Renishaw, a global provider of precision engineering and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, has introduced its next-generation Build Processor (NxG BP), developed in collaboration with Materialise. The new software is designed to improve workflow efficiency by strengthening integration between Materialise Magics software and Renishaw’s RenAM metal additive manufacturing systems, enabling faster and more streamlined production.
The NxG Build Processor has been developed to provide users with an open, efficient and user-friendly workflow while maintaining high-performance standards for metal additive manufacturing. The software enables direct export of build files from Materialise Magics to Renishaw’s RenAM systems using the QuantAM file format, eliminating manual file transfers, reducing the possibility of errors and shortening job preparation time.
The latest solution introduces several advanced features aimed at improving productivity and process control. Among the key enhancements is Swim Lane laser control, which intelligently distributes laser scanning across different sections of the build platform. By preventing interference between multiple lasers and effectively managing overlap zones, the feature helps improve part quality, achieve consistent fusion and reduce overall build times.
The processor also supports integration with nTop implicit modelling workflows, enabling manufacturers to prepare highly complex geometries more efficiently. This capability is expected to benefit users producing intricate components across industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive and industrial manufacturing.
Commenting on the launch, Ben Diaz, Product Manager at Renishaw, said the company worked closely with customers to identify challenges in existing additive manufacturing workflows. He noted that the new Build Processor simplifies the journey from design to production by incorporating advanced laser control, integrated inspection tools, support for implicit modelling and compatibility with the RenAM 500 series, resulting in a more intuitive and efficient user experience.
Materialise also highlighted the importance of the collaboration in supporting industrial-scale metal additive manufacturing. Karel Brans, Partnership Director at Materialise, said the integration removes workflow complexities for advanced users while providing greater flexibility in managing sophisticated designs and optimising multi-laser production through features such as Swim Lane control.
To strengthen quality assurance, the NxG Build Processor incorporates an integrated Inspector tool that allows users to verify laser paths and build configurations during job preparation. The built-in inspection capability eliminates the need to switch between multiple software applications, enabling manufacturers to detect and address potential issues before production begins.
The software is compatible with the entire RenAM machine portfolio, allowing existing Renishaw customers to adopt the new workflow without changing their production environment. Customers renewing their Materialise Magics and Build Processor licences directly through Renishaw can also benefit from lower overall software costs compared with purchasing the applications separately.
Designed for advanced additive manufacturing users managing complex production environments, the Renishaw NxG Build Processor combines enhanced process control, simplified job preparation and improved workflow integration to support consistent, high-quality and scalable metal additive manufacturing. With more than 30 years of expertise in 3D printing, Materialise has established itself as a global leader in additive manufacturing software and services. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of software solutions and 3D printing services that form a critical foundation for the global 3D printing ecosystem.
Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with offices and operations worldwide, Materialise brings together one of the industry’s largest teams of software developers and one of the world’s most advanced additive manufacturing facilities. Its open and flexible platforms empower organisations across diverse sectors—including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and art and design—to develop innovative 3D printing applications that deliver measurable business value.
By prioritising quality, reliability, and scalability, Materialise enables businesses to harness the full potential of additive manufacturing, supporting every stage of the production lifecycle—from design optimisation and data preparation to manufacturing and post-production.
Renishaw is a global leader in precision measurement and manufacturing technologies, delivering advanced solutions that enable exceptional accuracy, repeatability, and reliability. Its innovative products provide customers with the data, traceability, and confidence required to optimise manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and accelerate innovation.
Operating in 36 countries through wholly owned subsidiaries, Renishaw employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The company conducts the majority of its research and development activities in the United Kingdom, while its principal manufacturing facilities are located in the UK, Ireland, and India.
For the financial year ended June 2024, Renishaw reported revenues of £691.3 million, with exports accounting for 95% of total sales. Its key international markets include China, the United States, Japan, and Germany. Guided by its purpose, “Transforming Tomorrow Together,” Renishaw collaborates closely with customers to develop the products, materials, and technologies that will shape the future of manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering, driving sustainable innovation across industries.
