Materialise, a global leader in 3D printing software and services, and Renishaw, a global engineering technology company, have announced a collaboration to improve productivity and efficiency of metal 3D printing for manufacturers who use Renishaw’s additive manufacturing systems. Renishaw system users will gain access to Materialise’s next-generation build processor software, which is specifically designed for the RenAM 500 series of metal AM systems.
They will also have access to Magics, Materialise’s premier data and build preparation software. This will allow Renishaw AM system users to create a seamless workflow from design to 3D-printed part, control and customise their 3D printing process, reduce production time, and improve AM operations efficiency.
Increasing Efficiency of Metal 3D Printing
Manufacturers are increasingly using additive manufacturing to produce metal parts on an industrial scale. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a significant technology for industrial 3D printing that allows users to adjust print parameters for increased productivity.
However, LPBF can be difficult for inexperienced users, so more training may be required to get the most out of the technology. Software enables manufacturers to realise the full potential of the technology by optimising the 3D printing process and streamlining the workflow.
“Working with Materialise enables us to support Renishaw users deploying 3D printing in a host of different manufacturing applications. Their next-generation build processors, in combination with their software portfolio, complement our recent technology updates. We’re pleased to be collaborating on the tools needed to support the industry as metal 3D printing becomes an essential piece of the manufacturing puzzle.”
– Matt Parkes, AM Strategic Development Manager at Renishaw
Build processors connect 3D printers to data preparation software, streamlining the entire additive manufacturing process from design to print. Materialise’s next-generation build processor complements Renishaw’s recently launched TEMPUS™ technology. This new scanning algorithm for Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of AM machines enables the laser to fire while the recoater moves, saving up to nine seconds per build layer while maintaining part quality. With this advancement, part build time can be reduced by up to 50%. Materialise’s next-generation build processor software manages data consistently and accelerates data processing for complex geometries and large volumes of parts.
Furthermore, the new build processor for Renishaw AM systems allows for dedicated print parameters at the part level, resulting in increased productivity and optimised quality, making it a viable solution for mass production of different or identical parts.
“This partnership enables a unique approach to efficient metal 3D printing. The combination of Renishaw’s TEMPUS technology and the ability of Materialise’s build processor to process data at high speeds can significantly reduce production time. Partnering with 3D printer manufacturers maximizes efficiency by optimizing build preparation and streamlining build jobs. This enables manufacturing at all volumes and levels of customization, allowing users to scale production.”
– Karel Brans, Senior Director of Partnerships at Materialise
e-Stage for Metal+
Renishaw AM systems’ build processor enables users to connect seamlessly to Materialise Magics. This is a technology-neutral data and build preparation software that works with almost any import file format and connects to all major 3D printing technologies. It offers users advanced workflow control and automation, including the recently released e-Stage for Metal+. This software optimises data and builds for LPBF systems by automating support structure generation through physics-based modelling.
Manufacturing companies can also use the Materialise Build Processor Software Development Kit to develop their own intellectual property. The open software system enables them to create their own next-generation build processor tailored to their metal 3D printing needs. Customised build processors can help to improve cost efficiency, production speed, and part quality, allowing you to manufacture intricate parts and mass-produce identical or personalised products with consistent quality, lower scrap rates, and shorter lead times.
