Precious metals are used in 3D printing to produce components for the jewelry industry and medical technology, as well as parts for aerospace applications.
Precious metals
are used in additive manufacturing because of their special properties. There are two main approaches to 3D printing precious metals. You can use direct manufacturing or indirect manufacturing.Direct manufacturing refers to the creation of an object directly from the 3D design, while indirect manufacturing means that the object (pattern) that is 3D printed is eventually used to create a mold for lost wax casting. The scientific leader in precious metals, Legor Group SPA, which produces powders, alloys and coating solutions, has entered into a strategic collaboration with HP. Direct precious metal fabrication allows you to create complex, highly detailed geometric designs that cannot be realized through traditional subtractive processes. Precious metals company Cooksongold has even estimated that the density of 3D printed platinum can reach more than 99.9%, while molten platinum has a density of 99.2%.
We anticipate that 3D printed electronics could revolutionize many high-performance industries with 3D printed sensors and antennas, the next step in the evolution of the Internet of Things. Then, you'll print fashion jewelry and accessories on stainless steel using HP's metal binder injection technology while improving metal science. Although direct laser sintering of metals (DMLS) is one of the most common additive manufacturing methods for producing metal parts, laser sintering of precious metal powders has become possibly only recently, partly due to the inherent difficulties of working with these materials. In addition, many precious metals, such as gold and silver, are highly reflective and thermally conductive.
Currently, the 3D printer market offers a wide range of SLA machines suitable for the production of wax patterns. HP Metal Jet technology has been used for a variety of exciting applications, such as automotive components, golf putters and replacement parts for an amphibious assault vehicle. Cooksongold is a leading supplier of precious metal products in Europe, supplying alloys, wires, sheets, tubes, blank coins and cast grains made of gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Within the realm of indirect precious metal fabrication, there are a few different approaches due to different printing technologies.
In addition, Metal Jet technology offers quality and cost benefits, which customers in the precious metals industries are sure to appreciate. Cooksongold is also a precious metals refinery that meets the London Bullion Market Association's “Good Delivery” production standard and holds the Fair Trade gold label. Legor serves the fashion accessories and jewelry industries, with a focus on sustainability, and will now work with HP to use its Metal Jet system to develop specialty precious metal materials. The right 3D printing solution for your production, including certified materials, consulting and a wide range of services.
