Additive Manufacturing of Precious Metals with Improved Resilience and Multi Functionality

Precious metals are an indispensable material for many production processes and products in today's world, from welding rings to dental implants. Global precious metals market size was expected to grow continuously, reaching nearly US $435.07 bn in 2027. Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), an additive manufacturing (3D printing) technique, uses a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder layer-by-layer together creating a 3D object. It allows us to produce highly personalized and customized products. Although precious metal 3D printing promises robust growth, precious metal alloys which can be used for 3D printing are limited. The project aims to design, develop, fabricate, and test high performance precious metal alloys specifically customized for LPBF, targeting applications in space, healthcare, glass manufacturing and jewellery. To achieve this goal, the project will pioneer and employ state-of-the-art techniques to produce and functionalize precious metal powder for testing and prototyping. The project involves collaboration between researchers from academic and industry, and will establish a research team and innovation facilities to address shared research challenges facing the precious metal additive manufacturing industry, contributing to the regional and national economic prosperity.