SLM Solutions Metal Additive Manufacturing

SLM Solutions SLM 500

Est. $1,100,000 - $1,600,000 Updated 2026-10-03

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)

How much does the SLM Solutions SLM 500 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$1,100,000 - $1,600,000

Our best estimate for a metal additive manufacturing in this class — not a quote from SLM Solutions. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The SLM 500 is listed as a configurable Selective Laser Melting (LPBF) platform: a 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) build volume served by 2 or 4 fiber lasers. The laser sets in the table are 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W, and the summary rows describe the largest of them: 4 x 700 W, 2.8 kW in total.

Read the build rate with that in mind. Up to 171 cm³/h is given for 4 x 700 W and is material dependent, so a twin-laser machine will be well short of it. Layer thickness is 20 - 75 µm depending on material, the focus diameter is ~80 µm and scan speed reaches 10.0 m/s.

Two rows matter to anyone who develops their own processes. Parameter access is listed as fully open, with user-modifiable parameters, and the scanning strategy is bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers. The rotation means successive layers are not hatched in the same direction, which spreads out the directional effects of the scan. Software is the SLM Build Processor on a proprietary SLM Solutions control.

For production, powder management is integrated and automated with recirculation. An automated build cylinder exchange for continuous production is listed as optional, so it should not be assumed on a given machine. Listed materials cover titanium, Inconel, aluminum, cobalt chrome, stainless steel, maraging steel, tool steels and copper, under argon or nitrogen.

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
Lasers	4 x 700 W
Total Power	2.8 kW

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Listed laser sets of 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W or 4 x 700 W let the machine be matched to throughput
Fully open parameter access with user-modifiable parameters
Bidirectional scanning with 67° rotation between layers
Integrated automated powder management with recirculation
Up to 171 cm³/h with 4 x 700 W (2.8 kW total), material dependent

Limitations

The 171 cm³/h build rate is for 4 x 700 W only; no rate is listed for the two-laser sets
Automated build cylinder exchange is listed as optional, so continuous production depends on that option being fitted
Layer thickness stops at 75 µm in the listed range of 20 - 75 µm
The listed figures include no dimensions, weight or power supply, so installation data must be obtained for the specific machine

Best For

Process development that needs fully open, user-modifiable parameters Parts within 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11.0 x 14.4 in) Copper, maraging steel and tool steel work alongside titanium and Inconel Continuous production when the optional automated build cylinder exchange is fitted

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How many lasers does the SLM 500 have?

The listed number is 2 or 4, configurable. The laser power row gives three sets: 2 x 400 W, 2 x 700 W, or 4 x 700 W. A separate row lists 4 x 700 W with a total of 2.8 kW, which is the largest configuration. Check the laser set of any individual machine, because the build rate depends on it.

02 What is the build rate of the SLM 500?

Up to 171 cm³/h, listed for 4 x 700 W and described as material dependent. No rate is listed for the 2 x 400 W or 2 x 700 W sets. With layer thickness at 20 - 75 µm and scan speed up to 10.0 m/s, the actual rate depends on the material and the layer chosen.

03 Can users change the process parameters on the SLM 500?

Yes, going by the listed figures: parameter access is fully open, with user-modifiable parameters. The listed scanning strategy is bidirectional with 67° rotation between layers, and build files are prepared in the SLM Build Processor.

04 Is automated build cylinder exchange included on the SLM 500?

No. It is listed as optional: an automated exchange for continuous production. Integrated automated powder management with recirculation is listed without that qualifier. On a specific machine, confirm whether the cylinder exchange is fitted.

05 How does the SLM 500 relate to the SLM 500 Quad?

The SLM 500 Quad is the four-laser machine: 4 x 700 W fiber lasers over the same 500 x 280 x 365 mm (19.7 x 11 x 14.4 in) build volume, at approx. 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). The SLM 500 table also lists two-laser sets, 2 x 400 W and 2 x 700 W.