A hi-tech engineering group based in Gloucestershire has today announced an exciting new partnership with a company in China.

Renishaw, a global manufacturer of metrology systems and metal 3D printing machines, has signed an agreement with FalconTech Co. Ltd. as a solutions centre partner and distributor for its additive manufacturing (AM) technology in China.

Located in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, FalconTech is a technology and innovation company focusing on the rapid manufacturing of high performance components for aerospace, biomedical, marine, chemical and other engineering applications.

Under the partnership, FalconTech will set up an additive manufacturing solutions centre in Wuxi using Renishaw's latest AM systems and supported by the Wotton-under-Edge-based company's extensive expertise in manufacturing solutions.

FalconTech will also purchase 10 RenAM 500M metal additive manufacturing systems over the next 18 months, with the first three units to be installed by the end of July 2017.

Shen Yu Lan, managing director of FalconTech, said: "We are excited to be a Renishaw Solutions Centre partner in China.

"Combining FalconTech's expertise in aerospace with Renishaw's technology and manufacturing expertise, the additive manufacturing solutions centre can create a platform on which we can work in close partnership with customers to help them realise the benefits of AM in their products and manufacturing processes."

In addition, Renishaw will also purchase and promote FalconTech aerospace-grade titanium metal powders to its AM customers in China, and work with FalconTech to develop and optimise these powders for use on current and future ranges of AM machines.

The RenAM 500M is a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system designed specifically for the production of metal components on the factory floor.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Paul Gallagher, managing director/vice-president of Renishaw (Hong Kong) Ltd. said: "This is an exciting new chapter for Renishaw in terms of our commitment to delivering the best solutions in additive manufacturing to key industries.

"The combination of FalconTech's knowledge of aerospace and its existing capabilities, combined with Renishaw's leading edge technology and manufacturing expertise, gives us a dynamic partnership to provide the latest and most effective manufacturing solutions."

Picture: Mr Shen Yu Lan, managing director of FalconTech Co. Ltd (right) with Paul Gallagher, managing director/vice-president of Renishaw (Hong Kong) Ltd