SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 800 Quad

$2,500,000 - $3,500,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

build volume

800 x 400 x 500 mm (31.5 x 15.7 x 19.7 in)

laser type

Yb-fiber laser

laser power

4 x 700 W

number of lasers

scan speed

Up to 10.0 m/s

focus diameter

80 – 120 µm

Overview

The SLM Solutions SLM 800 Quad is the largest and highest-throughput system in the SLM mid-range product line, combining an 800 x 400 x 500 mm build envelope with four 700 W fiber lasers operating simultaneously. This configuration positions the SLM 800 Quad as one of the few metal LPBF systems capable of producing large aerospace structural components — including fuselage brackets, wing ribs, satellite panels, and rocket engine parts — without splitting geometry across multiple builds. With build rates reaching up to 171 cm³/h, the SLM 800 Quad is designed for aerospace prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers running 24/7 production.

SLM Solutions engineered the SLM 800 around a central challenge in large-format LPBF: maintaining consistent inert atmosphere quality and uniform gas flow across a build area more than three times the size of the SLM 280. The system uses a bidirectional, high-velocity laminar flow inert gas circuit that covers the entire 800 x 400 mm platform, achieving and maintaining oxygen levels below 0.1% throughout builds that may run for 24–72 hours. Powder management uses a fully integrated recoating and sieving system with a 185 kg powder storage capacity — sufficient for multiple consecutive large-build cycles without manual refilling.

The quad-laser system on the SLM 800 operates four 700 W beams across overlapping zones. SLM's patented MultiBeam technology manages the beam handoff between zones to minimize heat accumulation at stitch boundaries, which is the primary quality risk in multi-laser large-format builds. The system has been qualified by multiple aerospace prime contractors for structural titanium and Inconel components, and SLM Solutions works directly with customers on NADCAP and AS9100 qualification packages.

For buyers evaluating large-format metal LPBF options, the SLM 800 Quad's primary competitors are the EOS M 400-4 and Velo3D's Sapphire XC family. Against the EOS M 400-4, the SLM 800 offers a larger build footprint and higher total laser power. Against the Velo3D systems, the SLM 800 offers a more traditional LPBF approach without Velo3D's specialized low-angle printing capability. Pricing for the SLM 800 Quad is typically in the $2,500,000–$3,500,000 range.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	800 x 400 x 500 mm (31.5 x 15.7 x 19.7 in)
Laser Type	Yb-fiber laser
Laser Power	4 x 700 W
Number Of Lasers	4
Scan Speed	Up to 10.0 m/s
Focus Diameter	80 – 120 µm
Layer Thickness	20 – 90 µm
Build Rate	Up to 171 cm³/h
Technology	Selective Laser Melting (SLM / LPBF)
Materials	Ti6Al4V, Inconel 718/625, AlSi10Mg, Stainless Steel 316L, Hastelloy X, Maraging Steel, CobaltChrome
Inert Gas	Argon or Nitrogen
Oxygen Level	< 0.1%
Powder Storage	185 kg integrated powder storage
Gas Flow	Bidirectional high-velocity laminar flow
Power Consumption Max	35 kW
Machine Dimensions	8,900 x 4,100 x 3,400 mm (with powder station)
Software	SLM Build Processor, MultiBeam zone management
Automation	Integrated automated powder management and recoating

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

800 x 400 x 500 mm build envelope is among the largest in commercial LPBF, enabling single-build production of large aerospace structural frames and satellite panels
Four 700 W lasers with MultiBeam zone management deliver up to 171 cm³/h build rate for true 24/7 high-volume serial production
185 kg integrated powder storage and automated recoating system enables multi-build operation without manual powder intervention
Bidirectional laminar gas flow system maintains oxygen levels below 0.1% across the full 800 x 400 mm build area throughout long builds
Qualified by aerospace prime contractors for structural titanium and Inconel, with SLM Solutions NADCAP and AS9100 qualification support

Limitations

Machine system footprint exceeds 8,900 mm in length with powder station — requires substantial dedicated floor space and facility infrastructure planning
Capital cost of $2.5M–$3.5M requires sustained high utilization and aerospace-grade part pricing to achieve acceptable ROI
Multi-laser stitch zone qualification adds complexity and time to initial process qualification for new alloys and part geometries

Best For

Aerospace prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers producing large structural titanium and Inconel components including fuselage brackets, ribs, and engine cases Space and defense manufacturers printing large rocket propulsion components, satellite structural panels, and complex pressure vessels High-volume contract additive manufacturers with multi-shift operations requiring the maximum build volume and build rate per machine Energy sector turbomachinery manufacturers producing full-scale impellers, volutes, and heat exchanger cores in a single build

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the build volume of the SLM Solutions SLM 800 Quad?

The SLM 800 Quad provides a build envelope of 800 x 400 x 500 mm, making it one of the largest commercially available metal LPBF systems. This volume is sufficient for large aerospace structural brackets, full-scale rocket nozzle components, and industrial turbomachinery parts that cannot be produced on smaller platforms without geometry splitting.

02 How does the SLM 800 Quad compare to the EOS M 400-4?

The SLM 800 Quad offers a significantly larger build volume (800 x 400 mm vs. 400 x 400 mm for the EOS M 400-4) and higher total laser power (4 x 700 W vs. 4 x 400 W). The EOS M 400-4 benefits from EOS's broader global service infrastructure and material qualification library. For very large single-piece parts, the SLM 800 Quad's larger envelope is a decisive advantage.

03 What is SLM Solutions' MultiBeam technology on the SLM 800 Quad?

MultiBeam is SLM Solutions' patented multi-laser overlap management technology. It coordinates the four laser beams to process adjacent and overlapping zones of the build plate simultaneously, managing the handoff between laser zones to minimize heat accumulation and stitch line artifacts. This technology is critical for maintaining consistent microstructure and mechanical properties across large builds where zone boundaries would otherwise be visible or structurally weak.

04 Is the SLM 800 Quad qualified for aerospace production?

Yes. Multiple aerospace prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers have qualified the SLM 800 platform for structural titanium and nickel superalloy production. SLM Solutions provides qualification support packages including parameter documentation, process monitoring data formats, and calibration procedures aligned with NADCAP additive manufacturing accreditation requirements. Customers must perform their own material and process qualification to their specific quality standards.

05 What gas and facility infrastructure does the SLM 800 Quad require?

The SLM 800 Quad requires a high-volume argon or nitrogen gas supply, three-phase electrical service for up to 35 kW, floor loading capacity for the full machine and powder station assembly (which spans approximately 8,900 mm), and an inert gas exhaust ventilation system. Due to the machine's scale, SLM Solutions conducts dedicated facility planning reviews with all SLM 800 customers as part of the purchase process.