SLM Solutions SLM 500
Image: nikon-slm-solutions.com, SLM Solutions
Key Specifications
build volume
laser type
laser power
number of lasers
focus diameter
layer thickness
How much does the SLM Solutions SLM 500 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 SLM 500 is listed as a configurable Selective Laser Melting (LPBF) platform: a 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) build volume served by 2 or 4 fiber lasers. The laser sets in the table are 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W, and the summary rows describe the largest of them: 4 x 700 W, 2.8 kW in total.
Read the build rate with that in mind. Up to 171 cm³/h is given for 4 x 700 W and is material dependent, so a twin-laser machine will be well short of it. Layer thickness is 20 - 75 µm depending on material, the focus diameter is ~80 µm and scan speed reaches 10.0 m/s.
Two rows matter to anyone who develops their own processes. Parameter access is listed as fully open, with user-modifiable parameters, and the scanning strategy is bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers. The rotation means successive layers are not hatched in the same direction, which spreads out the directional effects of the scan. Software is the SLM Build Processor on a proprietary SLM Solutions control.
For production, powder management is integrated and automated with recirculation. An automated build cylinder exchange for continuous production is listed as optional, so it should not be assumed on a given machine. Listed materials cover titanium, Inconel, aluminum, cobalt chrome, stainless steel, maraging steel, tool steels and copper, under argon or nitrogen.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) |
| Laser Type | IPG fiber laser |
| Laser Power | 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W (configurable) |
| Number of Lasers | 2 or 4 (configurable) |
| Focus Diameter | ~80 µm |
| Layer Thickness | 20 - 75 µm (material dependent) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 10.0 m/s |
| Build Rate | Up to 171 cm³/h (4 x 700 W, material dependent) |
| Technology | Selective Laser Melting (LPBF) |
| Scanning Strategy | Bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers |
| Materials | Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Maraging Steel, Tool Steels, Copper |
| Inert Gas | Argon or Nitrogen |
| Powder Handling | Integrated automated powder management with recirculation |
| Build Cylinder Exchange | Optional automated exchange for continuous production |
| Parameter Access | Fully open — user-modifiable parameters |
| Software | SLM Build Processor |
| CNC Control | SLM Solutions proprietary |
| Lasers | 4 x 700 W |
| Total Power | 2.8 kW |
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
- Listed laser sets of 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W or 4 x 700 W let the machine be matched to throughput
- Fully open parameter access with user-modifiable parameters
- Bidirectional scanning with 67° rotation between layers
- Integrated automated powder management with recirculation
- Up to 171 cm³/h with 4 x 700 W (2.8 kW total), material dependent
Limitations
- The 171 cm³/h build rate is for 4 x 700 W only; no rate is listed for the two-laser sets
- Automated build cylinder exchange is listed as optional, so continuous production depends on that option being fitted
- Layer thickness stops at 75 µm in the listed range of 20 - 75 µm
- The listed figures include no dimensions, weight or power supply, so installation data must be obtained for the specific machine
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The listed number is 2 or 4, configurable. The laser power row gives three sets: 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W. A separate row lists 4 x 700 W with a total of 2.8 kW, which is the largest configuration. Check the laser set of any individual machine, because the build rate depends on it.
02
Up to 171 cm³/h, listed for 4 x 700 W and described as material dependent. No rate is listed for the 2 x 400 W or 2 x 700 W sets. With layer thickness at 20 - 75 µm and scan speed up to 10.0 m/s, the actual rate depends on the material and the layer chosen.
03
Yes, going by the listed figures: parameter access is fully open, with user-modifiable parameters. The listed scanning strategy is bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers, and build files are prepared in the SLM Build Processor.
04
No. It is listed as optional: an automated exchange for continuous production. Integrated automated powder management with recirculation is listed without that qualifier. On a specific machine, confirm whether the cylinder exchange is fitted.
05
The SLM 500 Quad is the four-laser machine: 4 x 700 W fiber lasers over the same 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) build volume, at approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). The SLM 500 table also lists two-laser sets, 2 x 400 W and 2 x 700 W.
Videos
Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions
More from SLM Solutions
SLM Solutions SLM 125
SLM Solutions SLM 500 HL
SLM Solutions NXG XII 600 Metal Additive System
SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad
SLM Solutions SLM 500
SLM Solutions SLM 280
Other Metal Additive Manufacturing
Renishaw RenAM 500Q
Concept Laser Xline 2000R
HP Metal Jet S100+
DN Solutions DLX 450
DMG Mori LASERTEC 30 SLM
