Renishaw introduces first in-house AM Machine: EVO Project

Few product specifications are available about the provisionally-named Evo Project, model number AM500, due to go on sale after June 2015. Renishaw did say that it incorporates a 500 W laser, high capacity filtration system and 19 inch user interface screen. It says that the machine is designed for single-material industrial production, and has a strong emphasis on automation, monitoring technologies and reduced operator interaction. It also says, "Powder handling is almost entirely hands off, whilst powder recirculation, recycling and recovery are all carried out within the inert atmosphere of the system, protecting both the user and the integrity of the material." Renishaw says that the existing AM250 machine would not compete, as it is better suited to flexible manufacturing and research applications where there is a need to change materials, for which it has included an interchangeable hopper system. Developments on Evo Project have percolated down to the AM250; in particular the PlusPac upgrade pack offers improvements to Z-axis seals and chamber lighting, plus substantially improved gas recirculation and filtration. An AM250 system and AM250 with PlusPac will also be shown at Euromold.