MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 7, Rainer Lotz, Renishaw
Renishaw, long known as a leader in industrial metrology, continues to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, blending efficiency with sustainability. Their innovations seek to empower customers to be more productive, efficient, and competitive — with the subsequent benefit of reducing their environmental impact. As demonstrated at Formnext 2024 Renishaw showcased its solutions, highlighting how their specific take on metal AM allows users faster production times, reduced material waste, and improved functionality.
Defining Additive’s Role in Manufacturing
In the past, additive manufacturing was often regarded as a novelty. Everyone wanted to print everything, but there was a lack of clear direction for its integration into large-scale manufacturing environments. Today, the focus has shifted toward identifying the specific areas where additive manufacturing offers the greatest advantage. In combination with traditional subtractive technologies, additive manufacturing presents numerous opportunities for cost savings and sustainability improvements. By carefully selecting the right materials and products, manufacturers can see substantial reductions in time-to-market, material usage, and overall production costs.
The key to Renishaw’s success lies in the efficiency of their additive manufacturing systems. They’ve designed highly productive machines with a compact footprint that maximize output without occupying excessive space in a factory. Their system features four lasers on a defined powder bed, offering complete control and flexibility over the laser processes. This innovative design makes Renishaw’s systems up to five times faster than traditional systems, which translates directly into cost savings and increased productivity for their customers. Additionally, Renishaw’s two-laser system offers a significant price-performance advantage, outperforming many single-laser machines by a factor of three.
The Hydraulic Valve Case Study
Renishaw’s focus on product quality is unwavering. The company is committed to delivering high-performance parts without compromising on quality. One notable example is a customer who used additive manufacturing to redesign hydraulic valves. The new design was not only lighter, using less material, but also improved the valve’s overall performance, all while reducing costs. This case exemplifies how additive manufacturing can create more sustainable products and drive efficiencies across various industries.
The automotive and medical sectors also benefit from Renishaw’s additive manufacturing solutions. In automotive, one example shows a 70% increase in productivity, while in the medical field, another application saw a 50% improvement. These measurable gains further illustrate how Renishaw’s systems are helping businesses become more sustainable by increasing productivity, reducing material waste, and cutting costs.
The Power of Collaboration and AMGTA’s Role in Sustainable AM
Sustainability is a multifaceted goal, and Renishaw emphasizes the importance of being part of a wider community to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from one another. The company recognizes that the fast pace of technological development in manufacturing requires collaboration, particularly when it comes to tackling sustainability challenges. Renishaw’s membership in the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association (AMGTA) provides an invaluable platform for engaging with like-minded organizations, setting shared goals, and learning from collective experiences.
Beyond carbon footprint reduction, sustainability extends to workforce well-being and economic viability. Renishaw emphasizes the importance of a sustainable work environment, ensuring that employees can enjoy long, productive careers in a safe and fulfilling setting. The company also recognizes that, to sustain growth, there must be a strong economic foundation. This means ensuring that sustainability efforts are both scalable and cost-effective, so companies can remain competitive and financially viable in the long term.
By working together, members of AMGTA can accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices in additive manufacturing, making them not only visible but truly measurable. Renishaw’s approach is a testament to how additive manufacturing, when implemented thoughtfully, can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient future.
Renishaw’s message is clear: additive manufacturing is not just a technology but a catalyst for change. When used correctly, it can enhance resource management, reduce material waste, improve ergonomics, and, most importantly, help manufacturers create products that have a smaller carbon footprint. As Renishaw continues to innovate, the company remains committed to ensuring that additive manufacturing plays a pivotal role in the sustainable factories of the future.
Watch the full episode and explore the whole series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page new episodes will be shared every Wednesday through March 5th.
