Materialise and Renishaw announce software partnership to increase machine efficiency
April 11, 2024

Materialise NV, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and Renishaw, based in Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, UK, have announced a partnership that aims to increase efficiency and productivity for users of Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing machines. Through the partnership, Materialise’s Build Processor software will be tailored to Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of metal AM machines and users will have access to Magics, Materialise’s data and build preparation software.
It is expected that the partnership will enable users of Renishaw’s AM systems to build a seamless workflow from design to additively manufactured part, control and customise their AM process, reduce production time, and increase the efficiency of AM operations.
“Working with Materialise enables us to support Renishaw users deploying 3D printing in a host of different manufacturing applications,” said Matt Parkes, AM Strategic Development Manager at Renishaw. “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.”
Build processors link AM machines with data preparation software, streamlining the Additive Manufacturing process from design to build. Materialise’s build processor is said to complement Renishaw’s recently launched TEMPUS technology. This new scanning algorithm for Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of AM machines allows the laser to fire while the recoater moves, saving up to nine seconds per build layer without reducing part quality. With this advancement, build time can reportedly be cut by up to 50%.
Materialise’s software handles data consistently and is said to speed up data processing of complex geometries and high volumes of parts. Additionally, the new build processor for Renishaw AM machines enables dedicated build parameters at the part level for increased productivity and optimised quality, making it a viable solution for the volume 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,” said Karel Brans, Senior Director Partnerships at Materialise. “Partnering with 3D printer manufacturers maximises efficiency by optimising build preparation and streamlining build jobs. This enables manufacturing at all volumes and levels of customisation, allowing users to scale production.”
The build processor for Renishaw AM machines allows users to seamlessly connect to Materialise Magics. This is a technology-neutral data and build preparation software that offers compatibility with nearly all import file formats and connectivity to all major Additive Manufacturing technologies. It provides users with advanced workflow control and automation, including the recently launched e-stage for Metal+. This software optimises data and build preparation for PBF-LB machines, using physics-based modelling to automate support structure generation.
Manufacturing companies can also rely on the Materialise build processor software development kit to create their own intellectual property. The open software system allows them to build their own next-generation build processor tailored to their metal Additive Manufacturing application. Customised build processors can help to further enhance cost efficiency, production speed and part quality, which makes it possible to manufacture intricate parts and mass-produce identical or personalised products with consistent quality, reduced scrap rates and abbreviated lead times.