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SLM 500 – Specs and Settings

4 min read
SLM 500 – Specs and Settings

The SLM Solutions SLM 500 is a large industrial Selective Laser Melting (SLM/LPBF) machine equipped with four lasers delivering up to 2800 W of combined power. Its 500 × 280 × 365 mm build volume and multi-laser architecture make it suited for serial production of large-format metal parts with high density and repeatability.

What it is

The SLM 500 uses Selective Laser Melting technology (a form of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)) in which four independent lasers simultaneously fuse metal powder layer by layer inside a protective inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon). The quad-laser configuration (4 × 400 W or 4 × 700 W) allows parallel processing of the build volume, reducing build times by up to 90 % compared to single-laser systems. The machine features a fully closed powder-handling circuit, including automatic sieving and recycling of unused powder, which minimises operator exposure and lowers material costs. The SLM 500 is designed for aerospace and energy production environments where certified, near-zero-porosity parts with consistent microstructure are mandatory.

Technical specifications

TechnologySelective Laser Melting: SLM / LPBF
Build volume500 × 280 × 365 mm
Lasers / Power4 lasers: 4 × 400 W or 4 × 700 W (up to 2800 W)
Layer thickness20 – 90 µm
Build atmosphereinert gas: nitrogen or argon (< 0.1 % O₂)
Powder handlingclosed loop: automatic sieving and recycling
Class / PriceIndustrial · ~€1,200,000

Applications and industries

  • Large-format aerospace components: Manufacturing structural parts with complex internal geometry: such as aircraft brackets, reflectors and monolithic housings, from Ti6Al4V and Inconel, achieving densities > 99.9 % with full batch traceability (Aerospace and defence)
  • Turbine and energy parts: Serial build of cooling channels, burners and turbine blades from heat-resistant superalloys (Inconel 718/625), reducing lead time versus conventional machining (Energy and gas-turbine industry)
  • High-throughput serial metal production (Parallel multi-laser processing to simultaneously build multiple parts in one cycle) medical implants, tooling inserts and automotive components from stainless steel and AlSi10Mg with repeatable mechanical properties (Medical, automotive and general engineering)

Production workflow

  1. Machine and powder preparation: verify oxygen level in the build chamber (< 0.1 %), load and sieve metal powder, confirm fill level in the feed reservoir. Inert atmosphere preventing powder oxidation and porosity in the parts.
  2. Quad-laser SLM build: the machine fuses layer by layer with all four lasers in parallel, following the scanning strategy parameters (power, speed, hatch spacing) from the validated build processor. Evenly distributed energy across the full build volume, part density > 99.9 % and reduced total build time.
  3. Heat treatment and separation from the build plate: parts undergo stress-relief annealing (or HIP when required) and are then separated from the build plate by EDM or band saw. Reduced residual stresses, stabilised microstructure and freed parts ready for downstream processing.
  4. Post-processing and finish: CNC machining of functional surfaces, abrasive or electrochemical finishing, CT or ultrasound inspection for internal defects, and final metrology verification. Parts at final dimensions and surface quality matching the drawing, with complete certification documentation.

Key considerations

Residual stress and distortion: The rapid heating and cooling cycles in SLM generate significant thermal gradients, leading to part warpage or cracking, especially in bulky or asymmetric geometriesOptimise part orientation and support structures, apply stress-relief annealing immediately after the build, consider HIP treatment for critical parts.
Inter-laser zone inconsistency (multi-laser seam), In quad-laser builds, the overlap zones between individual lasers can show density, surface or microstructure differences if the lasers are not precisely calibrated relative to each otherPerform periodic multi-laser calibration following the SLM Solutions protocol, verify overlap zones with metrology coupons, and update build processor parameters accordingly.
Powder safety and contamination: Reactive powders (Ti, Al) are fire and explosion hazards when handled improperly; cross-contamination between alloys compromises mechanical properties and certification requirementsUse only the machine’s closed powder loop, follow a strict material-change protocol (cleaning, inspection), and provide appropriate PPE and ventilation per ISO 45001.
Thermal fatigue and HIP requirement – In superalloys (Inconel, CoCr) SLM parts may contain micro-pores or unfused zones that reduce fatigue life under cyclic loading in turbine applicationsApply Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) post-build to close internal pores, verify with CT scan before and after HIP, and validate build parameters through destructive coupon testing.

Materials and applications

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Conclusion

The SLM Solutions SLM 500 is one of the most capable platforms in industrial metal additive manufacturing: the four-laser configuration, closed powder circuit and generous build envelope make it particularly well-suited for serial production of certified parts in aerospace and energy. The investment is substantial, but with proper implementation and process validation the machine delivers a competitive advantage that is difficult to replicate with conventional technologies.

The full picture

This article is one page from The Big Book of 3D Printing: 704 illustrated pages covering every technology, material and fix in one reference.

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Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert

Updated on 11 September 2026

This article was written with AI assistance; the facts were checked against the sources on 11 September 2026.