Renishaw - Metrology and precision engineering: Advancing manufacturing accuracy

Renishaw stands at the forefront of metrology and precision engineering. This UK-based company has spent 50 years pushing the limits of measurement and manufacturing technology.

Renishaw designs and produces high-precision metrology systems that help factories make products with extreme accuracy.

The company's impact reaches far beyond simple measurement tools. Renishaw has become a leader in additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3D printing.

They make machines that can print complex metal parts from powders. This technology opens up new possibilities for creating parts that were once impossible to make.

Renishaw's work touches many industries. Their tools and systems help make everything from jet engines to medical implants.

The company employs over 4,000 people in 35 countries. Most of their research and manufacturing happens in the UK, where they design and build their innovative products.

Company Overview

Renishaw is a leading global engineering company known for its precision measurement and healthcare technologies. The company's innovative solutions span across various industries, from manufacturing to medical fields.

History of Renishaw

Renishaw was founded in 1973 by David McMurtry and John Deer. The company's first product was a touch-trigger probe, invented by McMurtry to solve a measurement problem for the Concorde's engines. This innovation laid the foundation for Renishaw's future success.

In the 1980s, Renishaw expanded its product range and entered international markets. The company went public in 1984, listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Renishaw continued to grow through innovation and acquisitions. It developed new technologies in areas such as Raman spectroscopy, additive manufacturing, and neurosurgery.

Renishaw's Core Values and Mission

Renishaw's mission is to be a world leader in precision technology. The company aims to achieve this through continuous innovation and a strong focus on customer needs.

Key values that drive Renishaw include:

• Innovation: Developing groundbreaking solutions
• Quality: Delivering high-precision products
• Integrity: Maintaining ethical business practices
• Customer focus: Meeting and exceeding customer expectations

Renishaw is committed to enhancing efficiency in manufacturing and healthcare. The company invests heavily in research and development to create products that improve productivity and accuracy in various industries.

Renishaw also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. It strives to minimize its environmental impact and contribute positively to local communities.

Metrology Solutions

Renishaw provides advanced metrology solutions for precise measurement and quality control in manufacturing. Their innovative technologies enable industries to enhance productivity and maintain high standards.

Precision Measurement Equipment

Renishaw offers a wide range of precision measurement tools for various applications. These include touch-trigger probes, scanning probes, and laser probes.

Touch-trigger probes are ideal for quick point measurements. They offer high accuracy and repeatability.

Scanning probes allow for continuous surface scanning. This results in faster data collection and more detailed part information.

Laser probes provide non-contact measurement capabilities. They are useful for measuring delicate or hard-to-reach surfaces.

Renishaw's equipment integrates seamlessly with many manufacturing systems. This ensures smooth operation and reliable results.

Coordinate Measuring Machines

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are essential for complex part inspection. Renishaw supplies both complete CMM systems and retrofit options.

Their CMM probes offer exceptional accuracy and flexibility. Users can easily switch between different probe types to suit various measurement tasks.

Renishaw's CMM software provides powerful analysis tools. It helps operators interpret measurement data and generate detailed reports.

The company also offers CMM calibration services. These ensure machines maintain their precision over time.

Machine Tool Probe Systems

Renishaw's machine tool probes improve manufacturing efficiency. They allow for in-process measurement and control.

Tool setting probes automatically measure and verify cutting tool dimensions. This reduces setup time and prevents errors.

Workpiece probes enable on-machine part inspection. They can detect and correct positioning errors before machining begins.

Renishaw's probing software integrates with various CNC controls. It provides easy-to-use measurement cycles and reporting functions.

These systems help reduce scrap and rework. They also increase machine utilization and part quality.

Precision Engineering

Renishaw excels in precision engineering, delivering innovative solutions for metrology and manufacturing. Their expertise spans advanced measurement systems and cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies.

Precision Engineering Expertise

Renishaw's core strength lies in high-accuracy solutions for metrology, 3D printing, and machine tool calibration. They design and develop systems that provide complete precision, control, and reliability.

Their in-house capabilities cover the entire product lifecycle, from design and prototyping to full-scale production. This allows Renishaw to maintain tight control over quality and innovation.

Renishaw's precision engineering skills extend to complex parts for aerospace and defense applications. Their technologies enable faster inspection times while maintaining high accuracy.

Innovations in Precision Engineering

Renishaw is a pioneer in additive manufacturing, commonly known as metal 3D printing. They design and produce compact machines that print metal parts from metal powder.

Their REVO five-axis measuring head and probe system has revolutionized quality control processes. This innovation has led to significant reductions in inspection time for complex parts.

Renishaw's commitment to research and development drives continuous improvement in precision engineering. They focus on creating technologies that enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality across various industries.

Product Portfolio

Renishaw offers a wide range of high-precision measurement and calibration tools. These products help manufacturers boost efficiency and quality in their production processes.

Gauging and Inspection Tools

Renishaw's gauging and inspection tools are designed for accuracy and reliability. The company's coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probes are a key part of their lineup. These probes come in touch-trigger and scanning varieties.

The PH20 probe is a popular choice for touch-trigger measurements. It uses 5-axis technology to speed up inspection times. For more detailed scans, the REVO system offers high-speed scanning capabilities.

Renishaw also makes probes for machine tools. These help monitor part quality during the manufacturing process. The company's NC4 non-contact tool setter is widely used in CNC machining centers.

Laser Calibration Systems

Renishaw's laser calibration systems help maintain the accuracy of manufacturing equipment. The XL-80 laser system is a portable device used to check machine tool precision.

This system can measure linear, angular, and rotational errors. It's often used to calibrate CNC machines, CMMs, and other precision equipment. The XL-80 offers high accuracy, measuring to within 0.5 parts per million.

Renishaw also produces the XM-60 multi-axis calibrator. This tool can measure errors in all six degrees of freedom. It's particularly useful for calibrating multi-axis machines and robots.

These calibration systems help manufacturers maintain tight tolerances in their production processes. This leads to higher quality products and less waste.

Research and Development

Renishaw's commitment to innovation drives its success in precision engineering. The company invests heavily in R&D and works closely with universities to stay at the forefront of metrology technology.

Investment in Technology

Renishaw invests 13% to 18% of annual sales in R&D. This significant spending allows the company to create cutting-edge solutions for customers.

Key areas of focus include:

• Additive manufacturing (metal 3D printing) • Precision measurement systems • Healthcare technologies

Renishaw's R&D efforts have led to many breakthroughs. In 1973, the company invented the touch trigger probe for coordinate measuring machines. This technology revolutionized 3D measurement capabilities.

Today, Renishaw continues to push boundaries. Its engineers develop new sensors, software, and manufacturing processes. These innovations help customers improve their products and production efficiency.

Collaborations with Academic Institutions

Renishaw partners with universities to advance metrology research. These collaborations bring together industry expertise and academic knowledge.

Joint projects focus on:

• New measurement techniques • Advanced materials • Data analysis methods

For example, Renishaw works with the University of Nottingham on additive manufacturing research. This partnership explores ways to improve metal 3D printing processes and materials.

The company also supports PhD students and research fellows. These programs help train the next generation of engineers and scientists in precision measurement technologies.

Renishaw's academic partnerships keep it connected to emerging scientific discoveries. This approach ensures the company stays ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

Global Presence

Renishaw has expanded its reach across the globe, establishing a strong international network. The company's worldwide presence allows it to serve customers in diverse markets and industries.

International Offices and Distribution

Renishaw operates more than 70 offices in 35 countries. This extensive network enables the company to provide local support and expertise to customers worldwide.

In 2024, Renishaw opened new facilities in Chennai, India and Nagoya, Japan. These state-of-the-art technology centres improve customer access to Renishaw's products and services in these key markets.

The company maintains strong relationships with distributors globally. This strategy helps Renishaw reach customers in regions where it may not have a direct presence.

Market Reach and Industry Impact

Renishaw's global presence allows it to serve a wide range of industries. The company provides solutions for sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare.

Its international network enables Renishaw to stay attuned to local market needs and trends. This insight drives innovation and product development tailored to specific regional requirements.

The company's global reach also facilitates collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners worldwide. These partnerships contribute to advancements in metrology and precision engineering across various fields.

Sustainable Practices

Renishaw has made significant strides in environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The company focuses on reducing its carbon footprint and giving back to communities.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

Renishaw aims to become a sustainability leader in the engineering industry. They have set a goal to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

This target is monitored by the Science Based Target initiative.

The company has invested in a dedicated sustainability team. This team uses its expertise to guide Renishaw's efforts in reducing carbon emissions.

Renishaw's Board of Directors plays a key role in overseeing climate-related matters. They review and update the company's sustainability governance structure regularly.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Renishaw works closely with customers, suppliers, and local communities to create a sustainable future. They focus on developing solutions that provide precision and reliability.

The company is a leader in additive manufacturing, also known as metal 3D printing. This technology helps reduce waste in manufacturing processes.

Renishaw's metrology solutions contribute to improved manufacturing capabilities. These advancements help other companies produce high-quality products more efficiently, reducing waste and energy use.

Customer Support and Services

Renishaw offers comprehensive support and educational resources for its metrology and precision engineering products. They provide technical assistance and training programs to help customers get the most out of their equipment.

Technical Support Resources

Renishaw maintains a technical support library with documentation for their products. This library contains user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and software updates.

Customers can access these resources 24/7 on Renishaw's website.

For more complex issues, Renishaw has a team of expert technicians available. They offer support via phone, email, and on-site visits when needed.

The support team can help with:

• Installation and setup
• Calibration
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance

Renishaw aims to provide high-quality service throughout a product's lifecycle. They adapt their support offerings to meet changing customer needs and expectations.

Training and Education Programs

Renishaw offers training programs to help customers use their metrology equipment effectively. These programs cover topics like:

• Basic operation
• Advanced measurement techniques
• Software usage
• Maintenance and calibration

Training is available in various formats.

Customers can attend in-person workshops at Renishaw facilities or arrange for on-site training at their own location.

Online courses and webinars are also offered for convenient learning.

Renishaw's education programs cater to different skill levels. They have beginner courses for new users and advanced training for experienced operators. This ensures all customers can improve their skills and maximize the value of their Renishaw equipment.