Independent metal AM
EOS M 290 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
- Nikon SLM 280 2.0 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. Nikon SLM 280 2.0 offers the larger published build space (280 × 280 × 365 mm versus 250 × 250 × 325 mm) — more room for nesting several parts per build or for taller single parts. 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 | EOS M 290 | 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 | 250 x 250 x 325 mm (Z incl. build platform, application-dependent) | 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 | 1 × 400 W | 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 | Manufacturer listing reviewed · confirm configuration | Availability unconfirmed |
| Public price | FEDERAL · 2016–2024 $528,242 – $1,383,580 (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
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
EOS M 290
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| EOS M 290 build volume | 250 x 250 x 325 mm (Z incl. build platform, application-dependent)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 laser | Yb-fiber laser; 1 x 400 WOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| EOS M 290 power consumption | max 8.5 kW / typical 2.4 kW; supply 1 x 32 AOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 machine footprint | 2500 x 1300 x 2190 mm; weight approx 1250 kgOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 optics/scan | up to 7.0 m/s scan; focus approx 100 um; 1 F-theta lensOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 machine-level layer-thickness range | not published as a single machine range; per-material layer values published (e.g. 316L 20/40/80 um)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| EOS M 290 price | No public retail price found in the cited source during the research review.OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Materials — OEM scope | OEM-listed examples: AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, IN625, IN718 and Ti64. Confirm the exact material/parameter set; this is not a universal qualification claim.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Approximately 1250 kg.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | EOS presents the M 290 as a mid-sized system for qualified metal parts.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 |