Sir David McMurtry, the founder of Renishaw, has passed away
The Atomic Layers: S5E10 (00126)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
Renishaw has announced the passing of its co-founder, Sir David McMurtry, at the age of 84. He was one of the most outstanding engineers of his time, credited with over 200 patents held by Renishaw, including the creation of the touch-trigger probe that revolutionized the metrology industry.
The British Renishaw was founded in 1973 by McMurtry and John Deer. It is a global leader in metrology and advanced engineering technologies, employing around 2,600 people at its headquarters in Gloucestershire and a similar number across its operations in 36 countries worldwide.
One of the company's key areas of focus is the development of metal 3D printing (SLM) technologies, offering comprehensive solutions for the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries. Renishaw has been investing in this field for years, developing unique systems and technologies.
In a special statement, Renishaw paid tribute to its founder, describing him as a "truly visionary" figure whose "lateral thinking and problem-solving abilities across multiple scientific fields were legendary."
David McMurtry began his career at Rolls-Royce, where he worked for 17 years and earned 47 patents. It was during this time that he invented the touch-trigger probe to address the challenge of precise measurements in Concorde aircraft engines. This invention became the foundation of Renishaw, established to commercialize this groundbreaking technology.
Under his leadership, the company became a pioneer in the development of coordinate measuring machines, shop-floor metrology, and process control technologies. In the 1970s, McMurtry’s ideas were considered revolutionary, and today, technologies such as inspection probes and tool-setting systems are standard in most manufacturing facilities.
Sir David McMurtry received numerous awards for his engineering achievements and contributions to the industry. In 1994, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and in 2001, he was knighted for his services to design and innovation. He also received several prestigious honors, including the James Watt Gold Medal awarded by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2019.
McMurtry was a humble individual who shunned the spotlight, yet his vision and skills inspired many. His contributions to technology, from metrology to 3D printing, will remain his enduring legacy.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
12-10-2014: Poland's Centrum Druku 3D announced the organization of one the first AM industry awards.
News & Gossip:
A breakthrough has been made in the high-profile murder case of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. U.S. authorities have arrested the first suspect, Luigi Magnione, who has been detained on charges of firearm possession. The twist, however, lies in the alleged use of a 3D-printed gun and suppressor in the murder. Unsurprisingly, the case has drawn significant media attention and sparked renewed debate about the use of 3D-printed firearms. Experts highlight that this technology can facilitate the creation of "ghost guns"—unregistered and difficult-to-trace weapons. This development aligns with my predictions made some time ago—Magnione's case could amplify discussions around 3D printing regulations, particularly concerning weapon manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Objective3D, a leading provider of 3D printing and scanning solutions in Australia and New Zealand, has announced a merger with TCL Hofmann (Australia) and TCL Hunt (New Zealand), both part of the Ravago Group. The newly combined entity will operate under the Objective3D name, offering solutions in polymers, composites, ceramics, and metal. Prior to the merger, Objective3D was the principal distributor for Stratasys in Australia.
It might be worth keeping an eye on Arris Composites—things could take different turn there…