Exploring the potential of multi-laser AM at Formnext

22 October 2018

To demonstrate the future of additive manufacturing (AM), Marc Saunders, Director of Global Solutions Centres at engineering technologies company Renishaw, is presenting at Formnext 2018, Messe Frankfurt, Germany. On Tuesday 13th November on the ‘TCT introducing' stage from 11.30am, Saunders will explain how to radically improve productivity with multi-laser systems, without compromising on product quality.

The talk will complement the exhibition of Renishaw's latest AM system, the RenAM 500Q, which includes four 500 W lasers to improve productivity in the most commonly used platform size. By speeding up the AM build process, manufacturers will see a reduction in cost-per-part, an increase in return on investment and a reduction in process waste, allowing AM to be used for applications that were previously uneconomical.

Saunders' presentation will cover how developments in AM machines, such as the introduction of the RenAM 500Q, can boost build rates without compromising on part quality. In his talk, Saunders will address the interaction between lasers in a multi-laser system and how Renishaw has derived rules for laser assignment which enable high-integrity components to be built.

“Running up to four lasers in the space where there was previously one, can create challenges because of potential laser interactions,” explained Saunders. “Formnext is one of the world's leading exhibitions for the AM industry, so it provides a great platform to demonstrate our expertise in overcoming the challenges of multi-laser technology. As the industry understands more about the benefits of multi-laser AM we will see a widespread increase in adoption.”

Saunders has over 25 years' experience in high tech manufacturing and precision engineering sectors. He now manages Renishaw's global network of Solutions Centres for metal AM, to offer customers hands-on experience with AM technology.

The Formnext exhibition is a leading manufacturing technologies event. At the show, the ‘TCT introducing' stage will give attendees up-to-date information on the latest developments in 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology. Over the three-day conference, industry leaders will share their experience of AM and how it can make an impact on manufacturing.

For more information about how multiple lasers can work together on high-integrity parts, visit the AM guide.

For further images, videos, company biographies or information on Renishaw and its products, visit our Media Hub.