Independent metal AM
Meltio M450 vs WAAM3D MiniWAAM
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Meltio M450 uses Directed energy deposition · laser-wire DED; WAAM3D MiniWAAM uses Directed energy deposition · wire-arc DED (WAAM).
- These specifications alone cannot tell us which machine will make a given part faster or cheaper.
What this pairing comes down to
This pairing crosses process families — Directed energy deposition · laser-wire DED against Directed energy deposition · wire-arc DED (WAAM) — so the decisive factor is usually which process fits the part geometry, material and finishing route, not which machine is bigger. 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 | Meltio M450 | WAAM3D MiniWAAM |
|---|---|---|
| Quick description | Wire-fed DED machine; compare energy source, feedstock and published envelope below. | Wire-fed DED machine; compare energy source, feedstock and published envelope below. |
| Process | Directed energy deposition · laser-wire DED | Directed energy deposition · wire-arc DED (WAAM) |
| Build size | 145 x 168 x 390 mm (W x D x H) | 600 x 600 x 500 mm |
| Energy / lasers | Laser · wire deposition | Plasma transferred arc |
| Feedstock | Metal wire | Metal wire |
| Machine status | Legacy generation · confirm support | Manufacturer listing reviewed · confirm configuration |
| Public price | LIST · 2026 OBSERVED $203,210.11 list (dealer, observed 2026-09-30) (dated public record, not a current quote) | Current quote required |
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.
Meltio M450
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Build envelope | 145 x 168 x 390 mm (W x D x H)OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Laser | 6 x 200 W direct diode lasers; 976 nm; total laser power 1200 WOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Feedstock | Metal wire, 0.8–1.2 mm; BS300 spool; hot-wire and dual-wire options listedOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Wire material families listed | Stainless steels, mild steels, carbon steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloysOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Atmosphere/enclosure | Laser-safe sealed enclosure with controlled atmosphere; active water-cooled chiller includedOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Machine footprint | 560 x 600 x 1400 mm (W x D x H); system weight 250 kgOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Power | 2–5 kW peak depending on options; 208/230 V or 400 V three phaseOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Used supply | One identified 2023 used machine (CAE inventory, price on request); its auto-generated category label is not a technical sourceTHIRD-PARTY ↗ · Source reviewed |
WAAM3D MiniWAAM
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Build envelope | 600 x 600 x 500 mmOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Energy source | Plasma transferred arcOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Materials | Titanium alloys, stainless steel and nickel alloys; confirm exact wire and parametersOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Inner chamber | 1600 x 1500 x 1600 mm; not machine footprintOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Rotational table | 60 kg payload; 500 mm diameterOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Atmosphere | Manufacturer lists oxygen below 50 ppmOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | 2400 x 2100 x 2300 mm (L x W x H), per current OEM machine-size table.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | WAAM3D positions MiniWAAM for prototypes, end-use parts and process/material research.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.