Machine Comparison
Renishaw RenAM 500S vs Renishaw RenAM 500Q
Renishaw vs Renishaw · Metal Additive Manufacturing
Summary
The Renishaw RenAM 500S and Renishaw RenAM 500Q are both from Renishaw's metal additive manufacturing lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Renishaw ecosystem. The Renishaw RenAM 500S leads in laser power (500W (single laser) vs 4 x 500 W). These machines are closely matched across most specifications, making the decision more about specific feature priorities, dealer support, and your existing shop ecosystem than raw spec advantages. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a metal additive manufacturing.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Renishaw RenAM 500S | Renishaw RenAM 500Q |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Power | 500W (single laser) ▲ | 4 x 500 W |
| Build Volume | 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.8 x 9.8 x 13.8 in) | 250 x 250 x 350 mm (9.85 x 9.85 x 13.78 in) |
| Laser Type | Ytterbium fiber laser | Yb-fiber laser |
| Layer Thickness | 20-100 µm | From 20 µm |
| Build Rate | Up to 20 cm³/hr | Up to 150 cm³/h ▲ |
| Powder Handling | Fully automated, enclosed, inerted sieving and recirculation | Automated closed-loop sieving and recirculation in inert atmosphere |
| Materials | Ti6Al4V, IN718, IN625, CoCr, AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, tool steels | Titanium, Inconel, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Tool Steel (melting points 750-2,000°C) ▲ |
| Price Range | $400,000-$600,000 (new single laser); $250,000-$400,000 (used 2018-2021) ▲ | $600,000 - $1,000,000 (estimated) |
Advantages
Renishaw RenAM 500S
- Superior laser power at 500W (single laser) vs 4 x 500 W
- More competitive pricing at $400,000-$600,000 (new single laser); $250,000-$400,000 (used 2018-2021) compared to $600,000 - $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Backed by Renishaw's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Aerospace manufacturers producing flight-critical titanium and nickel superalloy components requiring full traceability
Renishaw RenAM 500Q
- Superior build rate at Up to 150 cm³/h vs Up to 20 cm³/hr
- Superior materials at Titanium, Inconel, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Tool Steel (melting points 750-2,000°C) vs Ti6Al4V, IN718, IN625, CoCr, AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, tool steels
- Backed by Renishaw's dealer and service network for parts and support
- Production-focused shops scaling from single-laser systems that need higher throughput without 400 mm build volume
Verdict
This is a close matchup. The Renishaw RenAM 500S and Renishaw RenAM 500Q trade advantages across different specifications, making neither a clear winner on paper alone. Your decision should come down to practical factors: which dealer is closer, which control system your operators already know, what tooling ecosystem you're invested in, and which machine's specific strengths match your highest-volume work. Get quotes on both, run test cuts with your actual parts if possible, and factor in long-term service and support costs.