Renishaw Expands Material Offerings for RenAM 500 Metal 3D Printer

Renishaw has unveiled five new materials files for its RenAM 500 metal additive manufacturing machines, significantly broadening the range of applications for users of this advanced technology.

New Materials Enhance Application Versatility
The newly introduced materials include pure copper, H13 tool steel, Hastelloy X alloy, super-duplex stainless steel, and AlSi7Mg aluminum alloy. This diverse selection allows for a variety of applications, such as consumer electronics and heat exchanger components utilizing pure copper’s exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. The lightweight yet high-strength properties of AlSi7Mg aluminum make it ideal for aerospace and automotive components. Additionally, H13 tool steel is well-suited for parts requiring high heat resistance and excellent thermal fatigue properties. Both Hastelloy X alloy and super-duplex stainless steel are recognized for their outstanding corrosion resistance and strength, making them appropriate for the oil and gas and chemical processing industries.

Collaboration with Customers for Improved Processes
Renishaw developed these materials files in direct collaboration with its customers, aiming to meet their evolving needs. The new material datasheets incorporate results from Plastometrex’s proprietary Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry (PIP) testing, enhancing the evaluation of mechanical properties. This innovative testing method enables rapid and direct assessments of different sections of additive manufactured parts, offering a more precise analysis of their characteristics. This partnership was announced earlier this year and aims to complement Renishaw’s existing testing protocols.

Enhanced Powder Layer Thicknesses Introduced
In addition to the new materials, Renishaw has introduced new powder layer thicknesses for its existing materials. These include 90 μm for titanium grade 23, 70 μm for stainless steel 316L, and 120 μm for Inconel 718. These parameters are designed to achieve exceptional material build rates, further improving the efficiency of the additive manufacturing process.

Commitment to Customer-Centric Innovation
Marc Gardon, EMEA Additive Manufacturing Applications Manager at Renishaw, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded material portfolio, stating, “We are pleased to be adding to our portfolio of available materials to support innovative applications and respond to the needs of our customers.” He highlighted specific developments for H13 tool steel, Hastelloy X alloy, and super-duplex stainless steel tailored for customers in Spain and Portugal, including SIMOLDES, ITP Aero, and ADDIMEN, focusing on tooling, aerospace, and energy sectors.