SLM Solutions Group AG (www.slm-solutions.com), a supplier of metal-based additive-manufacturing (AM) technology, has signed a contract for a multi-machine order comprising 10 SLM500 multi-laser AM machines that are being marketed via a sales channel partner in China.

This is the first order of this magnitude that SLM Solutions has received for the SLM500 model.

Since its initial public offering, SLM has been pursuing the goal of further establishing itself in Asia, where it already has representation with subsidiaries in Singapore, China and (since 2017) India.

This major order is an important step for further growth in the region and is proof of high demand world-wide for AM systems suited to industrial applications. The machines are to be delivered to a customer in China within the next 15 months.

SLM 500 multi-laser machines represent the largest AM model that SLM currently produces. Multi-laser technology helps to boost productivity by simultaneously using up to four lasers, each with a maximum output of 700W.

Uwe Bögershausen, board member of SLM, said: “This order is an important milestone for further tapping the extremely important Chinese market.”