Renishaw Solutions Centers Provide AM Access, Knowledge in Spain, Italy

To accelerate the adoption of laser powder-bed fusion for series production applications,  Renishaw has expanded its global network of additive manufacturing (AM) Solutions Centers. Facilities in Barcelona, Spain, and Torino, Italy, are now operational for local companies to access Renishaw’s equipment and expertise at a fixed cost.

Launched in 2016, Renishaw’s Solutions Centers are said to provide businesses a secure development environment to build their knowledge and confidence using AM technology. The facilities are equipped with the latest AM systems, including Renishaw’s multi-laser machines, alongside all the metrology, finishing and machining equipment required to make a functional part.

Users of the Solutions Centers can run projects to build their knowledge of the AM process, understand the product performance impact, and assess the capability and costs of the technology. The centers are staffed with local AM specialists, who are expected to work closely with customers on the engineering projects. Renishaw says that it offers support throughout the investigation and business case development process, so companies can optimize their designs and gain the required evidence to make investment decisions.

“The Solutions Centers have proved to be a successful way for manufacturers to accelerate learning about this new technology,” says Marc Saunders, director of global solutions centers at Renishaw. “Early users of the Solutions Centers, who have benefited from accessing our facilities, are now deploying Renishaw’s multi-laser, productive additive manufacturing systems in their own facilities.”

Renishaw says it has invested significantly in its subsidiary network, comprising of over 70 offices in 36 countries. It has recently expanded to larger locations in Barcelona, Spain, and Torino, Italy, which is said to have enabled the establishment of new Solutions Centers.

“We have opened the new facilities to be closer to our Spanish and Italian customers,” Saunders says. “By expanding the network, we are able to help more customers move forward on the journey to industrial AM.”

Renishaw now has AM Solutions Centers operational in India, Canada, America, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.