(Renishaw: West Dundee, IL) -- Renishaw, a global leader in precision engineering and additive manufacturing (AM), has announced the launch of a next-generation Build Processor (NxG BP) developed in collaboration with Materialise. The new software strengthens integration between Materialise Magics and Renishaw’s RenAM metal AM systems, combining the proven flexibility of Materialise Magics with the productivity of Renishaw AM systems in a more streamlined workflow.

The introduction of NxG BP provides customers with increasingly open and user-friendly workflows while ensuring best-in-class performance. Evolving from earlier solutions, the new processor enables direct export of job files from Magics to Renishaw machines using the QuantAM file format, eliminating manual file handling, reducing errors, and saving valuable preparation time.

“We’ve worked closely with users to understand where the bottlenecks are in their AM workflows,” says Ben Diaz, product manager at Renishaw. “NxG BP enables swim-lane laser control, integrated inspector tools, implicit modeling support, and compatibility with the RenAM 500 series of machines. Ultimately, customers will have a more intuitive and efficient way to get from design to print.”

The swim-lane feature is a key innovation that intelligently distributes laser scanning across defined regions of the build platform. By preventing interference between lasers and managing overlap for full fusion, the system enhances part quality and consistency while reducing build times. Customers also benefit from integration with nTop implicit modeling workflows, making it easier to handle complex geometries and prepare jobs more efficiently.

Karel Brans, partnership director at Materialise, says, “The Renishaw NxG Build Processor represents exactly the kind of open, flexible approach the industry needs as metal AM moves into production at scale. By enabling direct integration between Magics and Renishaw systems, we’re removing the friction that slows down advanced users who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with metal 3D printing. Whether it’s handling complex implicit geometries or optimizing multilaser performance with features like swim-lane control, this collaboration gives Renishaw customers the workflow control they need to succeed on their terms.”

To support quality assurance, NxG BP incorporates an integrated inspector tool. This enables real-time verification of laser paths and job setup directly within the workflow, eliminating the need to switch between multiple software packages for quality checks. This data-driven approach enables users to identify and resolve potential issues before production begins. The processor is fully compatible with the complete RenAM machine range, extending the benefits of the new solution across Renishaw’s installed base.

“By renewing their Magics and Build Processor license directly through Renishaw, customers can also take advantage of cost savings compared with purchasing QuantAM and Magics separately from Renishaw and Materialise, respectively,” says Diaz. “This ensures not only a more powerful workflow but also a more economical one.”

The Renishaw NxG Build Processor is designed for advanced AM “power users” who manage a wide variety of part types and need functionality that goes beyond what QuantAM alone provides. For these users, the combination of streamlined workflow, enhanced process control, and accelerated job preparation represents a significant step forward in achieving consistent, repeatable, and efficient metal AM production.

Find more information about Renishaw’s software for laser powder bed fusion systems, including NxG Build Processor, here.