Cardiff University AM Labs add Renishaw laser melting technology to the mix

Says Rossi Setchi, the professor responsible for high value manufacturing: "Since the mid-1990s, the Additive Manufacturing Laboratories at Cardiff School of Engineering have had a fantastic track record of additive manufacturing R&D in metal sintering, in resins, and in polymers. "Our Additive Manufacturing Labs incorporate a wide range of 3D printing technologies and the ability to produce macro and micro components - we're very excited to be able to add laser melting to this mix for the first time with the purchase of this Renishaw AM250 machine." The AM Labs also use selective laser sintering, photo polymerisation (stereolithography) and fused deposition modelling 3D printing techniques. In addition, they have ovens, wire and solid-sink EDM machines, 3- and 5-axis CNC machines and laser milling equipment for post-printing machining of metal and plastic components. Renishaw's additive manufacturing technology is a digitally driven process that uses a high powered ytterbium fibre laser to fuse fine metallic powders in to 3D objects, direct from 3D CAD data. The metallic powder is distributed evenly across the build plate in layer thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns, forming the 2D cross section. The layer of powder is then fused, using the laser in a tightly controlled atmosphere. The process is repeated, building up parts of complex geometries, layer by layer. The AM250 machine is manufactured at Renishaw's facility to the west of Cardiff. Setchi adds that the AM Labs have immediate access to state-of-the-art measurement equipment at a new metrology lab in the University's College of Engineering in order to verify the dimensional accuracy of R&D and production laser-melted components. Simon Scott, director and general manager of Renishaw's Additive Manufacturing Products Division, says: "As with many new and disruptive technologies, it is the collaborative relationship that fosters and supports the breakthroughs that lead to wider adoption and we are looking forward to a strong partnership to support this goal."