SLM Solutions SLM 500 (Original)
Key Specifications
build volume
lasers
total power
build rate
layer thickness
materials
How much does the SLM Solutions SLM 500 (Original) cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a metal additive manufacturing in this class — not a quote from SLM Solutions. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The original SLM 500 is listed with four 400 W lasers, 1.6 kW in total, over a 500 x 280 x 365 mm build volume. The listed build rate is ~105 cm³/hr, with layer thickness from 20-75 µm.
The build volume is the same one given for the SLM 500 Quad, 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in), so part size is not what separates them. The difference is in the lasers: the SLM 500 Quad carries 4 x 700 W fiber lasers, 75% more power per laser than the 400 W units here. On an identical envelope, less laser power means thinner layers or slower scanning for a given alloy, which is why the listed rate deserves more attention than the envelope when weighing one against the other.
Listed materials are AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, IN718, 316L and CoCr. Nothing in the listed figures covers footprint, weight, gas or electrical supply, so anyone assessing one of these machines should get that data, and the hours on each laser, for the individual unit.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 500 x 280 x 365 mm |
| Lasers | 4 x 400 W |
| Total Power | 1.6 kW |
| Build Rate | ~105 cm³/hr |
| Layer Thickness | 20-75 µm |
| Materials | AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, IN718, 316L, CoCr |
Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Four 400 W lasers (1.6 kW total) working one 500 x 280 x 365 mm build volume
- Same listed build volume as the SLM 500 Quad: 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in)
- Listed for AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, IN718, 316L and CoCr at 20-75 µm layers
Limitations
- 400 W per laser, against the 4 x 700 W fiber lasers of the SLM 500 Quad
- Layer thickness stops at 75 µm in the listed 20-75 µm range
- No footprint, weight or utility figures are listed
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Laser power. Both are listed with four lasers and a 500 x 280 x 365 mm build volume, which the SLM 500 Quad table also gives as 19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in. The original machine has 4 x 400 W, 1.6 kW in total, while the SLM 500 Quad has 4 x 700 W fiber lasers.
02
The listed figure is ~105 cm³/hr, with four 400 W lasers and layer thicknesses of 20-75 µm. Treat it as approximate: the achievable rate changes with the alloy, the layer thickness and how much of the plate each laser has to cover.
03
AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, IN718, 316L and CoCr. That is one aluminium alloy, one titanium alloy, one nickel alloy, one stainless steel and cobalt-chrome. Other alloys are not in the listed figures and would need to be confirmed for the machine in question.
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