SLM Solutions SLM 280

The SLM Solutions SLM 280 is a mid-frame metal additive manufacturing system with a 280 x 280 x 365 mm build volume and up to twin-laser configuration, designed for production of medium-format metal parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, and energy applications. As SLM Solutions' core production platform, the SLM 280 competes directly with the EOS M 290 and Renishaw RenAM 500M in the critical mid-range LPBF market segment, differentiating primarily through multi-laser scalability and a fully open parameter approach.

The SLM 280 2.0 — the current generation — is available in single-laser (400 W) and twin-laser (2 x 400 W or 2 x 700 W) configurations. The twin-laser setup provides roughly 80% throughput improvement over single-laser operation in practice, though the theoretical maximum is not fully achieved due to laser overlap management near zone boundaries. Unlike the EOS M 300-4's full-overlap architecture, the SLM 280 uses a split-zone approach where each laser handles half the build plate, making laser zone management an important consideration in part nesting strategy.

SLM Solutions has long championed open parameter access, allowing users to develop and modify process parameters without restrictions. This is a significant advantage for aerospace and research customers who need to qualify proprietary alloys, develop in-house parameters, or push beyond what qualified parameter sets offer. The SLM Build Processor software provides full control over all exposure parameters, scan strategies, and layer settings. Integration with major CAD/CAM and simulation platforms is supported.

Material support on the SLM 280 covers the same breadth as other industrial LPBF platforms: Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V ELI for aerospace and medical, IN718 and IN625 for high-temperature applications, AlSi10Mg and AlSi12 for lightweight structures, CoCrW for medical implants and dental, 316L and 17-4PH stainless steels, and various maraging and tool steels. The bidirectional scanning with 67° rotation between layers is a signature SLM Solutions approach to minimizing residual stress and crystallographic anisotropy. New SLM 280 systems are priced between $700,000 and $950,000 depending on laser configuration.