Independent metal AM
EOS M 400-4 vs Velo3D Sapphire XC
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- EOS M 400-4 publishes 4 lasers; Velo3D Sapphire XC publishes 8 lasers.
- 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. On published configuration the Velo3D Sapphire XC carries 8 lasers against 4 — more laser positions generally enlarge the parallel-exposure area, while scan strategy and parameters decide real throughput. 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 400-4 | Velo3D Sapphire XC |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 400 x 400 x 400 mm (incl. build platform) | Ø 600 x 550 mm (diameter x Z height) |
| Energy / lasers | 4 × 400 W | 8 × 1000 W |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal powder |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | Manufacturer listing reviewed · confirm configuration |
| Public price | FEDERAL · 2023 $2,364,744 (lot) (dated public record, not a current quote) | ESTIMATE · 2018 ≈ $600,000 (2018 est.) (dated public record, not a current quote) |
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.
EOS M 400-4
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| EOS M 400-4 build volume | 400 x 400 x 400 mm (incl. build platform)OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| EOS M 400-4 lasers | Yb-fiber; 4 x 400 W; four 250 x 250 mm areas with 50 mm overlapOEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| EOS M 400-4 power | max 45.0 kW / typical 22.0 kW; supply 3 x 50 AOEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| EOS M 400-4 footprint/weight | 5140 x 2490 x 2625 mm; approx 4900 kgOEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Materials — OEM scope | OEM-listed examples: AlSi10Mg, IN718, IN625, 316L, Ti64 and MS1. Exact alloy and process qualification still require confirmation.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | Material-specific examples: AlSi10Mg 40/80 µm; IN625 80 µm; Ti64 60 µm. These are published parameter choices, not a universal machine range.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Approximately 4900 kg.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | EOS presents the M 400-4 as a quad-laser production system.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Gas / atmosphere — stated scope | Inert gas supply: 7,000 hPa; 15 m³/h (102 psi; 706 ft³/h).OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Published print speed / throughput — stated basis | OEM data-sheet build-rate table, material-specific: up to 172.8 cm³/h (EOS Titanium Ti64 Grade 5 / Grade 23); 172.8 cm³/h (EOS Titanium TiCP); 120.96 cm³/h (EOS StainlessSteel 316L); 106.8 cm³/h (EOS MaragingSteel MS1); 100.8 cm³/h (EOS Aluminium AlSi10Mg); 74.9 cm³/h (EOS NickelAlloy IN939); 60.4 cm³/h (EOS NickelAlloy IN718; EOS NickelAlloy HX); 55.3 cm³/h (EOS CaseHardeningSteel 20MnCr5).OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
Velo3D Sapphire XC
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Velo3D Sapphire XC build volume | Ø 600 x 550 mm (diameter x Z height)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Velo3D Sapphire XC lasers | 8 x 1000 W lasersOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Velo3D Sapphire XC OEM-published throughput | up to 400 cc/h; part, material and parameter dependentOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Velo3D Sapphire XC qualified materials in reviewed brief | Inconel 718/625, Hastelloy C-22/X, Haynes alloys, GRCop-42, C18150, Ti-6Al-4V, F357, Scalmalloy, Aheadd CP1, M300 SteelOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Velo3D Sapphire XC price | No public retail price found in the reviewed OEM source; current quote required.OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | Sapphire XC: 8.53 x 3.35 x 4.75 m (L x W x H); excludes XC 1MZ specification.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Sapphire XC: approximately 7450 kg; not the XC 1MZ weight.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Gas / atmosphere — stated scope | OEM describes low-oxygen chamber operation at ambient temperature and pressure with regulated gas flow; gas species and consumption not independently verified.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | Velo3D presents Sapphire XC as a production-scale metal printing system.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.