SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 500

$1,100,000 - $1,600,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

build volume

500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in)

laser type

IPG fiber laser

laser power

2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W (configurable)

number of lasers

2 or 4 (configurable)

focus diameter

~80 µm

layer thickness

20 - 75 µm (material dependent)

Overview

The SLM Solutions SLM 500 is a high-throughput, large-format metal additive manufacturing system that brings up to four-laser capability to a 500 x 280 x 365 mm build volume. Designed explicitly for serial production, the SLM 500 is one of the most productive LPBF platforms in the mid-to-large format segment, capable of build rates exceeding 170 cm³/h in its quad-laser configuration with 700 W lasers. It is a machine for manufacturers who have validated their AM process and are now scaling for volume.

The SLM 500 is available in twin-laser (2 x 400 W or 2 x 700 W) and quad-laser (4 x 700 W) configurations. The quad-laser version, using four 700 W IPG fiber lasers, represents one of the highest-laser-power-density LPBF systems commercially available. Each laser covers a zone of the build area with some overlap near zone boundaries — a zone-based architecture that is different from EOS's full-overlap approach on the M 300-4. For applications with dense, uniform part arrays where zone boundaries can be managed through nesting strategy, the SLM 500 delivers exceptional throughput.

A distinctive feature of the SLM 500 is its integrated powder management system, which enables automated powder supply, overflow collection, sieving, and recirculation with minimal operator intervention. In combination with the optional automated build cylinder exchange system, experienced SLM 500 operators can achieve near-continuous machine utilization by pre-staging powder and swapping build cylinders without full cool-down between builds. This production efficiency is a key differentiator for service bureaus and in-house production departments running multiple shifts.

SLM Solutions' open parameter philosophy carries through on the SLM 500. All process parameters are user-accessible through the SLM Build Processor, enabling qualified aerospace customers to develop and own their proprietary parameter sets. The system supports the full SLM material library: titanium alloys, nickel superalloys, aluminum alloys, cobalt chrome, stainless and tool steels, and emerging materials such as copper and reactive metals. Parameter transferability from the SLM 280 enables process scale-up. New SLM 500 systems are priced between $1,100,000 and $1,600,000 fully configured.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Build Volume	500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in)
Laser Type	IPG fiber laser
Laser Power	2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W (configurable)
Number Of Lasers	2 or 4 (configurable)
Focus Diameter	~80 µm
Layer Thickness	20 - 75 µm (material dependent)
Scan Speed	Up to 10.0 m/s
Build Rate	Up to 171 cm³/h (4 x 700 W, material dependent)
Technology	Selective Laser Melting (LPBF)
Scanning Strategy	Bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers
Materials	Titanium, Inconel, Aluminum, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Maraging Steel, Tool Steels, Copper
Inert Gas	Argon or Nitrogen
Powder Handling	Integrated automated powder management with recirculation
Build Cylinder Exchange	Optional automated exchange for continuous production
Parameter Access	Fully open — user-modifiable parameters
Software	SLM Build Processor
CNC Control	SLM Solutions proprietary

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Up to 171 cm³/h build rate in the 4 x 700 W configuration makes the SLM 500 one of the most productive mid-to-large format LPBF systems available
Integrated automated powder management with recirculation and optional build cylinder exchange enables near-continuous production operation with minimal downtime
500 x 280 mm build footprint provides an unusually wide build area suited to elongated aerospace and structural components
Fully open parameter access allows proprietary alloy qualification and process development without vendor restriction

Limitations

Zone-based multi-laser architecture requires careful part nesting to manage zone boundary stitching — less flexible than full-overlap systems like the EOS M 300-4
$1.1M-$1.6M price point requires volume production to justify the quad-laser throughput investment over smaller platforms
500 x 280 mm build plate has an asymmetric footprint — the narrower Y dimension can be a constraint for certain part geometries compared to a 500 x 500 mm square platform

Best For

Service bureaus and contract manufacturers scaling metal AM production who need the highest possible throughput per machine installation Aerospace OEMs running serial production of mid-size components in titanium and Inconel where build rate directly impacts program cost Automotive and motorsport manufacturers producing aluminum and steel components at volume for lightweighting and performance programs Companies with validated SLM 280 processes seeking production scale-up on a parameter-compatible higher-throughput platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the actual build rate of the SLM 500 quad-laser?

SLM Solutions quotes up to 171 cm³/h for the 4 x 700 W configuration. This is achievable for favorable materials like aluminum at coarse layer thicknesses (75 µm). Typical production rates for titanium and Inconel at 50 µm layers run 60-100 cm³/h. Part geometry, nesting density, and layer thickness all significantly affect realized throughput.

02 How does the SLM 500 compare to the EOS M 300-4?

Both are quad-laser production LPBF systems in a similar price range. The SLM 500 has a larger build area (500 x 280 mm vs 300 x 300 mm) and higher maximum build rates, but uses zone-based multi-laser versus the EOS M 300-4's full-overlap architecture. EOS M 300-4 offers better part quality flexibility through full-overlap laser access; the SLM 500 offers a throughput edge for applications where zone stitching management is acceptable.

03 Can the SLM 500 run continuously without operator intervention?

Near-continuous operation is achievable with the optional automated build cylinder exchange system and integrated powder management. Operators pre-stage powder and build cylinders, and the system can exchange cylinders between builds without full machine cool-down. In practice, some oversight is needed for quality monitoring, filter management, and safety. True lights-out operation remains limited by process monitoring requirements.

04 Does the SLM 500 support open parameters?

Yes. Like all SLM Solutions systems, the SLM 500 provides fully open parameter access through SLM Build Processor. All laser, scan, and layer parameters are user-configurable. This is particularly important for aerospace customers who need to own and control their process parameters for qualification and IP protection.

05 What is the SLM 500's footprint and facility requirement?

The SLM 500 is a large system requiring significant floor space — approximately 4 meters wide with the powder handling module — plus access space for maintenance and operation. 3-phase electrical service, high-capacity argon supply, and proper ventilation are required. Powder handling safety protocols apply for all reactive metal materials. A dedicated AM production cell with environmental controls is recommended.