Machine evidence
Nikon SLM 500
Decision context / editorial guidance
Screen the application.
Then qualify the process.
Worth investigating if: your supplier can demonstrate the required alloy, geometry and finished-part specification on the quoted Nikon SLM 500 configuration.
Do not buy on this page alone: a published envelope or machine configuration does not establish repeatability, accepted-part cost or local support.
Editorial purchasing guidance, not a verified recommendation for a particular application.
Published geometry / not guaranteed part fit
Front view shows X:Z proportions. Depth Y is stated numerically. Supports and clearance reduce usable space.
Compare this machine →Availability unconfirmed
At a glance
What is it?
Nikon SLM 500 is an industrial metal 3D printer using a laser melts thin layers of metal powder to build a part.
How does it print?
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF): a laser melts thin layers of metal powder to build a part.
When might I consider it?
Consider it when your part fits the published build space and the exact alloy and process can be qualified.
What public specs cannot tell you: finished-part speed, cost, quality or fit for your exact application.
New to AM? Start with the 5-minute guide →
Powder bed fusion · laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) · Nikon SLM Solutions
Availability and review notes
Source review: . Source-specific review dates appear beside each fact.
Published capabilities
| 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 |
What still needs a supplier answer
| Purchasing question | Evidence gap |
|---|---|
| All-in delivered machine price | Current quote required |
| Build time for your part | Not verified for your geometry |
| Alloy and parameters | Confirm the exact qualified combination |
| Application fit | Confirm tolerances, finishing, inspection and local support |
Source review dates identify when the cited material was reviewed. A source review is not a performance test; genuine third-party corroboration is identified separately.
Prepare a useful quote request
Send your exact alloy, dimensions, orientation, supports, inspection criteria and finishing route. Ask for usable build space and effective build time for that configuration. Include installation, training, service, software, gas supply and qualification in the delivered quote. Unverified fields on this page can be used as questions to confirm directly with the manufacturer before purchase.