Renishaw unveiled its four-laser metal Additive Manufacturing machine at formnext 2017, Frankfurt, Germany, November 14-17. Titled the RenAM 500Q, the four-laser system has the potential to significantly improve productivity in the company’s most commonly used machine platform size.

The use of four lasers in an AM system can increase production speed by up to four times. Renishaw stated that it 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 for production.

“Multiple laser technology in a small footprint system will broaden the appeal of Additive Manufacturing in new markets and applications,” explained Robin Weston, Marketing Manager at Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Products Division.

According to the company, the primary benefit offered by the system is a substantial reduction in cost per part, whilst maintaining the quality and precision offered by standard single laser systems.

“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.”

During formnext, Renishaw also presented its new High Temperature Build Volume technology, which it states will enable manufacturers to build components from materials that are not currently feasible.

High Temperature Build Volume technology reportedly enables the production of bulkier parts with less risk of thermal stress effects. This has the potential to further expand the capabilities of AM  and provide a platform for research and development.