Independent metal AM

DMP Flex 350 vs Nikon SLM 280 2.0

Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.

The big difference

DMP Flex 350 has the larger published build-space volume.
Both use Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
These specifications alone cannot tell us which machine will make a given part faster or cheaper.

What this pairing comes down to

Both are Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) platforms, so the practical comparison comes down to scale and productivity configuration. Published build volumes are closely matched, so envelope size is unlikely to decide this pairing. The spec sheet narrows the field; your volumes and quotes decide the buy case — the calculator computes the crossing for this pair.

Side by side

Question	DMP Flex 350	Nikon SLM 280 2.0
Quick description	LPBF machine; compare published build space and laser configuration below.	LPBF machine; compare published build space and laser configuration below.
Process	Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)	Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)
Build size	275 x 275 x 420 mm (height incl. build plate)	280 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); Single 1 x 700 W or Twin 2 x 700 W; layers 20-90 um
Energy / lasers	See published specifications	280 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); Single 1 x 700 W or Twin 2 x 700 W; layers 20-90 um
Feedstock	Metal powder	Metal powder
Machine status	Availability unconfirmed	Availability unconfirmed
Public price	FEDERAL · 2021 $961,655 (350B, 2021) (dated public record, not a current quote)	CLASS RECORD · 2013 No public list price (dated public record, not a current quote)

Published build-space comparison

DMP Flex 350275 × 275 × 420 mm

Nikon SLM 280 2.0280 × 280 × 365 mm

Proportional X and Z dimensions. Depth is listed in the numbers. Nominal envelopes are not usable part space; see configuration and platform caveats below.

Build size is the maximum published physical space. Energy or laser counts describe the machine configuration; they do not prove a throughput winner.

What do these differences actually mean?

A difference may matter when your part size, material, production plan or process qualification requires it. Confirm the exact application with both suppliers; this page does not declare a winner.

What public specs cannot tell you

Real throughputYour geometry, orientation, parameters and finishing route matter.

Actual yieldPublished specs do not tell you your accepted-part rejection rate.

Total installed priceInstallation, training, service, software and options require a current quote.

Finished-part costPrinting is only one part of the complete accepted-part route.

Service qualityLocal response, parts availability and support experience need supplier validation.

Qualified application fitPublic specs cannot approve your material, parameters, tolerances or inspection plan.

DMP Flex 350

More published specifications and source notes

Published detail	Evidence
3D Systems DMP Flex 350	275 x 275 x 420 mm (height incl. build plate); 500 W fiber standard; layers min 5 um, typical 30/60/90 umOEM ↗ · Source reviewed 2026-09-07
Published build envelope	275 x 275 x 420 mm, height inclusive of build plate.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Layer thickness	Adjustable; minimum 5 µm, typical values 30, 60 and 90 µm.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Machine dimensions / footprint	2360 x 2400 x 2870 mm (W x D x H), uncrated.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Machine weight	Approximately 4200 kg, uncrated.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Gas / atmosphere — stated scope	Argon supply, 4–6 bar; OEM facility requirement.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Manufacturer positioning	3D Systems positions DMP Flex 350 for low-to-medium production and material changeover.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09

Nikon SLM 280 2.0

Capability	Source-backed detail
Nikon SLM 280 2.0 envelope + lasers	280 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); Single 1 x 700 W or Twin 2 x 700 W; layers 20-90 umOEM ↗ · Source reviewed 2026-09-07
Published build envelope	280 x 280 x 365 mm (L x W x H), reduced by substrate plate thickness.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Layer thickness	20–90 µm; further values available on request.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Machine dimensions / footprint	3150 x 1280 x 2470 mm (L x W x H).OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Gas / atmosphere — stated scope	Argon: average 8 L/min during processing and 110 L/min during purging, per OEM brochure.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Published print speed / throughput — stated basis	Up to 173 cm³/h theoretical system build rate. The OEM explicitly says this does not represent actual build rate.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09
Manufacturer positioning	Nikon positions the SLM 280 2.0 for prototyping and serial production.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked 2026-09-09

These public specifications cannot establish a throughput, finished-part quality, support or price winner. Confirm usable envelope, exact alloy and process parameters, effective build time, finishing and local service for both options.

Compare your quoted scenarios →DMP Flex 350 profile →Nikon SLM 280 2.0 profile →Public price evidence →All machines →