Renishaw
What is Renishaw?
Renishaw is a British technology company specialized in measurement technology and precision systems, developing and manufacturing measurement, positioning, and calibration solutions primarily for the needs of the machining industry, machine shops, and CNC machining. The company is known for its touch probe technology, coordinate measurement solutions, and measurement systems integrated into machine tools, all aimed at improving the accuracy, repeatability, and reliability of manufacturing processes.
Renishaw and the Company’s History
Renishaw was founded in the United Kingdom in 1973, with its origins closely linked to advancements in coordinate measurement. One of Renishaw’s early key innovations was the development of the touch-trigger probe for CMM machines, which permanently changed the way geometric measurements of parts are performed. This technology laid the foundations for Renishaw as a measurement technology specialist.
Over the decades, Renishaw has expanded its activities from measurement technology to include measurement systems for machine tools, calibration, laser-based measurement solutions, and additive manufacturing with metals.
Renishaw in Measurement Technology for the Machining Industry
Renishaw is a major player in the machining industry, where integration of measurement into CNC machining is increasingly important. Measurement probes installed on Renishaw-equipped machines allow the measurement of workpieces and tools directly on the machine tool, reducing setup times and improving machining repeatability.
The measurement solutions support zero point determination, tool length and wear monitoring, as well as workpiece measurement during machining.
Renishaw and Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
Renishaw is one of the best-known developers of coordinate measurement technologies. Renishaw’s CMM solutions are based on both contact and non-contact probes, which are used for measuring the geometry, tolerances, and shapes of parts in inspection rooms and production environments.
Renishaw’s CMM technology supports geometric tolerances, automated collection of measurement points, and inspection of demanding parts for quality assurance in the machining industry.
Renishaw and Calibration in Machine Shops
Calibration is a critical part of the measurement chain in machine shops, and Renishaw offers several systems for this purpose. Renishaw’s ballbar measurement systems enable the identification of positioning and circularity errors in machine tools, helping maintain the machining accuracy of CNC machines.
Laser interferometer-based calibration systems are suitable for extremely precise measurement of linear and rotary movements in machining equipment and measuring devices.
Renishaw and Laser-Based Measurement Systems
Renishaw’s laser systems are used in applications where long-range measurement accuracy is required. Laser tracker systems are especially suitable for measuring large parts and structures in the machining industry, such as heavy machinery manufacturing and the aerospace industry.
Laser-based measurement technology supports the alignment, installation, and assurance of geometric accuracy of parts.
Renishaw and Additive Manufacturing with Metals
Renishaw develops additive manufacturing systems for metal components based on powder bed technology. Renishaw’s 3D printing solutions are used particularly for producing complex metal components, which are often finished to required tolerances with CNC machining.
Additive manufacturing complements traditional machining especially for special geometries and small production runs.
Renishaw and Measurement Technology in Healthcare
Renishaw also applies its measurement expertise to healthcare devices, such as guidance and positioning systems used in neurosurgery. In these applications, measurement accuracy and reliable positioning are emphasized, even though the environment differs from the machining industry.
Summary
Renishaw is a British measurement technology company whose solutions are a key part of modern machining industry and CNC machining. Renishaw’s technologies cover coordinate measurement, measurement and calibration systems for machine tools, laser-based measurement solutions, and additive manufacturing with metals. The company’s products support measurement accuracy, process reliability, and quality management in machine shops and machining environments.
