Independent metal AM
Nikon SLM 280 2.0 vs Nikon SLM 500
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Nikon SLM 500 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 | Nikon SLM 280 2.0 | Nikon SLM 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 500 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); quad 4 x 700 W |
| Energy / 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 um | 4 × 700 W |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal powder |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | Availability unconfirmed |
| Public price | Current quote required | Current quote required |
Published build-space comparison
Nikon SLM 280 2.0280 × 280 × 365 mm
Nikon SLM 500500 × 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.
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 |
Nikon SLM 500
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Nikon SLM 500 build envelope + lasers | 500 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); quad 4 x 700 WOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Nikon SLM 500 productivity/gas figures | theoretical build rate up to 345 cm3/h; min feature 150 um; max scan 10 m/s; process Ar 16 L/min; average inert gas 250 L/minOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Layer thickness | 20–90 µm; additional values available on request, per the four-700 W configuration brochure.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | 6080 x 2530 x 2620 mm (L x W x H), documented four-700 W configuration.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Published print speed / throughput — stated basis | Up to 345 cm³/h theoretical system build rate, four-700 W configuration; not finished-part output.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | Nikon describes the SLM 500 as a system for serial production with removable build cylinders.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.