one of the most widely installed production LPBF systems in the aerospace and medical industries. Originally developed by Concept Laser in Lichtenfels, Germany, the M2 gained particular prominence as the machine GE Aviation used to qualify and produce the LEAP engine fuel nozzle tip — arguably the most commercially successful metal AM application in history. That pedigree gives the M2 a credibility advantage that few competitors can match.

The M2 features dual 400W fiber lasers covering a 250 x 250 x 350 mm build volume. The lasers operate in a full-field overlap configuration, meaning both can access the entire build platform rather than being restricted to separate zones. This provides build speed advantages and eliminates the stitching line artifacts that plague zoned-laser architectures. Layer thickness is adjustable from 20 to 100 um depending on material and application requirements, with typical production parameters running at 30-50 um layers.

The machine operates in an inert atmosphere with oxygen levels below 100 ppm, supporting the full range of reactive and non-reactive metals. Qualified materials include Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, cobalt-chrome (CoCr), 316L stainless steel, 17-4PH stainless, AlSi10Mg aluminum, maraging steel, and copper alloys. The Concept Laser QM (Quality Management) melt pool monitoring system provides real-time process surveillance that captures thermal emission data for every layer, enabling the build quality documentation that aerospace and medical regulatory frameworks demand.

At roughly $600,000-$900,000 new depending on configuration, the M2 competes with the EOS M 290, SLM Solutions SLM 280, Trumpf TruPrint 2000, and Renishaw RenAM 500Q in the mid-range production metal AM segment. Used M2 machines from 2018-2022 trade in the $250,000-$500,000 range. For shops entering production metal AM or expanding capacity with a machine that has a proven qualification track record, the M2 remains one of the safest investments in the market.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Technology	Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
Build Volume	250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in)
Laser Configuration	2 x 400W fiber lasers
Laser Overlap	Full-field overlap (both lasers access entire build platform)
Layer Thickness	20 - 100 um
Build Rate	Up to 30 cm3/hr (dual laser)
Beam Diameter	70 - 200 um (variable)
Atmosphere	Argon or Nitrogen, O2 < 100 ppm
Supported Materials	Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718/625, CoCr, 316L, 17-4PH, AlSi10Mg, Maraging Steel, Copper alloys
Powder Handling	Integrated sieving and recirculation
Monitoring	QM Melt Pool Monitoring, layer imaging
Control Software	Colibrium Additive Build Processor
Machine Weight	2,400 kg (5,291 lb)
Machine Dimensions	2,642 x 1,803 x 2,158 mm (104 x 71 x 85 in)
Power Requirements	3-phase 400V, approximately 7 kW

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Proven aerospace production pedigree — the M2 platform was used to qualify the GE LEAP fuel nozzle, one of the most successful metal AM applications ever
Dual-laser full-field overlap provides up to 80% build speed improvement over single-laser systems without stitching artifacts
Extensive qualified material database with published process parameters for the most common aerospace and medical alloys
QM Melt Pool Monitoring provides real-time quality data for every layer, supporting AS9100 and ISO 13485 traceability requirements
Large installed base globally means experienced operators, established service infrastructure, and readily available application support
250 x 250 x 350 mm build volume handles most production-scale aerospace and medical components

Limitations

250 x 250 mm build platform is smaller than 400mm-class competitors, limiting part size and nesting density for some applications
Dual-laser system lacks the throughput of quad-laser machines like the M Line for high-volume production
Original Concept Laser powder handling design is functional but more manual than newer automated systems from competitors
QM monitoring generates large data files that require robust IT infrastructure for storage and analysis across production builds
Post-processing workflow (stress relief, EDM/wire cut to remove from plate, support removal, machining) adds significant time per build

Best For

Aerospace manufacturers producing flight-critical components with established AM qualification requirements and process documentation needs Medical device companies producing orthopedic implants, dental frameworks, and surgical instruments in titanium and cobalt-chrome Organizations entering production metal AM that need a machine with a proven qualification track record to reduce certification risk Research institutions and technology centers developing AM processes across multiple material systems Defense contractors requiring metal AM production capability with full traceability documentation Additive manufacturing service bureaus needing a reliable, well-supported mid-range production platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Colibrium M2 cost?

New M2 machines typically price between $600,000 and $900,000 depending on configuration and options. Used machines from 2018-2022 trade in the $250,000-$500,000 range depending on condition, laser hours, and included accessories.

02 Is the Colibrium M2 the same as the Concept Laser M2?

Yes. The Colibrium M2 is the continuation of the Concept Laser M2 under the Colibrium Additive brand (formerly GE Additive). The machine platform, technology, and engineering team remain the same following the corporate rebranding.

03 What is the M2's connection to the GE LEAP fuel nozzle?

GE Aviation used the M2 platform to develop, qualify, and produce the LEAP engine fuel nozzle tip — a part that consolidated 20 components into one, reduced weight by 25%, and improved durability by 5x. This was the breakthrough application that validated production-scale metal AM.

04 How does the M2 compare to the EOS M 290?

Both are established mid-range LPBF systems with similar build volumes. The M2 offers dual lasers vs. the M 290's single laser, providing faster build speeds. The EOS M 290 has the largest global installed base and material parameter library. Both are strong choices for production AM.

05 What facility requirements does the M2 need?

The M2 requires inert gas supply (argon or nitrogen), appropriate electrical service (3-phase 400V), powder handling safety measures, and adequate ventilation. A stress relief furnace and basic machining capability are needed for post-processing.