RenAM 500Q

The RenAM 500Q is an SLM 3D printer from Renishaw with a 250 x 250 x 350 mm build volume.

Specifications

RenAM 500Q: Technical Profile

Technology and Laser System

The RenAM 500Q uses four ytterbium fiber lasers rated at 500 W each (2 kW total), operating at ~1,070 nm. The defining architectural feature is that every laser can address the full 250 × 250 mm powder bed independently: unlike competitors that divide the build area into fixed quadrants. This eliminates inter-laser seams when properly calibrated and enables parallel scanning of complex geometries.

Patented Vacuum Atmosphere Preparation.

Calibration

RenAM 500Q Calibration

• Vacuum chamber preparation: run the vacuum cycle before every build. Wait for the O₂ reading to stabilise below the operating threshold (typically <100 ppm; the patented cycle achieves far lower values). Expected result: green O₂ sensor status. Tip: readings above 200 ppm indicate chamber seal leaks.
• Four-laser calibration: through QuantAM, run a full calibration of positional accuracy, power, and focal diameter for each laser head.

Common defects

Common SLM Defects (RenAM 500Q)

Porosity

Spherical or irregular voids visible by CT scan or metallographic cross-section. Caused by insufficient volumetric energy density (VED): low laser power, high scan speed, or excessive layer thickness leave unmelted particles; gas inclusions from residual O₂ also contribute. Fix: optimise VED (P/v·h·t), reduce layer thickness, verify O₂ level and powder flowability.

Hot/Cold Cracking.

What it is used for

RenAM 500Q Use Cases

Best-fit applications:

• Aerospace and aviation components: the quad-laser configuration and vacuum atmosphere deliver the repeatability and throughput required for AS9100-certified Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel parts. Service bureaus can fulfil equivalent batch orders in a fraction of the time needed by single- or dual-laser SLM machines.