SLM Solutions SLM 125

The SLM 125 is a small-format laser metal additive machine: a single 400 W laser working over a 125 x 125 x 125 mm (4.9 x 4.9 x 4.9 in) build envelope, in a cabinet that measures 1,400 x 900 x 2,460 mm (55.1 x 35.4 x 96.9 in). SLM Solutions gives a theoretical build rate of up to 33 cm³/h. Those figures point to development work, material trials and small parts, not to volume production.

The envelope is quoted before the substrate plate, and the table says so: usable height is the 125 mm less the thickness of the plate the part is built on. A second row lists a build volume reduction to 50 x 50 x 50 mm (2.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 in), again less the plate. A reduced volume needs far less powder to fill, which is the practical way to try a new or scarce alloy without loading the full cylinder. The table does not say whether the reduction is part of the base machine, so confirm that when quoting.

Resolution is where a machine this size earns its place. The beam focus diameter is 80 – 100 µm, the minimum feature size is 140 µm, and layer thickness is variable from 20 – 75 µm with more on request. Maximum scan speed is 10 m/s. The 33 cm³/h rate is explicitly theoretical, calculated as layer thickness x scan speed x hatch distance x number of lasers, and with one laser that last term is one. Recoating and the scan pattern of a real part are not in that product, so treat it as a ceiling when estimating build times.

Site requirements are light for a metal machine. Power input is 400 V 3NPE, 32 A, 50/60 Hz, 3 kW. Argon consumption is 0.6 L/min in process and 70 L/min in purging, so gas use is driven by how often the chamber is purged more than by build hours. Compressed air must meet ISO 8573-1:2010 [1:4:1] at 7 bar. At 2,460 mm tall, the cabinet needs door and ceiling clearances checked along the delivery route. For scale, the SLM 500 Quad builds in 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) with 4 x 700 W fiber lasers and weighs approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb).