SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 500 HL

$1,500,000 - $2,000,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

build volume

500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in)

laser type

Yb-fiber laser

laser power

4 x 400 W or 4 x 700 W

number of lasers

scan speed

Up to 10.0 m/s

focus diameter

70 – 120 µm

Overview

The SLM Solutions SLM 500 HL is a quad-laser high-productivity metal LPBF system built around a 500 x 280 x 365 mm build envelope. The HL designation (High Laser) indicates the four-laser configuration, with four 400 W or 700 W fiber lasers operating simultaneously across the build platform through SLM's patented multi-beam overlap technology. This configuration allows the system to achieve build rates of up to 171 cm³/h — among the highest in its class — making the SLM 500 HL a true serial production machine for aerospace, automotive, and energy sector manufacturers.

SLM Solutions developed the SLM 500 HL to address the gap between the mid-size SLM 280 and the flagship SLM 800: a high-throughput system capable of volume production without requiring the large-format build chamber of the SLM 800. The 500 x 280 mm build footprint handles medium-to-large aerospace structures, automotive cooling jackets, and energy turbine components in single builds. The quad-laser system divides the build area into overlapping laser zones, with the beam paths engineered to minimize stitch lines between zones — a critical quality characteristic for fatigue-sensitive aerospace parts.

The SLM 500 HL incorporates SLM Solutions' automated powder management system, with an integrated overflow container and return sieving loop that enables multiple successive builds without manual powder intervention. This is particularly important for aluminum alloys and titanium, where consistent powder particle size distribution between builds directly affects part density and surface finish. Process monitoring includes layer-by-layer documentation and real-time melt pool data accessible via the SLM Build Processor software.

For buyers evaluating the SLM 500 HL against competing quad-laser systems, the primary alternatives are the EOS M 300-4 and the Renishaw RenAM 500Q. The SLM 500 HL typically offers a larger absolute build volume than the RenAM 500Q (500 x 280 vs. 250 x 250 mm), making it the stronger choice when part size rather than lot size drives the requirement. Pricing is in the $1,500,000–$2,000,000 range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in)
Laser Type	Yb-fiber laser
Laser Power	4 x 400 W or 4 x 700 W
Number Of Lasers	4
Scan Speed	Up to 10.0 m/s
Focus Diameter	70 – 120 µm
Layer Thickness	20 – 90 µm
Build Rate	Up to 171 cm³/h (quad 700 W configuration)
Technology	Selective Laser Melting (SLM / LPBF)
Materials	AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, Inconel 718/625, Stainless Steel 316L, Hastelloy X, CobaltChrome, Tool Steel
Inert Gas	Argon or Nitrogen
Oxygen Level	< 0.1%
Power Consumption Max	28 kW
Machine Dimensions	5,400 x 2,670 x 2,710 mm
Automation	Integrated powder management, automated overflow and return sieving
Software	SLM Build Processor, real-time process monitoring

Specifications sourced from nikon-slm-solutions.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Four simultaneous lasers deliver up to 171 cm³/h build rate — among the highest throughput rates available in serial-production LPBF
500 x 280 mm build footprint handles medium-to-large aerospace structural parts that exceed the envelope of 250 x 250 mm class systems
Patented multi-beam overlap technology minimizes stitch lines between laser zones for consistent fatigue properties across the full build area
Integrated automated powder management enables back-to-back builds without manual powder sieving intervention, critical for 24/7 production shifts
Configurable laser power (4 x 400 W or 4 x 700 W) allows the system to be optimized for fine-feature work or maximum-throughput production

Limitations

Machine footprint (5,400 x 2,670 mm) is substantial and requires significant facility floor space, utilities planning, and inert gas infrastructure
Capital cost of $1.5M–$2M demands high machine utilization to achieve acceptable ROI — not suitable for low-volume or R&D-only shops
Multi-laser stitch zone management adds process qualification complexity for highly fatigue-sensitive aerospace applications

Best For

Aerospace tier-one suppliers printing structural frames, brackets, and duct assemblies in titanium and Inconel at production volumes Automotive manufacturers printing aluminum cooling jackets, battery thermal management components, and lightweight structural inserts Energy sector manufacturers producing gas turbine components, burner nozzles, and heat exchangers in Inconel and Hastelloy Contract manufacturers and service bureaus running multi-shift production and requiring the highest build rate per machine in the SLM portfolio

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does the 'HL' designation mean on the SLM 500 HL?

HL stands for High Laser, indicating the quad-laser (4-laser) configuration of the SLM 500. The HL variant uses four independent fiber lasers operating simultaneously across the build area, as opposed to earlier single or dual-laser variants of the SLM 500. The HL designation distinguishes the high-productivity production version from lower-laser-count configurations.

02 How does the SLM 500 HL compare to the EOS M 300-4?

Both are quad-laser production LPBF systems, but the SLM 500 HL has a significantly larger build volume (500 x 280 mm vs. 300 x 300 mm) making it better suited for parts that exceed the M 300-4 envelope. The EOS M 300-4 benefits from EOS's broader material qualification ecosystem and deeper service network. For very large part footprints, the SLM 500 HL is generally the stronger choice.

03 What is the maximum build rate of the SLM 500 HL?

In the quad 700 W laser configuration, the SLM 500 HL can achieve build rates up to 171 cm³/h under optimal conditions. Actual production build rates vary by material, layer thickness, part geometry, and exposure strategy. Typical production build rates for titanium and Inconel in most geometries will range from 60–120 cm³/h depending on parameters.

04 Can the SLM 500 HL run automated production with minimal operator intervention?

Yes. The SLM 500 HL includes an integrated powder management system with automated overflow collection and return sieving, enabling sequential builds without manual powder handling between jobs. For full lights-out automation, SLM Solutions offers automation cell integrations including robotic part removal and build plate handling. The level of automation achievable depends on the specific automation package purchased.

05 What is the price of the SLM Solutions SLM 500 HL?

The SLM 500 HL is typically priced in the $1,500,000–$2,000,000 range depending on laser configuration (4 x 400 W or 4 x 700 W), automation options, and regional pricing. Annual service contracts are additional and typically run $100,000–$150,000. SLM Solutions can provide detailed pricing and financing options through their direct sales channels.