Independent metal AM
Nikon SLM 500 vs Nikon SLM NXG XII 600
Start with the differences that could affect your part. Confirm the complete configuration with each supplier.
The big difference
- Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 has the larger published build-space volume.
- Nikon SLM 500 publishes 4 lasers; Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 publishes 12 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. Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 offers the larger published build space (600 × 600 × 600 mm versus 500 × 280 × 365 mm) — more room for nesting several parts per build or for taller single parts. On published configuration the Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 carries 12 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 | Nikon SLM 500 | Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 600 x 600 x 600 mm |
| Energy / lasers | 4 × 700 W | 12 × 1000 W |
| Feedstock | Metal powder | Metal powder |
| Machine status | Availability unconfirmed | Manufacturer listing reviewed · confirm configuration |
| 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 |
Nikon SLM NXG XII 600
| Capability | Source-backed detail |
|---|---|
| Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 build envelope | 600 x 600 x 600 mmOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 lasers | 12 x 1000 W lasersOEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
More published specifications and source notes
| Published detail | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 commercial status | Nikon currently presents the NXG XII 600 on its system page and provides a Get a Quote path; exact current configuration and availability should be confirmed directly with Nikon.OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Nikon SLM NXG XII 600 price | No public retail price found in the reviewed OEM source; current quote required.OEM ↗ · Source reviewed |
| Published print speed / throughput — stated basis | OEM campaign advertises a 1000 cm³/h build rate with Double Jump Speed. Material/parameter conditions are not stated there; this is not a guaranteed finished-part output.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |
| Manufacturer positioning | Nikon positions NXG XII 600 for high-volume serial production.OEM ↗ · OEM source checked |