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.
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 | Current quote required | Current quote required |
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 |
| Published build envelope | 275 x 275 x 420 mm, height inclusive of build plate.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | Adjustable; minimum 5 µm, typical values 30, 60 and 90 µm.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | 2360 x 2400 x 2870 mm (W x D x H), uncrated.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Approximately 4200 kg, uncrated.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Gas / atmosphere — stated scope | Argon supply, 4–6 bar; OEM facility requirement.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | 3D Systems positions DMP Flex 350 for low-to-medium production and material changeover.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
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 |
| Published build envelope | 280 x 280 x 365 mm (L x W x H), reduced by substrate plate thickness.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | 20–90 µm; further values available on request.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | 3150 x 1280 x 2470 mm (L x W x H).OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Gas / atmosphere — stated scope | Argon: average 8 L/min during processing and 110 L/min during purging, per OEM brochure.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| 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 |
| Manufacturer positioning | Nikon positions the SLM 280 2.0 for prototyping and serial production.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
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.