This development will significantly improve productivity in the most commonly used machine platform size, says the company with key benefits being a substantial reduction in cost per part whilst maintaining the quality and precision offered by standard single laser systems.
By speeding up the process by up to four times, Renishaw expects the RenAM 500Q to broaden the market appeal of metal additive manufacturing into applications that are presently uneconomic and potentially into new industries that have yet to embrace AM in production applications.
Says Robin Weston, marketing manager at Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Products Division: “Multiple laser technology in a small footprint will broaden the appeal of additive manufacturing in new markets and applications. The technology is moving towards applications where it’s not just the technical benefits of AM that are attractive but also the production economics of using it in a serialised manufacturing process for high quality components.
“At the show, Renishaw will demonstrate to visitors AM’s capabilities as a high quality serialised manufacturing method with good process and quality control.”
Also at the show, Renishaw will present High Temperature Build Volume, a new technology that enables manufacturers to build components from materials that are not currently feasible. The technology enables the production of bulkier parts with less risk of thermal stress effects. This has the potential to further expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing and provide a platform for research and development.