SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad

$800,000 – $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-17

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

Overview

The SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad is a high-productivity laser powder bed fusion system featuring four 700W fiber lasers operating simultaneously across a 500 x 280 x 365 mm build volume. The quad-laser configuration delivers a rated build rate of up to 171 cc/hr — one of the highest throughput figures among industrial LPBF platforms when the system was introduced. SLM Solutions (now part of Nikon SLM Solutions following acquisition by Nikon Corporation in 2023) has built the SLM 500 Quad as the production workhorse of its platform lineup, positioned above the SLM 280 and below the SLM 800 in the product hierarchy.

The four lasers in the SLM 500 Quad are arranged to cover the full build area with overlapping fields, allowing simultaneous scanning of four distinct zones or collaborative multi-laser scanning of large cross-sections. SLM Solutions' patented bi-directional recoating system operates during laser scanning rather than as a sequential step — the recoater and lasers work simultaneously to reduce dead time between layers, contributing to the machine's high effective build speed. The closed-loop powder handling system minimizes operator exposure to metal powder and enables automated powder sieving and recirculation.

Material qualification on the SLM 500 Quad encompasses the broad range of alloys expected from a production platform: titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-4V ELI, commercially pure Ti), nickel superalloys (Inconel 718, Inconel 625, Hastelloy X), aluminum alloys (AlSi10Mg, AlSi7Mg, Scalmalloy), cobalt-chrome, stainless steels (316L, 17-4PH), maraging steel, copper, and tool steels. This breadth makes the SLM 500 Quad a versatile production platform for contract manufacturers and OEMs serving multiple industries.

Nikon SLM Solutions' IPM (Integrated Process Monitoring) system provides layer-by-layer optical tomography data, melt pool monitoring, and smoke sensor data — building the quality documentation package that aerospace and medical customers require for part qualification. The SLM 500 Quad supports the NXG XII 600 upgrade path for customers whose production requirements eventually exceed what a 500 mm build volume can provide.

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
Nikon Slm Systems	Precision Redefined:Enhancing Manufacturing ExcellenceOUR SYSTEMS

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Four 700W lasers achieve up to 171 cc/hr build rate — among the highest single-machine throughput in LPBF for the 500 mm build envelope
Bi-directional simultaneous recoating reduces layer cycle time by eliminating the pause-recoat-resume sequence of conventional systems
Broad and well-qualified material library covering titanium, nickel superalloys, aluminum, steels, and copper in one platform
Closed-loop powder handling minimizes operator exposure and enables automated batch-to-batch powder management
Integrated Process Monitoring (IPM) provides optical tomography and melt pool data for regulatory-grade quality documentation
Nikon SLM Solutions backing brings optical and precision engineering expertise into the AM platform development roadmap

Limitations

Four lasers increase service complexity — calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting are more demanding than single or dual-laser systems
Rectangular 500 x 280 mm build area is asymmetric — the narrow Y dimension (280 mm) limits part arrangement flexibility compared to square-build competitors
Nikon acquisition introduces uncertainty about product roadmap continuity, branding, and dealer network for some customers
High capital cost requires consistent production loading to achieve ROI — underutilized quad-laser capacity is expensive overhead
Bi-directional recoating with simultaneous laser operation increases mechanical complexity and potential failure points

Best For

Contract manufacturers and production AM bureaus that need maximum throughput on standard aerospace alloys — titanium, Inconel 718, and aluminum Aerospace and defense primes building in-house LPBF capacity for structural and propulsion components with full quality documentation requirements Medical device manufacturers producing cobalt-chrome and titanium implants at volume with IPM quality traceability Industrial manufacturers producing high volumes of AlSi10Mg and 316L components where cycle time and cost-per-part drive machine selection Organizations that need a single versatile platform covering multiple alloy families for different customer programs

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an SLM Solutions SLM 500 Quad cost?

The SLM 500 Quad typically prices between $800,000 and $1,200,000 depending on laser configuration, monitoring options, and service agreements. As a high-throughput production machine, the capital cost is justified by cost-per-part economics at volume rather than acquisition price alone.

02 How does the 171 cc/hr build rate compare to competitors?

171 cc/hr is among the highest rated build rates for LPBF systems in the 500 mm build volume class. This figure is achievable with the full quad-laser configuration on compatible geometries. Real-world build rates vary significantly with part geometry, support structures, and the ratio of scanning to recoating time. Dense, simple cross-sections approach the rated speed; complex geometries with extensive support structures may achieve 50-70% of the rated rate.

03 What is the relationship between SLM Solutions and Nikon?

Nikon Corporation acquired SLM Solutions in 2023, rebranding the entity as Nikon SLM Solutions. The SLM Solutions product line continues under the SLM brand name. Nikon brings capital, optical technology expertise, and global manufacturing network to the AM platform. The SLM 500 Quad continues to be sold and supported under the combined entity's portfolio.

04 Can all four lasers access the entire build area?

The four lasers in the SLM 500 Quad have overlapping scan fields — each laser can access a significant portion of the build area, with full coverage achieved across all four. The lasers are not restricted to exclusive non-overlapping quadrants; they can collaborate on large cross-sections. SLM Solutions' multi-laser scan strategies manage laser assignments to minimize overlap artifacts and thermal interaction between adjacent melt pools.

05 What post-processing is typically required for SLM 500 Quad parts?

Standard post-processing includes wire EDM or milling to remove parts from the build plate, stress relief heat treatment (typically required for steels and nickel alloys to reduce residual stress), support structure removal, HIP for critical aerospace and medical applications, and finish machining of functional surfaces. Surface finish on as-built LPBF parts is typically Ra 8-15 um, requiring machining or bead blasting for smooth surfaces.