Independent metal AM
Nikon SLM 500 vs Colibrium M Line
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Colibrium M Line 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. Colibrium M Line offers the larger published build space (500 × 500 × 400 mm versus 500 × 280 × 365 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 | Nikon SLM 500 | Colibrium M Line |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 500 x 280 x 365 mm (reduced by substrate plate); quad 4 x 700 W | 500 x 500 x up to 400 mm |
| Energy / lasers | 4 × 700 W | 500 x 500 x up to 400 mm; 4 x 400 W fibre; 4 x 1 kW 'in development'; OEM powder list incl Nickel 718, Ti6Al4V Gr5, CoCrMo, stainless |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal powder |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | Availability unconfirmed |
| Public price | CLASS RECORD · 2013 No public list price (dated public record, not a current quote) | Current quote required |
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
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 |
Colibrium M Line
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Colibrium M Line | 500 x 500 x up to 400 mm; 4 x 400 W fibre; 4 x 1 kW 'in development'; OEM powder list incl Nickel 718, Ti6Al4V Gr5, CoCrMo, stainlessOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Published build envelope | 500 x 500 x 400 mm (X x Y x Z).OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Materials — OEM scope | OEM brochure lists Ni718, NiX, Ni625, CoCrMo, CoCrW, A205, 316L, 17-4PH, M300, Corrax and H13; confirm exact parameter qualification.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Layer thickness | 20–100 µm.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine dimensions / footprint | LPS: 4245 x 4300 x 3525 mm; MHS: 2960 x 3090 x 4190 mm (W x D x H). Separate stations.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Machine weight | Maximum full weight: LPS approximately 14000 kg; MHS approximately 7000 kg. Separate station masses.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | Colibrium describes modular printing and handling stations that allow preparation and post-processing alongside printing.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |