Renishaw's LIBERTAS Cuts Supports and Smooths Metal Prints

What LIBERTAS actually changes

Renishaw has started shipping LIBERTAS, a software module that sits inside its QuantAM build preparation tool. The module changes how the RenAM 500 series laser scans down-facing surfaces. Instead of applying a blanket support strategy across the whole part, LIBERTAS varies scan parameters section by section. The result is smoother downskin surfaces and fewer supports to remove afterward.

The update works on existing RenAM 500 machines. Buyers do not need new hardware. A single license covers multiple systems, which matters for shops running more than one printer.

Why support removal still eats profit margins

Support generation in metal additive manufacturing has not kept pace with the rest of the workflow. Over-built supports add material cost, build time, and hours of post-processing. Undersized supports risk part failure during removal. Most users end up erring on the side of too much material, then spend days cutting, grinding, and machining away the excess.

Software-first approaches are starting to change that equation. Materialise offers e-Stage for Metal+ inside its Magics software, using physics-based modeling to size supports more precisely. Velo3D eliminated supports in certain geometries entirely through its Flow software and Sapphire printer combination. Renishaw's answer is to keep the printer unchanged and solve the problem in the slicer.

Who benefits first

Aerospace and medical implant producers will see the quickest payoff. Both sectors require tight tolerances on critical surfaces, and both already use RenAM 500 systems in production. Removing support contact marks from downskin areas without redesigning parts or buying new equipment is a genuine efficiency gain.

The module is available now through Renishaw's standard QuantAM update path.