Renishaw’s Innovations Shine at METALEX 2025

Steve Bell, General Manager for ASEAN at Renishaw (Singapore) Pte Ltd, provided insights into these innovations and their impact on current industry needs.

Addressing Industry Needs with Advanced Solutions

Manufacturers are increasingly seeking rapid, actionable data to ensure the accuracy of high-precision components. Renishaw's Equator automated gauging systems are designed to meet this demand by operating directly beside machine tools. These systems enable real-time analysis of measurement results and facilitate automatic tool offset adjustments, maintaining part accuracy throughout the manufacturing process.

Additionally, the AGILITY® Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), equipped with the REVO® 5-axis head, offer swift and precise final inspections of complex parts, particularly benefiting the aerospace and automotive industries. Bell emphasized that "whether it's in-process with Equator or end-of-line inspection with AGILITY, speed, throughput, and accuracy are key." To enhance data management, Renishaw provides timely access to measurement results through the Renishaw Central platform, aligning with the industry's emphasis on efficiency and quality.

Enhancing Metrology Accuracy with Innovative Design

The AGILITY® CMM's construction combines granite and anodized aluminum to optimize performance. Granite components offer exceptional strength and vibration-damping properties, while anodized aluminum in dynamic metrology elements ensures stability and accuracy across all axes by mitigating issues like differential expansion or bending. This design supports high-speed scanning with the REVO system, enhancing manufacturing throughput and quality by integrating dimensional measurement with surface roughness inspection. Bell noted that "from the use of high-quality materials and components to the full optimization of 5-axis measurement technology, AGILITY CMMs provide a high-speed, high-performance solution for the shop floor or metrology lab."

Streamlining Measurement Processes with REVO 5-Axis Technology

The REVO® 5-axis multi-sensor system transforms the AGILITY® CMM into a multifunctional measurement platform. Renishaw's UCC 5-axis control system minimizes machine motion during inspections, allowing the REVO head to perform most of the work. This approach reduces the accelerations and decelerations of the machine structure, improving efficiency and accuracy.

The integration of additional sensing technologies—such as surface finish probes, ultrasonic thickness measurement (RUP), and near-field and wide-field vision systems—eliminates the need for separate inspection equipment. For example, the near-field vision camera excels at inspecting small features like cooling holes, while the wide-field system is ideal for aperture inspections in combustor casings. The RUP ultrasonic probe replaces immersion tanks, streamlining processes like material thickness measurement for aerospace blades. By consolidating these capabilities into a single system, the AGILITY® CMM significantly enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Enabling Real-Time Closed-Loop Control with Renishaw Central

The integration of the AGILITY® CMM with Renishaw Central takes process control to new heights. Unlike conventional factory automation systems, Renishaw Central prioritizes part quality and accuracy. This smart manufacturing data platform collects, processes, and presents real-time process and metrology data, empowering manufacturers with actionable insights.

By connecting measurement devices across the manufacturing process, Renishaw Central provides critical information to predict and correct errors before they occur. This real-time closed-loop control improves manufacturing efficiency, minimizes downtime, and ensures consistent product quality. The result is an optimized, highly productive factory with reduced waste and lower operational costs, aligning with the principles of smart manufacturing.

At METALEX 2025, Renishaw's innovations underscore the company's commitment to advancing manufacturing precision and efficiency, meeting the evolving needs of the industry.