EOS M 290

$800,000 - $1,000,000 Updated 2026-03-16

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 held that title 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. With a build volume of 250 x 250 x 325 mm and a 400 W Yb-fiber laser, the M 290 is the machine against which all other mid-size metal powder bed fusion systems are measured.

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, aluminum, 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. 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 deepest material library in metal AM.

The M 290'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. For aerospace and medical applications requiring AS9100 or ISO 13485 compliance, the M 290's ecosystem of qualified parameters, monitoring, and global service support makes it the de facto standard.

Compared to multi-laser systems like the Renishaw RenAM 500Q or SLM Solutions SLM 280 2.0, the M 290 trades throughput for single-laser consistency and the deepest material qualification library available. For shops that need higher throughput, EOS offers the quad-laser M 300-4 or large-format M 400-4 platforms. At $800K-$1M, the M 290 is a serious capital investment, but the installed base, service network, material ecosystem, and proven part quality justify the premium for production applications across aerospace, medical, automotive, and energy sectors.

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, Stainless Steel, Titanium, Maraging Steel, Tool Steels
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 industries
Over 20 qualified materials with standard and performance parameter sets — the deepest material library in metal additive manufacturing
EOSTATE integrated process monitoring provides real-time melt pool and powder bed data for traceability in AS9100 and ISO 13485 regulated production
Average power consumption of only 2.4 kW makes it one of the most energy-efficient metal AM platforms in its build volume class

Limitations

Single 400 W laser limits throughput compared to quad-laser systems like the RenAM 500Q or M 300-4
$800K-$1M price tag is a significant capital investment for shops entering metal AM
250 x 250 mm build plate constrains part size; larger builds require the M 400 platform at substantially higher cost

Best For

Aerospace production parts requiring AS9100 traceability, qualified material parameters, and a proven multi-year certification track record Medical and dental implant manufacturers running titanium, cobalt chrome, and stainless steel under ISO 13485 compliance Service bureaus needing a reliable, globally supported platform capable of handling diverse material requirements from a single installation R&D departments developing new metal AM processes with access to the broadest qualified alloy library in the industry

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 costs 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. Third-party powders can be used with custom parameter development on the open parameter platform.

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 Is the EOS M 290 the industry standard for metal AM?

In practical terms, yes. The M 290 has the largest global installed base of any mid-frame metal LPBF system. Its parameter sets are widely referenced in academic literature, and many aerospace and medical qualification programs have been built around M 290 process data. When shops, service bureaus, or research institutions say 'we run EOS,' they typically mean the M 290.

05 What are the facility requirements for the EOS M 290?

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 for the 8.5 kW maximum draw. Floor loading is moderate given the machine dimensions of 2,500 x 1,300 mm and approximately 1,800 kg. EOS provides detailed facility planning guides during the sales process.