Making 3D printing plug and play

British engineering company Renishaw has obtained a compliance certificate from TÜV SÜD for its AM250 laser melting machine. The achievement is the latest in a long line of initiatives from Renishaw’s Additive Manufacturing Products division. It is intended to help 3D printing evolve from being considered an emerging technology, reserved for design and testing, into a mainstream manufacturing tool.

The TÜV SÜD certification is an electrical safety standard valid in the United States and Canadian markets, often mandatory for many institutions. The certification attests that Renishaw’s AM250 laser melting machine can be implemented in a manufacturing environment without the complications, cost and uncertainty of any additional testing or field inspections.

For core manufacturing industries like automotive, aerospace or electronics, TÜV SÜD certification is essential. It confirms the equipment is a ruggedized, fully-tested, fully-functional structure that can be used 24/7 in industrial environments.

The AM250 laser melting or metal 3D printing machine has been designed with the manufacturing industry in mind. It uses a high powered ytterbium fibre laser to fuse fine metallic powders together to form functional 3-dimensional parts.

The laser melting machine has a user friendly interface and a robust construction. The machine can produce an impressive variety of structures, from implantable medical devices, like hip replacements, to complex aerospace geometries. A diverse range of materials can be used for the products, including different grades of stainless steel, or aluminium, titanium and cobalt-chrome alloys. The AM250 helps manufacturers significantly reduce lead times and tooling costs.

“There are a huge number of myths surrounding 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies,” explained Mark Kirby, business manager for additive products in Canada, who was involved in the project. “This is partly the result of mainstream media misrepresentation but also partially because of unfulfilled expectations. This kind of certification helps prove that we are able to clearly communicate the manufacturing benefits to our clients and then deliver on them.

“Achieving all the relevant certifications, like TÜV SÜD and CE mark, qualify the AM250 system for sale in worldwide markets. Clients who invest in a Renishaw laser melting system, can do so with the certainty that it has been independently assessed. When making a significant investment, the last thing our clients want is to dedicate extra cost or time meeting local regulations. With TÜV SÜD the safety and quality of the product is assured.”