EOS M 290

$800,000 - $1,000,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

build volume

250 x 250 x 325* mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 12.8 in)

laser type

Yb-fiber laser; 2 x 400 W

laser power

400 W

number of lasers

scan speed

up to 7.0 m/s (23.0 ft/s)

focus diameter

approx. 85 µm (0.00335 in)

Overview

The EOS M 290 is the workhorse of industrial metal additive manufacturing, and it has been since its introduction in 2014. More EOS M 290 systems are installed globally than any other mid-frame metal LPBF printer, and the reason is straightforward: it delivers proven DMLS part quality with the reliability that production environments demand. If you are running serial parts in aerospace, medical, or automotive, the M 290 is likely already on your shortlist.

The build volume measures 250 x 250 x 325 mm, which puts it squarely in the mid-size category. A single 400 W Yb-fiber laser with a focus diameter of approximately 100 microns provides excellent detail resolution and the beam quality needed for fine features in titanium, Inconel, cobalt chrome, and maraging steel. Layer thickness options range from 20 to 100 microns depending on material, and the system consistently holds tolerances that satisfy aerospace qualification standards. EOS quotes average power consumption at 2.4 kW and max at 8.5 kW, making it one of the more energy-efficient platforms in its class.

The M 290 runs on the EOSPRINT software platform with full parameter control, and EOS offers both standard and performance parameter sets for over 20 qualified materials. The machine's integrated process monitoring (EOSTATE) gives real-time melt pool and powder bed data, which is critical for regulated industries requiring traceability. Inert gas management uses argon or nitrogen depending on the material, and the filtration system handles reactive metals safely.

Compared to the Renishaw RenAM 500Q and SLM Solutions 280, the M 290 trades multi-laser speed for single-laser consistency and the deepest material library in the industry. For shops that need higher throughput, EOS offers the M 290 1kW variant with a single 1 kW laser optimized for copper and copper alloy serial production. At $800K-$1M, the M 290 is a serious capital investment, but the installed base, service network, and material ecosystem justify the premium for production applications.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	250 x 250 x 325* mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 12.8 in)
Laser Type	Yb-fiber laser; 2 x 400 W
Laser Power	400 W
Number Of Lasers	1
Scan Speed	up to 7.0 m/s (23.0 ft/s)
Focus Diameter	approx. 85 µm (0.00335 in)
Layer Thickness	20 - 100 µm (material dependent)
Build Rate	Up to 10.6 cm³/h (material dependent)
Technology	Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Materials	Aluminum, Cobalt Chrome, Copper, Inconel, Steel, Titanium, Tungsten
Inert Gas	Argon or Nitrogen
Power Consumption Max	8.5 kW
Power Consumption Avg	2.4 kW
Machine Dimensions	2680 x 2120 x 2400 mm (105.5 x 83.5 x 94.5 in)
Software	EOSPRINT, EOSTATE monitoring
CNC Control	EOS proprietary
Presicion Optics	2 F-theta-lens(es); 2 High-speed scanner(s)
Power Supply	1 x 32 A
Power Consumption	max. 15.0 kW / typical 5.5 kW
Compressed Air Supply	7 Bar; 20 m³/h (102 psi; 706 ft³/h)
Recommended Installation Space	min. 4800 x 3600 x 3500 mm (189.0 x 141.7 x 137.8 in)
Machine Weight	approx. 1350 kg (2976 lbs)

Specifications sourced from eos.info — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Largest installed base of any mid-frame metal LPBF system, with proven production track record across aerospace, medical, and automotive
Over 20 qualified materials with both standard and performance parameter sets, the deepest material library in metal AM
400 W single laser delivers excellent beam quality and ~100 µm spot size for fine feature resolution
EOSTATE integrated process monitoring provides melt pool and powder bed data for traceability in regulated industries
Average power consumption of only 2.4 kW makes it one of the most energy-efficient metal AM platforms
EOS global service network with field engineers in all major manufacturing regions
Open and semi-open parameter options give experienced users full process control

Limitations

Single 400 W laser limits throughput compared to quad-laser systems like the RenAM 500Q or SLM 280 2.0
$800K-$1M price tag is significant for shops entering metal AM, though lease options are available
250 x 250 mm build plate constrains part size; larger builds require the M 400 platform at substantially higher cost
Powder handling and sieving workflow requires trained operators and adds to cycle time between builds
EOS parameter sets can be restrictive for users wanting full open-source material development

Best For

Aerospace production parts requiring AS9100 traceability and qualified material parameters Medical and dental implant manufacturers running titanium and cobalt chrome Service bureaus needing a reliable, well-supported platform for diverse material requirements R&D departments developing metal AM processes with access to 20+ qualified alloys Automotive prototyping and low-volume production of complex geometries in aluminum and steel

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an EOS M 290 cost?

New EOS M 290 systems typically sell for $800,000 to $1,000,000 depending on configuration and options. Annual service contracts add roughly $50,000-$80,000. Used systems in good condition can be found for $400,000-$600,000 depending on hours and vintage. Factor in facility requirements for inert gas supply, powder handling equipment, and post-processing.

02 What materials can the EOS M 290 print?

EOS offers qualified parameters for over 20 metal alloys including AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, CobaltChrome MP1, Maraging Steel MS1, Stainless Steel 316L, and several tool steels. The 1kW variant adds pure copper capability. Third-party powders can be used with custom parameter development.

03 How does the EOS M 290 compare to the Renishaw RenAM 500Q?

The RenAM 500Q uses four 500 W lasers across a similar 250 x 250 mm build plate, offering roughly 2-3x the throughput of the single-laser M 290. However, the M 290 has a deeper qualified material library, a larger global service network, and a longer production track record. The M 290 is the safer choice for regulated industries; the RenAM 500Q is better for throughput-driven production.

04 What facility requirements does the EOS M 290 need?

The M 290 requires a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity, argon or nitrogen gas supply (depending on materials), adequate ventilation for powder handling, and 3-phase electrical service. Floor loading is moderate given the machine dimensions of 2,500 x 1,300 mm. EOS provides detailed facility planning guides during the sales process.

05 What is the build rate of the EOS M 290?

Build rates vary significantly by material and layer thickness. Typical rates range from 5-10 cm³/h with standard parameters. The actual cycle time depends on part geometry, support structures, layer thickness, and exposure strategy. For production planning, EOS provides material-specific build rate estimates through EOSPRINT build simulation.