The group behind the project is called Platforum, a partnership between the Central University of Technology, North West University, Vaal University of Technology, and platinum producer Lonmin. The team was well aware of platinum’s benefits – it’s one of the densest metals known, it’s extremely corrosion-resistant, and highly ductile. They wondered how those benefits could be better leveraged if the metal could be additively manufactured.
“3D technology has gained in popularity in recent years, and the introduction of the additive manufacturing using precious metals will contribute and add to the range of applications where the properties of PGMs (Platinum Group Metals) are used,” said Wilma Swarts, Head of Marketing at Lonmin and Director of Platforum.
The ring prototype was revealed to the public at the recent RAPDASA (Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa) conference, which took place last week in Durban. It was the product of an impressive collaboration, with the participants working together to design the ring, produce the powder, manage the machine parameters, and post-process the ring.
“Today’s reveal showcases the potential of 3D printing of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs),” said Swarts. “Through additive manufacturing, intricate and light weight PGM products can be manufactured at speed, presenting new opportunities for PGMs, socioeconomic development, Lonmin and the platinum mining sector.”
With the ability to 3D print pure platinum, a number of applications open up, including the development of new medical implants or the improvement of existing ones, the creation of advanced circuit boards for aerospace applications, and chemical and power generation applications. Of course, jewelry will always be a large market for platinum as well, and the ability to directly 3D print the material carries a lot of potential for rapid production and customization that goes beyond what is possible with traditional jewelry manufacturing techniques.
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