SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad

Est. $800,000 – $1,200,000 Specs verified 2026-03-28 · nikon-slm-solutions.com Updated 2026-10-03

Key Specifications

build volume

500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in)

laser count

laser power

4 x 700 W fiber lasers

build rate

Up to 171 cc/hr (quad-laser, material dependent)

layer thickness

20 - 90 um (0.0008 - 0.0035 in)

supported materials

Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, AlSi10Mg, Scalmalloy, 316L SS, 17-4PH, CoCr, maraging steel, copper

How much does the SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$800,000 – $1,200,000

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 Quad is a four-laser powder bed machine for production work: 4 x 700 W fiber lasers over a 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) build volume, with a build rate of up to 171 cc/hr that SLM Solutions qualifies as quad-laser and material dependent.

Two rows in the table are about keeping the lasers busy. The recoater is bi-directional and works simultaneously with laser scanning, so powder is spread on both strokes instead of the blade returning empty. Powder handling is closed-loop, with automated sieving and recirculation, which keeps unused powder inside the system between builds.

The supported material list is long: Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, AlSi10Mg, Scalmalloy, 316L SS, 17-4PH, CoCr, maraging steel and copper. The atmosphere is inert gas, argon or nitrogen depending on the material, so a shop that runs alloys from both groups should plan for both supplies. Layer thickness runs from 20 - 90 µm (0.0008 - 0.0035 in).

Process monitoring is Integrated Process Monitoring (IPM), covering optical tomography, melt pool and a smoke sensor. Build preparation goes through the Nikon SLM Solutions Build Processor with Materialise Magics integration. For regulated parts, ask which monitoring channels are recorded per layer and how the records are exported; the table names the sensors but not the reporting.

On site the machine weighs approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) and needs a 3-phase, 400 V, 63 A supply. The SLM 800 uses the same 4 × 700 W laser set and weighs approx. 8,500 kg, roughly double, so the 500 Quad is the lighter installation of the two.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in)
Laser Count	4
Laser Power	4 x 700 W fiber lasers
Build Rate	Up to 171 cc/hr (quad-laser, material dependent)
Layer Thickness	20 - 90 um (0.0008 - 0.0035 in)
Supported Materials	Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, AlSi10Mg, Scalmalloy, 316L SS, 17-4PH, CoCr, maraging steel, copper
Recoater Type	Bi-directional recoater (simultaneous with laser scanning)
Atmosphere	Inert gas (argon or nitrogen, material dependent)
Process Monitoring	Integrated Process Monitoring (IPM) — optical tomography, melt pool, smoke sensor
Powder Handling	Closed-loop automated sieving and recirculation
Software	Nikon SLM Solutions Build Processor + Materialise Magics integration
Machine Weight	Approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb)
Power Requirements	3-phase, 400V, 63A

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Four 700 W fiber lasers over a 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) build volume
Bi-directional recoater that works simultaneously with laser scanning
Closed-loop powder handling with automated sieving and recirculation
Integrated Process Monitoring (IPM) with optical tomography, melt pool and smoke sensor channels
Wide supported material range, from Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718 to Scalmalloy, 17-4PH and copper
Build Processor software with Materialise Magics integration

Limitations

The build rate of up to 171 cc/hr is a quad-laser, material-dependent maximum, not a figure for every alloy
365 mm (14.4 in) of build height limits tall parts
Atmosphere is argon or nitrogen depending on material, so a mixed-alloy shop needs both gas supplies
Needs a 3-phase, 400 V, 63 A supply and a floor that takes approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb)

Best For

Series production of parts that fit 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718 and AlSi10Mg parts where melt pool and optical tomography monitoring is wanted Full plates of nested parts that keep all four 700 W lasers working Copper and Scalmalloy work on a machine that names both as supported

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the build volume of the SLM 500 Quad?

500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in). The plate is rectangular, so long parts lie along the 500 mm axis and the 365 mm height is the limit for anything built upright. Leave margin for supports and for cutting the part off the plate when a job is close to that height.

02 How fast does the SLM 500 Quad build?

Up to 171 cc/hr, a figure SLM Solutions gives for quad-laser operation and describes as material dependent. Two things in the table support it: 4 x 700 W fiber lasers, and a bi-directional recoater that spreads powder simultaneously with laser scanning. Layer thickness, which runs from 20 - 90 µm (0.0008 - 0.0035 in), moves the rate up or down.

03 Which materials can the SLM 500 Quad process?

The supported materials are Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718, Inconel 625, AlSi10Mg, Scalmalloy, 316L SS, 17-4PH, CoCr, maraging steel and copper. The build chamber runs under inert gas, argon or nitrogen, and which of the two is used depends on the material.

04 What process monitoring does the SLM 500 Quad have?

Integrated Process Monitoring (IPM), which SLM Solutions describes as optical tomography, melt pool monitoring and a smoke sensor. The table does not describe how the data is stored or reported, so anyone who needs per-build records for qualification should ask for the export formats.

05 What does the SLM 500 Quad need on site?

A 3-phase, 400 V, 63 A electrical supply, inert gas (argon or nitrogen, depending on the material) and a floor rated for approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). The table does not give a footprint or gas consumption, so get the installation drawing before planning the cell.