Introduction: Metal AM must meet very different needs. Researchers in a lab want to test a new alloy while consuming as little powder as possible; manufacturers need systems that can print larger parts while controlling powder. How can an equipment supplier serve both? At Formnext 2026, ANiMA and ZRapid's answer is not one “universal machine,” but a complete SLM lineup organized by build size, from compact research systems to large-format industrial production.
Reducing the powder cost of materials testing
Trial and error is a major cost in developing new materials. Every test consumes metal powder, and a larger build chamber requires more powder for each trial. ANiMA developed a Build Volume Reducer (BVR) module for its A1 system. With the module installed, the build volume shrinks from 160 × 160 × 210 mm to a cylinder 50 mm in diameter and 80 mm high. Researchers can therefore test new alloys using a much smaller powder batch.
The A1 has a 500 W laser and single-phase power, so it can be installed in a lab or workshop without major high-power electrical modifications. It also exposes material and process parameters for users to adjust.
Bringing metal printing to the desktop
Another new product is ZRapid's iSLM100, a desktop metal system intended to bring SLM into smaller workspaces. Its build volume is 100 × 100 × 110 mm, and the machine occupies only 0.66 × 0.88 m of floor space. It is intended for small precision parts and specialty alloys.
The build platform can be heated to 200°C, helping control thermal conditions during printing, especially for crack-prone materials. More than 220 process parameters are open to users for exploring different manufacturing conditions. The iSLM100 was introduced by ZRapid this year and brought to the European market by ANiMA, expanding its metal-AM portfolio.
Small parts designed to be usable straight off the printer
For applications needing small metal components with complex geometries, ZRapid also offers the iSLM80P. Its build volume is 80 × 80 × 175 mm, and it supports layer thicknesses of 20 μm or less.
According to the manufacturer, accuracy ranges from 5 to 25 μm, the laser spot is about 22 μm in diameter, and printed-part surface roughness is Ra 0.8–2.8 μm. For parts with complex internal channels, this can substantially reduce post-processing, which in many cases costs more than the printing itself.
Managing powder as a prerequisite for production
As metal AM moves from research into production, powder management—recovery, sieving, and reuse—is unavoidable. Many systems still require these steps to be done manually.
ZRapid equips the iSLM300D with an AFS system that automates powder extraction, sieving, recovery, and supply to reduce manual handling. The original report notes that operators are still needed to prepare materials, prepare and remove parts, and perform subsequent finishing.
The iSLM300D has a 300 × 300 × 400 mm build volume and two 500 W lasers, targeting production of medium-sized parts. The same family includes the iSLM420D, with a 420 × 420 × 500 mm build volume and two 500 W lasers for larger parts.
Both companies' systems also have permanent filtration systems. According to the companies, users can clean the filters directly through software, and the filter component can last up to 50,000 hours.
How the two companies divide responsibilities
Beyond the machines, the partnership aims to cover different stages of metal AM. ZRapid supplies industrial systems, while ANiMA handles distribution and technical support in Europe. ANiMA also conducts its own R&D, including work on AI and manufacturing-process stability.
Formnext 2026 takes place in Frankfurt from November 17 to 20. The solutions will be shown at booths G75–G79 in Hall 12.0.
Source: 3Dnatives
AI-translated from an article by Beijixiong on Nanjixiong, originally published on 2026-11-10. Text and images retain the original source attribution.
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