IAM 3D HUB, a digital innovation centre, incorporated Renishaw’s latest metal 3D printing model, the RenAM 500Q, into its facilities. This new equipment encourages innovation and the use of high technology in metal additive manufacturing.
IAM makes this addition in conjunction with its facility expansion, which has taken place in recent months. The facility stretches almost 800m2, which includes the exhibition hall, printed parts showroom, metal printing area, BASF materials laboratory and the 3D printing pilot plant.
The new printer builds on IAM’s mission to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies and digital innovation in the European Union’s industrial sector. The centre bills AM as an alternative to traditional design, development and production of new products and services. The centre works in the European Union’s renewable strategy and the Union’s promotion of AM.
IAM’s earlier Renishaw models, the AM 250 and AM 400, were mono-laser printers, which were less precise and had slower build times. The RenAM 500Q is more precise and up to four times faster than previous systems.
Renishaw’s new equipment will allow IAM to produce stainless steel parts with a manufacturing rate of up to 150cm3/h. The proximity between lasers in the optical system considerably reduces thermal errors and ensures all lasers simultaneous access to the entire worktable surface. The construction volume remains the same as in previous models: 250 mm x 250 mm x 350 mm.
In addition to the incorporation of Renishaw’s new metal printing equipment, the Hub has expanded its fleet of state-of-the-art HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers. The centre currently has sixteen industrial printers, along with HP’s post-processing and part cleaning stations. In addition, this past 2020, and despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, the centre inaugurated a new laboratory for materials testing with the support of Forward AM by BASF. In this new space of the Hub there are different filament printing equipment and photosensitive resins, as well as technology for cleaning and post-processing of the different parts.
The IAM 3D HUB offers a one-stop-shop service to advise and guide companies wishing to bet on 3D printing. And it contributes to a new era of tool-less code-to-material production as a fast, safe, and efficient manufacturing method.
