Renishaw supplies valve maker Domin with metal laser AM system

03 Sep 2024

To boost production of Domin's servo hydraulic valves at its new facility in Bristol, UK.

Global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has supplied Domin, a Bristol, UK-based manufacturer of hydraulic valves, with a RenAM 500Q Ultra metal additive manufacturing (AM) system. Domin will use the system to increase production of its range of servo proportional hydraulic valves at its new Technology Center.

The RenAM 500Q Ultra is the latest addition to Renishaw's RenAM 500 series of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems. The company stated, “It can improve metal AM capability significantly, using our patented TEMPUS™ technology to reduce build times by up to 50% while maintaining high pat quality.”

TEMPUS allows the lasers to fire while the powder recoater is moving, significantly boosting productivity. The system also includes advanced process monitoring software, providing detailed insights into the build process and ensuring consistent high quality.

Domin had already purchased a RenAM 500Q AM system in 2023. Having reached its production capacity, the company required additional capabilities to meet growing market demand. The new RenAM 500Q Ultra — Renishaw's highest productivity system — will enable Domin to fulfil this need.

‘Enhancing manufacturing’

Marcus Pont, Chief Executive and co-founder of Domin, commentd, “The installation of a new Renishaw 500Q Ultra marks another exciting milestone in Domin's growth journey. This technology will further enhance our manufacturing capabilities. Our continued partnership with Renishaw is an example of our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.”

Domin’s valves are designed to meet the rigorous demands of industries such as automotive, aerospace and manufacturing. By using metal AM, Domin can create complex geometries with internal features that are not possible with traditional subtractive manufacturing methods.

Domin added that its approach, “combining AM with high-speed motor control, modern electronics, big data, and connected technology, aims to save the hydraulics industry one gigatonne of CO2e by 2030.”

The increased capacity provided by the RenAM 500Q Ultra will help Domin maintain low production turnaround times and deliver consistently high-quality products to its growing customer base.

Josh Whitmore, Senior Technical Sales Engineer at Renishaw, said, “We’re pleased to have installed this system to enable Domin to supercharge production. Our systems are designed and manufactured in the UK, and to sell to a UK volume producer of AM parts is a great result for UK plc and our wider manufacturing ecosystem.”