New technology from Renishaw reduces 3D printing production times by up to 50%

The manufacturer Renishaw has launched the TEMPUS technology on the market. This is designed to enable users to achieve significantly higher productivity in additive manufacturing without compromising the quality of the parts.

TEMPUS includes a new scanning algorithm for Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series of metal-based AM systems. This allows the laser to work while the coater is moving, saving up to nine seconds per production layer. The time saving can reduce production time by up to 50% over the entire cycle time.

With TEMPUS technology, the lasers follow the coater as it applies a layer of powder, melting the powder to be applied before the coater has completed its process. When the coater returns to the dispenser to load more powder, the lasers jump over the coater and continue to melt the current layer, shortening the coating time. As the coater begins to apply the next layer of powder, the lasers complete the previous layer and simultaneously begin processing the new layer. The TEMPUS technology reduces the dwell time per layer and thus shortens cycle times.

The technology uses advanced scanning algorithms that sequence the layer data to maximize productivity while maintaining part quality. Optimization is better suited to some part geometries than others, but all geometries can see some productivity benefits. For example, parts with thin, vertical structures can expect higher productivity gains.

TEMPUS technology becomes standard on RenAM 500 Ultra

“Reducing the cost per part is critical to the continued adoption of AM technology,” explains Louise Callanan, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Renishaw. “The most important cost factor for most components today is the time it takes to produce the part on the machine itself. Reducing the machine time per part therefore leads to more cost-effective production.”

“That’s why the TEMPUS technology is such a big step forward,” added Callanan. “Normally, the laser turns off while the coater is moving. By operating the laser while the coater is moving, the laser shutdown time per job is minimized. The time and cost savings will enable the use of AM in mass production in areas where the technology would previously have been uneconomical.”

TEMPUS technology is standard on the new RenAM 500 Ultra metal AM systems, which are available in quad or single laser configurations. For customers of the RenAM 500 series, TEMPUS is available as a chargeable upgrade. Renishaw’s data shows that retrofitting TEMPUS technology to an existing system is the equivalent of adding an extra laser. It allows existing customers to get the most out of their machine investment.