Advancing efficiency and sustainability through smart manufacturing solutions

By: Kathryn Gerardino-Elagio

The company has unveiled a dynamic new booth layout, designed to seamlessly integrate live demonstrations with cutting-edge exhibits. This layout emphasises the interconnectivity of Renishaw’s advanced solutions, such as the AGILITY® Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and the REVO® 5-axis multi-sensor system.

At the heart of their showcase is Renishaw Central, a smart manufacturing data platform that enables real-time process control and actionable insights. By connecting machines and systems, the platform ensures quality control, operational efficiency, and sustainability—critical demands in today’s manufacturing landscape.

In this one-on-one interview, Steve Bell, General Manager for ASEAN at Renishaw, discusses the company’s latest technological advancements, including the AGILITY® CMM’s unique combination of granite and anodised aluminium for superior metrology accuracy with International Metalworking News for Asia. He also delves into how Renishaw’s solutions address industry challenges, particularly in high-growth sectors like aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering, while supporting the Southeast Asian market’s demand for sustainability and operational efficiency.

Let’s dive into how Renishaw continues to redefine manufacturing excellence and its strategic vision for the future.

IMNA: Metalex 2024 serves as a key platform for showcasing innovations in the manufacturing sector. What advancements or new features of Renishaw’s products, particularly the AGILITY® CMM, did you highlight at the exhibition? How do these innovations address current industry needs?

Steve: We see an increasing need for manufacturing companies to quickly gather actionable data on the increasingly high-accuracy parts they’re producing.

This includes our Equator automated gauging systems, positioned right next to machine tools at the point of manufacture. These systems analyse measurement results in real time and apply tool offsets to maintain part accuracy throughout the process.

Our AGILITY® CMMs, equipped with the REVO 5-axis head, also play a critical role in providing fast feedback during the final inspection of complex parts, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. Whether it’s in-process gauging with Equator or end-of-line inspection with AGILITY, speed, throughput, and accuracy are key priorities. Additionally, inspection data management and timely access to measured results are integral goals for Renishaw, delivered via Renishaw Central.

IMNA: The AGILITY® CMM uses a combination of granite and anodised aluminium for strength and stability. How does this unique design enhance metrology accuracy, particularly for high-speed scanning with the REVO system?

Steve: The use of granite for stationary frame parts provides excellent strength and vibration-damping properties, while the dynamic metrology elements made of anodised aluminium ensure consistent accuracy across the entire range of motion. This design eliminates issues like differential expansion or bending.

AGILITY® CMMs enhance manufacturing throughput and quality by integrating dimensional measurement and surface roughness inspection. From high-quality materials to optimised 5-axis measurement technology, these CMMs deliver a high-speed, high-performance solution for shop floors and metrology labs.

MNA: How does the REVO® 5-axis multi-sensor system streamline measurement processes and reduce the need for additional inspection equipment?

Steve: Renishaw’s UCC 5-axis control system minimises machine motion by allowing the REVO head to perform most of the work, reducing harmful accelerations and decelerations of the machine structure. The system also features advanced sensing technologies that extend beyond touch probing and scanning, eliminating the need for expensive and separate equipment. For instance, it includes a near-field vision camera for inspecting small holes, such as cooling holes on nozzle guide vanes, and a wide-field vision system for inspecting apertures in combustion casings. Additionally, surface finish probes are utilised across various industries, while the RUP ultrasonic thickness probe removes the need for messy immersion tanks when inspecting material thickness, such as aerospace blades.

IMNA: AGILITY® CMMs are compatible with Renishaw Central for process control. How does this integration improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality?

Steve: Renishaw Central differs from traditional factory automation systems by focusing on part quality and accuracy rather than just machine utilisation.

Renishaw Central is a smart manufacturing data platform that collects, presents, and actions accurate process and metrology data. It connects to measurement devices across the production process, providing real-time insights that allow manufacturers to analyse, predict, and correct errors before they occur.

The result is a highly efficient factory with optimised processes, reduced downtime, and minimised waste, leading to lower costs and higher productivity.

IMNA: South East Asia’s manufacturing landscape is diverse and dynamic. How is Renishaw addressing the varying demands across industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics?

Steve: This ties back to the need for manufacturers to gather actionable data for high-accuracy parts. While this need is consistent across industries, the specific requirements vary by customer type, industry, and manufacturing environment.

To address this, we provide tailored solutions—from stand-alone Equator gauging machines for job shops to fully integrated inspection and process control systems with feedback through Renishaw Central for large-scale manufacturers.

IMNA: How does Renishaw align innovation and sustainability to meet the demands of Southeast Asian manufacturers?

Steve: Our product development ethos is centred on improving manufacturing efficiency, which naturally leads to environmental benefits such as reduced energy consumption by avoiding rework and minimised waste by ensuring processes are done correctly the first time. These smart manufacturing solutions are not only offered to our customers but are also implemented in our own facilities. In fact, Renishaw was a smart manufacturer even before we began providing these solutions to others.

IMNA: What are Renishaw’s strategic plans for expanding its presence in South East Asia by 2025?

Steve: We will continue innovating across all product lines. For AGILITY® CMMs, this means exploring additional sensor technologies and maintaining our focus on increasing throughput with accuracy.

We’re also investing in local talent, facilities, and equipment to showcase the latest products and provide world-class support to our customers throughout the region.

Through this interview, Steve Bell highlights Renishaw’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, ensuring their solutions are tailored to meet the unique challenges of Southeast Asia’s manufacturing industries.