3D printer manufacturer Desktop Metal announced that platinum is now a customer-qualified material for the Production System P-1 with a specialty powder developed by Legor.
Legor has invested in a Desktop Metal Production System P-1, a high-speed binder jet 3D printing system with Single Pass Jetting (SPJ) technology, in 2023. This technology offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods and other 3D printing processes, including rapid production of jewelry patterns without molds or print supports, new design freedom for hollow, interlocking and custom designs, and simplification of processing difficult materials such as platinum.
“The qualification of Legor’s Powmet platinum on the Production System P-1 is another major milestone for binder jet 3D printing for the jewelry, watchmaking, and luxury goods industry,” said Ric Fulop, Founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “Platinum is known to be a challenging-to-process material in the jewelry industry because of its high hardness and melting point. Our binder jet 3D printing process simplifies platinum production and enables all-new, once-impossible designs.”
An important aspect of Binder Jet 3D printing technology is sustainability. Fabio Di Falco emphasized that the technology represents a significant step towards more sustainable production by being energy efficient and reducing the amount of material used. The unused metal powder can be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and the risks of metal extraction.
“Binder jet 3D printing technology represents a significant step toward more sustainable production,” he noted, “enabling energy efficiency, and reducing the amount of material used. Indeed, binder jetting uses exactly the amount of material necessary to create an object, drastically reducing waste. The metal powder not used in the process can be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and the risks associated with metal extraction. At Legor, we advocate for 3D printing as a responsible production approach that also considers the planet and people.”
Desktop Metal will showcase platinum jewelry designs at RAPID + TCT, North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing trade show, taking place June 25-27 in Los Angeles. These include a classic wedding band, a gemstone ring and an intricate leaf earring, all 3D printed by Legor.
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