SLM Solutions SLM 800

The SLM Solutions SLM 800 is a DMLS 3D printer from Nikon SLM Solutions with a 500 x 280 x 850 mm build volume.

Specifications

Technology and Laser System

The SLM 800 uses L-PBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) with four fiber lasers up to 700 W each at 1070 nm wavelength. Layer thickness: 20–90 µm, enabling flexible balance between resolution and speed. The four lasers cover the full 500 mm width simultaneously via precision galvo scanners.

Build Volume

500 × 280 × 850 mm: the 850 mm Z-axis is among the tallest in the entire powder bed metal AM segment. It enables single-run printing of complete rocket nozzles and aerospace structures not achievable on smaller machines.

Platform and Powder Handling.

Calibration

1. Platform Leveling

For 850 mm builds, initial leveling is critical: deviation ≤ 0.05 mm. A small initial error is amplified over the full Z-axis, leading to >1 mm deviation at the top.

2. Multi-Laser Calibration

Four laser heads require precise overlap zone matching. Run the official multi-laser alignment routine after any optical component change; validate with a burn plate across the full 500 mm width.

3. Inert Atmosphere

Purge to O₂ < 100 ppm; for Ti/Al: < 50 ppm.

Common defects

Thermal Distortion in Tall Builds

Residual stresses accumulate significantly over 850 mm builds. Apply preheating (200–500°C), island scanning, and additional supports to constrain deformation. For high-yield-strength alloys (Inconel, Ti), risk is particularly high without proper thermal strategy.

Porosity

Gas and lack-of-fusion porosity, identical to SLM 500 mechanisms. During long builds, monitor upper powder layers for moisture absorption if chamber seal integrity is insufficient.

What it is used for

Suitable Applications

The SLM 800 targets applications requiring a continuous metal structure >500 mm tall: rocket nozzles, aerospace spars, monolithic satellite frames, heat exchangers with high L/D-ratio. The scalable multi-machine configuration with shared powder supply is a key advantage for serial production.

Poor-Fit Applications.