AnAssessmentofthe2026U.S.MarketsandTechnology
forJewelryManufacturedby3D-PreciousMetalPrinting(3D-PMP)
ofGold,Platinum,andPalladiumPowders
AndrewC.Nyce,PhD
AndrewNyceAssociatesMay2016
TABLEOFCONTENTS Highlights................................................................................................................................................11.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................................31.1 Examplesof3D-PMPJewelry..........................................................................................................................31.2 OtherExamplesof3D-PMPJewelry...............................................................................................................52.0 MethodologyforthisStudy....................................................................................................................62.1 In-DepthInterviews........................................................................................................................................62.2 LiteratureReview............................................................................................................................................62.3 SWOTAnalysis................................................................................................................................................62.4 MarketGrowthAnalysis.................................................................................................................................63.0 3D-PMPTechnologyOverview................................................................................................................73.1 The3D-PMPProcess.......................................................................................................................................73.2 3D-PMPEquipment.........................................................................................................................................73.2.1 3D-PMPEquipmentCost.................................................................................................................................73.2.2 Suppliersof3D-PMPEquipmentforJewelry..................................................................................................73.2.3 3D-PMPMachinesinOperation....................................................................................................................103.3 DesignConsiderationsin3D-PMP.................................................................................................................103.4 PowderCharacteristicsandLaserCapability................................................................................................103.5 ProductionofSphericalPowdersfor3D-PMP..............................................................................................113.6 QualityControlofSphericalPowders...........................................................................................................123.7 PowderProducersfor3D-PMP.....................................................................................................................134.0 SWOTAnalysis......................................................................................................................................144.1 Strengths.......................................................................................................................................................154.2 Weaknesses..................................................................................................................................................164.3 Opportunities................................................................................................................................................164.4 Threats..........................................................................................................................................................175.0 The2026U.S.MarketForecastfor3D-PMPPreciousMetalAlloyJewelry.............................................185.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................185.1.1 ExtrapolatingtotheJewelryIndustryfromtheSuccessesof3D-PMPtechnologyinOtherRelatedMarket
Sectors..........................................................................................................................................................185.1.2 UsingHistoricalCompoundAnnualGrowthRatesofRelatedDisruptiveTechnologiestoForecast3D-PMP
jewelryMarketGrowth.................................................................................................................................185.1.3 UsingaPenetrationPotentialGrowthMethodologytoForecastthe3D-PMPJewelryMarket..................195.1.3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................195.1.3.2 PenetrationPotentialsandAssumptions......................................................................................................205.1.3.3 EstimatingRetailsSalesfor3D-PMPjewelryin2026....................................................................................216.0 SummaryandConclusions....................................................................................................................23AbouttheAuthor........................................................................................................................................................26APPENDIXA:StudyContributors.................................................................................................................................28APPENDIXB:LiteratureReview...................................................................................................................................29APPENDIXC:IntroductiontoAdditiveManufacturingTechnology............................................................................32APPENDIXD:Assumptionsforthe3D-PMPPenetrationPotentialGrowthModel....................................................34APPENDIXE:OptimisticandPessimisticScenariosforRetailSalesof3D-PMPJewelryin2026................................35
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AnAssessmentofthe2026U.S.MarketsandTechnologyforJewelryManufacturedby3D-PreciousMetalPrinting(3D-PMP)ofGold,
Platinum,andPalladiumPowders
ByAndrewC.Nyce,PhDAndrewNyceAssociates
TheobjectivesofthisstudyweretoforecastU.S.retailsalesof3D-PMP(PreciousMetalPrinting)jewelryin2026andtoassessthetechnologicalandeconomicobstaclesthatmustbeovercomeinorderfortheseforecastedsalestobeachieved.In3D-PMP,ahighenergylaserisfocusedonabedofpowderandatwodimensionalmeltedpatterniscreatedonthebedofpowdertoadepthofseveralparticlediameters.Throughsuccessivescans,athree-dimensionalobject,suchasapieceofjewelry,canbeproduced.HIGHLIGHTSBaseduponamarketpenetrationanalysisassessingthe“Optimistic”,“Pessimistic”,and“MostLikely”U.S.retailsalesof3D-PMPjewelryin2026,wearrivedatthe“MostLikely”marketforecastsfor3D-PMPplatinum,gold,andpalladiumjewelry,asshowninTable1.
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Forthis“MostLikely”marketpenetrationscenariotoberealizedin2026,thefollowingtechnical,economic,andmarketgrowthbarriersmustbeaddressed.Barrier1:UnacceptableSurfaceRoughnessrelativetoinvestmentcastingsSurfaceRoughnessvarieswithpartgeometry,powdercharacteristics,andlaserbeamcapabilities.Smoothersurfacesareachievedperpendiculartothebeam.Barrier2:HighCostof3D-PMPMachinesMachinescostsrangefrom$225,000to$275,000.Barrier3:SlowBuildRatesThebuildratesrelativetocasting,forgingandCNCmachiningarerelativelyslow.Barrier4:HighInventoryCostsAssociatedwithPreciousMetalAlloysPowdersForexample,an80mmdiameterx90mmhighbuildchamberrequires~$210,000of18kgoldpowder.Barrier5:LackofInvolvementfromMajorIntegratedJewelryRetailersandManufacturersTodate,noneofthemajorU.S.playersareofferingjewelrymadeby3D-PMP.
Barrier6:LackofRealWorldExamplesofJewelryDesignsandofActualJewelrythatcanonlybeMadeby3D-PMPThereisalackofinnovativejewelrydesignsbasedupon3D-PMP.Barrier7:LackofThin-Wall,Hollow,andFiligreePlatinumJewelryOfferedintheU.S.MarketplaceBarrier8:LackofIdentifiableU.S.Salesof3D-PMPGold,Platinum,orPalladiumJewelryin2015
Inthispaper,weproposepotentialsolutionstoovercomethesebarriersbasedupontheresultsofourinterviewswithindustryexperts,areviewofthepublishedliterature,andaSWOT(Strength,Weakness,OpportunityandThreat)analysisofthepotentialfor3D-PMPjewelrytobecomeaviablemanufacturingmethodintheU.S.by2026.
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1.0 INTRODUCTIONUnderthegeneralheadingofAdditiveManufacturingbyLaserBeamMelting(LBM)ofmetalpowders,thefollowingacronymsarecurrentlyinusethroughoutthepublishedliterature:
• SLM-SelectiveLaserMelting• SLS-SelectiveLaserSintering• DMLS-DirectMetalLaserSintering• LBM-LaserBeamMelting
TheseacronymscanbemisleadingandconfusingsincetheSLMandSLSprocessesbothinvolvethemeltingofthepowderparticlesratherthansintering.Sinteringisgenerallyunderstoodtobeasolidstatediffusionprocesswhichdoesnotinvolvingmelting.Inaddition,thereareproprietaryissuesassociatedwiththeacronymsSLMandDMLS.Inthispaper,weelectedtousetheacronym3D-PMP(3D-PreciousMetalPrinting).Manyjewelryindustryleadersbelievethatmanufacturingjewelryby3D-PMPusingpreciousmetalpowdershasthepotentialtorevolutionizethejewelryindustrywithinadecade.However,manyothersbelievethatsubstantialpenetrationofestablishedjewelrymanufacturingtechnologiesby3D-PMPistwotothreedecadesawaybecauseofthenumeroussignificantcostandtechnicalobstaclesthatneedtobeovercome.InlightofthisdifferenceofopinionwithintheU.S.jewelryindustry,ourobjectivesforthisstudywere:
• Toassessthe2026potentialfor3D-PMPjewelryretailsalesintheU.S.• Toassessthetechnologicalandmarketplaceobstaclesthatmustbeovercomefor
jewelrymanufacturedby3D-PMPtocaptureasignificantpercentageoftheU.S.jewelrysalesby2026.
Inthisstudy,wehaveincludedplatinum,gold,andpalladiumalloys,butoptedtoexcludesilveranditsalloysbecausethelaserbeamdoesnotcouplewellwiththesilverorsterlingsilverpowderandbecauseofthesignificantlylowpricepointsofsilverbasedjewelry.1.1 Examplesof3D-PMPJewelryTohelpthereaderputallofthefindingsofthisreportinperspective,thefollowingimagesillustratethepotentialforjewelrymadeby3D-PMP.
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950PlatinumRings
Source:Progold18KGoldRings
Source:CooksongoldOnMarch14,2016,CooksongoldE-Manufacturingpublishedavideoshowingdirectpreciousmetal3DprintingofjewelrydesignedrespectivelybyJosephJacksonandClaraBreenusingCooksongold'splatinum-rutheniumalloypowder.ThevideoandjewelrydesignsweredevelopedinassociationwiththePlatinumGuildInternational(PGI).Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTUSXfqMK20Platinum-RutheniumAstrodomeCufflinksdesignedbyJosephJackson
Source:Cooksongold
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Platinum-RutheniumBangledesignedbyClaraBreen
Source:Cooksongold1.2 OtherExamplesof3D-PMPJewelryTofurtherillustratethepotentialof3D-PMPjewelry,thefollowingarticlesprovideadditionalexamplesofjewelryproducedbythetechnique.FamousDesignerFrancisBitonti’sOne-of-a-Kind3DPrintedJewelryCollectionFrancisBitontiisoneofthepioneersofusing3Dprintingtechnology.Inordertoinnovatethefashionindustry,BitontihascollaboratedonanewlydesigneddigitaljewelrycollectionwiththeLondon-basedaccessoriesbrandWonderLuk,adigitaljewelrydesignerandmanufacturerfoundedin2013.Source:http://3dprintingindustry.com/2015/10/13/famous-designer-francis-bitontis-one-of-a-kind-3d-printed-jewelry-collection/NervousSystemUpgradesKinematicswith3DPrintedGoldDesignstudioNervousSystemhas3DprintedtheirlatestKinematicspiecein18kgold.Incollaborationwith3DPconsultancyfirmA3DM,theyusedthe3D-PMPtechniqueofCooksongoldto3Dprintthepiece.Source:http://3dprintingindustry.com/2014/05/06/nervous-system-upgrades-kinematics-3d-printed-gold/
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2.0 METHODOLOGYFORTHISSTUDY2.1 In-DepthInterviewsWeconductedin-depthinterviews(IDI)withthefollowingjewelryindustryplayers:
• Jewelryindustrydesigners,materialssuppliers,andmanufacturers• Preciousmetalpowdersuppliers• 3D-PMPequipmentmanufacturers• Benchjewelers• Integratedjewelrymanufacturers• Industryconsultants
SeeAppendixAforacompletelistofthejewelryprofessionalsinterviewedforthisstudy.2.2 LiteratureReviewWecarriedoutageneralreviewpublishedliteratureon3D-PMPjewelrydesignandproduction.Themostpertinentandin-depthpapersonthesubjectof3D-PMPhavebeenpresentedattheSantaFeSymposiumonJewelryManufacturingTechnology.SeeAppendixBforabstractsfromselectedpapersonthetechnologyanddesignof3D-PMPjewelryincludingpowdercharacteristicsandlasercapabilities.2.3 SWOTAnalysisWeconductedaSWOT(Strengths,Weaknesses,OpportunitiesandThreats)Analysisonthefutureof3D-PMPjewelryusinginputsfromtheIDIs.2.4 MarketGrowthAnalysisWeforecastedtheU.S.retailsalesof3D-PMPjewelryin2026usingpenetrationpotentialfor“Optimistic”,“Pessimistic”,and“MostLikely”marketgrowthscenarios.
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3.0 3D-PMPTECHNOLOGYOVERVIEWItisimportanttohaveanunderstandingofthetechnologytofullyappreciatethetechnologicalobstaclesthatmustbeovercomebeforethefullpotentialof3D-PMPcanberealizedinthemanufactureofpreciousmetaljewelry.Whatfollowsisanoverviewofsomeofthemostimportantaspectsof3D-PMPtechnology.3.1 The3D-PMPProcessIn3D-PMP,ahighenergylaserisfocusedonabedofpowderandatwodimensionalmeltedpatterniscreatedonthebedofpowdertoadepthofseveralparticlediameters.Then,thepowderbedisloweredby20to100micronsandanewpowderlayerisappliedoverthepreviouslymeltedparticles.Thenewpowderlayer,inturn,isscannedwiththelasertomeltanadditionallayerontopofthepreviousmeltedlayer.Theprocessisrepeateduntilthedesired3-dimensionalobjecthasbeenfullycreated.3.2 3D-PMPEquipment3.2.1 3D-PMPEquipmentCostThecostofa3D-PMPmachinesuitableforjewelryrangesbetween$225,000and$275,000.Thatisjustthecostofthemachine.Foroneofthesmaller3D-PMPmachineswithan80mmdiameterby90mmhighbuildchamber,thecostofthe18kgoldtofillthebuildchamberisapproximately$210,000dependinguponthepriceofgoldandpowderdensity.Takingintoconsiderationthecurrentpriceofplatinumanditsdensityrelativeto18kgold,thecostofplatinumpowdertofillthechamberwouldbeapproximately$230,000.3.2.2 Suppliersof3D-PMPEquipmentforJewelryInearly2016,therewere10manufacturersof3D-PMPmachinesaroundtheworld.Ofthose,onlyfivecurrentlymakemachinessuitableforthejewelryindustry.Oneothercompany,3DSystems,makesequipmentwiththepotentialtomanufacturejewelry.Briefprofilesofthosecompaniescurrentlyselling3D-PMPmachinesarepresentedbelow.SismaSpAViadell'Industria136013PioveneRocchette(Vicenza)ItalyWebsite:http://www.sisma.com/eng/jewellery/SismaGroupdesignsandmanufacturesextremelyhighprecisionmachinery.ThecompanyfocusesontheAdditiveManufacturing,Industry,Jewelry,andDentalsectors.
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Sisma’sMYSINT100machinehasbeendesignedtobeusedforLaserMetalFusionofmetalpowdersdesignedtomeettheneedsofthejewelryindustry.MYSINT100canbeusedtomakepreciousmetaljewelryandpartsmadeofsteel,gold,silver,bronzeandcobaltpowders.In2014,Sismaagreedonajointventureintheadditivemanufacturingsector.ThepartnerisTrumpf,thebiggestmachinetools,lasertechnology,electronicsandmedicaltechnologymanufacturerinGermany.Trumpfhasa55-percentstakeinthenewenterprisewhileSisma.hasa45-percentinterest.Relatedarticle:SismaDemonstratesWhatPreciousMetal3DPrintingCanDoSource:http://3dprintingindustry.com/2015/09/02/sisma-shows-precious-metal-3d-printing-can-priceless/TRUMPFLaserGmbHAichhalderStraße3978713SchrambergGermanyWebsite:http://www.trumpf-laser.com/en/products/3d-printing-systems/truprint-series-1000.htmlTRUMPFproducestheTruPrint1000whichisacompactmachinefortheproductionofsmallmetalcomponentsbypowder-bed-basedlasermelting.Startingfrommetalpowderandlaserlight,complexshapescanbetransformedfromtheCADdesignintojewelrypieces.RealizerGmbHHaupstrasse35DE33178BorchenGermanyWebsite:http://www.realizer.com/RealizerGmbH,foundedbyDr.MatthiasFockelein2004,producesmachinesforadditivemanufacturing,includingSLM50,SLM100,SLM125,SLM250,andSLM300.RealizerandProgoldSLMenteredintoapartnership,Progold-Realizer,toproducepowderalloystailoredtotheRealizerSLM50DesktopMachine.However,Progold-Realizerhaveceasedofferingpowdersandequipmentfor3D-PMPsothattheycanfocusonproviding3D-PMPjewelrythroughtheirrecentlyestablishedservicebureau.EOSGmbHElectroOpticalSystemsRobert-Stirling-Ring182152Krailling/MunichGermanyWebsite:http://www.eos.info/additive_manufacturing
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EOSdevelopshigh-endsolutionsintheareaofadditivemanufacturing(AM).Thecompany,whichwasfoundedin1989,isapioneerintheareaofdirectmetallasersintering.EOSpartneredwithCooksonPreciousMetals(CPM)tooptimizeitsAdditiveManufacturingexpertiseusinggold.Throughtheirpartnership,EOSdevelopedthePreciousM080LaserSinteringMachine,whichhasbeendesignedaroundtheneedsofthewatchandjewelryindustry.Relatedwebsite:CooksongoldE-manufacturing:DirectMetal3DPrintingforthejewelryandWatchmakingIndustriesSource:http://www.cooksongold-emanufacturing.com/index.phpConceptLaserGmbHAnderZeil896215LichtenfelsGermanyWebsite:http://www.concept-laser.de/en/home.htmlConceptLaserisamanufacturerofindustriallasermachinesforfabricatingcomponentssuchasjewelryfrommetalpowderusingtheLaserCUSINGlayerconstructionmethod.ConceptLaserhasmorethan400installedsystemsinstalledworldwide.Thecompanyholds50patentswith100patentspending.3DSystems333ThreeDSystemsCircleRockHill,SC29730USAWebsite:http://www.3dsystems.com/3d-printers/production/overviewTheProX™rangeofDirectMetalPrinting(DMP)3Dprintersistheresultofmorethan10yearsofresearchanddevelopmentinmetal3Dprinting.ThesmallestoftheProXDMPline,theProX100isdesignedasthestartingpointforpeoplewishingtomanufacturesmall,complexmetalparts.TheProX100featuresabuildvolumeof100mmx100mmx80mm.ThesystemiscurrentlybeingusedformaterialsincludingStainless17-4PHandCoCr.Butseveralresellersaretoutingthemachinesforuseinmanufacturingjewelry.
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3.2.3 3D-PMPMachinesinOperationThefollowingvideosshowhow3D-PMPequipmentisusedtomakepreciousmetaljewelry.ThisvideofromProgoldusesanimationtoshowtheRealizerSLMequipmentbeingusedtomakegoldjewelrySource:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdcQt8VatD4ThisvideofromCooksongold,showsthePreciousM080SLMequipmentbeingusedtomakegoldalloyjewelry.Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DisqcqnJExMThisvideofromSisma,showstheSismaSLMequipmentbeingusedtomakegoldalloyjewelry.Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmUMFW6r3V03.3 DesignConsiderationsin3D-PMPIn2015,theEuropeanPowderMetallurgyAssociation(EPMA)published“AnIntroductiontoAdditiveManufacturingTechnology”1.Itcontainsathoroughdiscussionofdesignconsiderationsalongwithnumerouscasestudiesincludingseveraljewelryexamples.TheguidewascreatedbyTheEuropeanAdditiveManufacturingGroup(EAMG)whichwaslaunchedinMay2013.Itsobjectivesarefour-fold:
• ToincreasetheawarenessoftheAdditiveManufacturing(AM)technology,withaspecialfocusonmetalpowderbasedproducts
• Toenablethebenefitsofjointaction,forexamplethroughresearchprograms,workshops,benchmarkingandexchangeofknowledge
• Toimprovetheunderstandingofthebenefitsofmetal-basedAMtechnologybyendusers,designers,mechanicalengineers,metallurgistsandstudents
• ToassistinthedevelopmentofInternationalstandardsfortheAMSectorSeeAppendixCfortheTableofContentsof“AnIntroductiontoAdditiveManufacturingTechnology”.1Source:http://www.epma.com/doc_details/427-introduction-to-additive-manufacturing-technology3.4 PowderCharacteristicsandLaserCapabilityThekeystosuccessfor3D-PMParefoundinoptimalpowdercharacteristicsandlasercapabilities.Ithasbeenreportedbyseveral3D-PMPmachinemanufacturersthattheminimumspecificationsfordensitiesof3D-PMPgoldjewelryis99.25%andthatdensitiesof99.3%to
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99.6%canbeobtainedwhenallofthemachineoperatingvariablesareoptimizedalongwithprecisecontrolofthepowdercharacteristicsFurthermore,buildrates,dimensionalcontrol,lackofinternalporosity,mechanicalpropertiesandsurfaceroughnessin3D-PMPdependupontheprecisecontrolofthefollowingpowdercharacteristics:
• Densityofthepowderinthepowderbed• Densityofthesuccessivepowderlayers• Particlesizedistribution• Averageparticlesize• Particleshape• Powderchemistry• Powderflowability
Someofthepotentialdefectsassociatedwithbothpowdercharacteristicsandlaserbeamdiameter,power,andscanrateinclude:
• Un-meltedparticles• ResidualPorosity• Cracks• Inclusions• Residualstresses• Surfaceroughnessisontheorderof20to40micronsdependinguponthealloyand
partgeometrySeeAppendixBforabstractsfrompaperspresentedattheSantaFeSymposiumonJewelryManufacturingTechnologyontheeffectsofpowdercharacteristicsandprocessparametersonthemanufactureofjewelryby3D-PMP.3.5 ProductionofSphericalPowdersfor3D-PMPThemostlywidelyusedmethodtoproducefinesphericalpowderssuitablefor3D-PMPissomevariantofgasatomization.Amoreexoticmethodemploysahightemperaturearcorinductionplasmatorchtoatomizeafinewireormeltangularparticlestoformspheres.Duringthegasatomizationprocess,amoltenmetalstreamisatomizedbyhighpressureinertgasjetscreatingfinemetaldropletswhichcooldownduringtheirfallinaclosedatomizingtower.Metalpowdersobtainedbygasatomizationoffernearlyperfectlysphericalparticlescombinedwithaverylowoxygencontents.AschematicofagasatomizerisshownFigure1.
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Figure1Source:LPWTechnology,http://www.lpwtechnology.com/powder-finder/AschematicofaplasmaatomizerfortitaniumisshowninFigure2.Thistechnologyhasthepotentialtobeusedtoproducebothplatinumandpalladium.
Figure2Source:LPWTechnology,http://www.lpwtechnology.com/powder-finder/3.6 QualityControlofSphericalPowdersConsistentpowdercharacteristicsfrombatchtobatcharecrucialforsuccessfullyproducing3D-PMPpreciousmetaljewelry.Onewayofinsuringthisconsistencyisforboththepowderproducerandusertoconductidenticalqualitycontroltestsonthepowders.Obviouslythepowdersupplierhastheresponsibilitytocontroltheirprocesstoachievethisbatch-to-batchconsistency.Dependinguponthealloyand3D-PMPequipment,someorallofthefollowingdatawouldneedtobeobtainedfromthepowdersupplierandthenconfirmedbytheuserasanincomingqualitycontrolcheck:
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• Bulkdensity• Tapdensity• Particlesizedistribution• Averageparticlesize• Chemistry• Powderflowrate• KryptonB.E.T.surfaceareaanalysis(optional)
3.7 PowderProducersfor3D-PMPTherearenumerousglobalproducersofsphericalpreciousmetalpowders.Thefollowingcompaniesproducepreciousmetalpowderssuitablefor3D-PMPproductionofjewelry.Cooksongold59-83VittoriaStreetB13NZBirminghamUnitedKingdomCooksongoldprovidesanarrayofgasatomizedalloysdevelopedspecificallyfortheDirectMetalLaserSintering(lasermelting)process.Thesphericalpowderswillworkinanyoftheavailablelasermeltingmachinesonthemarket.ThePreciousM080SLMdesignedbyEOSinconjunctionwithCooksongoldisdesignedspecificallyforusewithpreciousmetalalloypowders.TheCooksongoldandEOSpartnershipsupplieseverythingfromsoftwareandmachinestopowdersandparts.CooksongoldoffersafullrangeofgoldalloypowdersandwithinthelastfewmonthsbeganofferingaPlatinum-RutheniumpowdersuitableforuseintheirPreciousM080SLMmachine.Source:http://www.cooksongold-emanufacturing.com/products-adv-metal-powders.phpProgoldSPAViaPostaleVecchia26/A36070Trissino(VI)ItalyProgoldsuppliespreciousmetalmasteralloys,brazingpastesandpowders.ThroughapartnershipwithRealizer,ProgoldSLMpowderalloyshavebeenoptimizedformaximumperformancewiththeRealizerSLM50DesktopMachine.TheProgold-Realzierpartnershiphasstoppedofferingpowderandequipmentfor3D-PMPsothattheycanfocusonproviding3D-PMPjewelrythroughtheirrecentlyestablishedservicebureauSource:http://www.progold.com/GB/Files/SLM_catalogue.pdf
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LegorGroupViadelLavoro136050Bressanvido(VI)ItalyTheLegorGroup’slineofultrapuremetallicpowdersincludesextrafinepowdersdesignedforusein3D-PMPjewelryproductionSource:http://products.legor.com/EN/division/2?cat_id=247Nobil-MetalS.p.A.StradaS.Rocco2814018Villafrancad'AstiItalyAsaresultofanagreementwiththeGermancompanyConceptLaserGmbH,NobilMetaloffersaPd-Agbasedalloy,PalKeramit3-Sthatissuitablefor3D-PMPmanufacture.Source:http://www.nobilmetal.it/en/products.aspx?id=07EB07EE07EFHilderbrand&CieSARoutedeJussy29Casepostale1411226ThônexSwitzerlandHilderbrandproducesawidevarietyofatomizedpowdersincludingalloysofgold,platinum,palladiumandsilverwhichcanbeusedin3D-PMP.Source:http://www.hilderbrand.ch/?Products_Precious_Metal_Powders4.0 SWOTANALYSISBaseduponinterviewswithindustryexperts,wecarriedoutaSWOTAnalysiswiththeobjectiveofestablishingtheviabilityofaU.S.3D-PMPjewelryindustryby2026.Thefollowingmethodologywasused:
• Obtaininputsfromindustryexpertsintheareasofdesign,manufacturing,andsalesofjewelryonthestrengths,weaknesses,opportunitiesandthreatsrelativetothesuccessof3D-PMPjewelryproductionin2026.
• Consolidating,combining,clarifyingandsummarizinginputstotheSWOTanalysisafter
obtaininginputsfromindustryexperts.TheresultsoftheSWOTanalysisarepresentedbelow.Theseresultsprovidetheframeworkwithinwhichthejewelryindustrywilleitherbeverysuccessfulorfailtograsptheopportunitiesofferedby3D-PMPjewelry
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4.1 Strengths
• Abilitytoproducelightweightplatinumjewelry.Wallthicknessof0.30mmto0.35mmfor3D-PMPplatinumalloyscomparedto0.50mmto0.70mmforplatinumcastings.
• 3D-PMPisessentiallyanet-shapepowdermetallurgyprocesswithlesslossofmetalin
productioncomparedtocastingandwroughtfabrication.
• Thoughttobeidealforgold,platinumandpalladiumpiecesthatcannotbecastorfabricatedormachined,easilyoreconomically,suchasthin-walled,hollow,filigree,bracelets,chains,andmeshjewelry.3D-PMPcanbuildininternalsupportsforthisthin-walledjewelry.
• Platinum/Rutheniumpowderfor3D-PMPcurrentlybeingofferedbyCooksongoldwhich
cannowbeusedtomanufacturethinwalledjewelry.
• Because3D-PMPjewelrycanbeproducedtodensitiesgreaterthan99.25%oftheoreticaldensity,platinumjewelrymaynotrequirehotisostaticpressingasisthecasecurrentlyforsomeinvestmentcastplatinumandpalladium.
• Virtuallyanygoldalloycanbedevelopedtoworkinthe3D-PMPprocesswhichopens
upopportunitiestoproduceothercolorssuchashintsofpurple,greenandbluegold'swhichtraditionallyaredifficulttoprocess.
• Unlimitedopportunitiesandincreaseddesignfreedomfordesignerscomparedto
designingforcastandmachinedjewelry.Itcanproducecustomisedpiecesveryeasily.Thusabasicdesigncanbereadilyadapted/customisedforeachcustomer
• Shortproductioncyclecomparedtocastingormachining
• Alreadycosteffectiveformasterpieces,oneoff,limitededitionandlargeoneofkind
commissionpieces
• Well-establishedinfrastructureofgoldalloypowdersuppliersandequipmentfor3D-PMPjewelry
• Potentiallylowerrecyclerate,fastertotalproductiontime,loweroverallcostsand
"green"comparedtoinvestmentcastingandmachining.
• Eliminatessolderingandlaserweldingforfabricatedpiecesaswellhandfabricationlabor,castingwaxesandcastingcleanup.
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• Canusepreciousmetalalloysthatcannotbecastorfabricatedbyconventionaljewelrytechniquesassumingthesealloyscanbeatomized
• Possibilityofintegratingcastandmachinedpiecesintothe3D-PMPprocess.
4.2 Weaknesses
• Highequipmentcostsrelativetocastingmachines.
• Highpreciousmetalalloyinventorycostsbecauseofcurrentbuildchamberrequirements
• Roughsurfacescomparedtoinvestmentcastingsrequiringexpensiveandextensivepolishingandmaterialremovalatthispointintime.
• Notamassproductionprocessbecauseofslowbuildratesthataregeometryandsizedependent
• Since3D-PMPisessentiallyaweldingprocess,itislimitedtojewelryalloyswhichcanbewelded
• CurrentlyonlyonesupplierofaPlatinum/Rutheniumalloypowder.
• Thereareno950palladiumpowdersuppliersfor3D-PMPjewelry
• Supportstructuresarerequiredforsomedesignsandmustberecycled.
• Itrequiressixtoninemonthsfor3D-PMPequipmentsupplierstooptimizepowdercharacteristicsandlaserbeamparametersfornewalloypowdercompositions
• Cancastgoldin0.2mmwallsoperceivedthinwallthicknessadvantageof3D-PMPforgoldcomparedtocastingsisnotascompellingasitisforplatinum
4.3 Opportunities
• Placea3D-PMPunitinmajorjewelrydesignhouseatnochargetokickstartthedesignandsalesof3D-PMPjewelry
• Designerlineofhollow,thin-walledandfiligreePt-Ruand18Kgoldearrings,pendants,necklaces,braceletsandringscreatedbyworldrenownedfashionandjewelrydesigners
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• Developfinerhigh-flowabilitypowdersforsmoothersurfaces
• Develophigherwattagemachineswithdualorquadlasersforquadruplebuildratesby2018
• Developfastermethodofspreadingsuccessivelayersofmetalpowdertoincreasebuildrate
• Offersignificantlylowercostfasterbuildratelargemachinesaswellasbenchtopmachinesunder$75,000
• Developlowcostmassfinishingequipmentthataddressestheproblemofroughsurfacesandthatrequireslittleornomaterialremoval
• Offerlowcostbenchtoplaserorelectronbeampolishingmachinestosmooththe3D-PMPsurfaces.
• Independent3D-PMPjewelryservicebureaupartnershipsinU.S.aswellasoneslocatedinhighendjewelryboutiquesandjewelryretailspacesandindesignerclothingspaces
• Alloypowdersandcompositionsdevelopedspecificallyfor3D-PMP4.4 Threats
• Noneofthemajorintegratedjewelrymanufacturersbecomeearlyadoptersinthe2016to2026-timeframe
• Poorsurfaceroughnesscomparedtocastingcannotberesolvedby2026andequipmentmanufacturersfailtoquadruplebuildratesoverthenextfewyearsaswellasfailingtobringpricesdownandofferlowcostbenchmachinesforunder$75,000.
• Widespreadinfrastructureof3D-PMPequipmentandplatinumpowdersuppliersnecessaryforsuccessof3D-PMPplatinumjewelryfailstomaterialize
• Investmentcastingequipment,surfacefinishanddimensionaltolerancescontinuestoimproveraisingthebarforsuccessfulpenetrationofcastingsby3D-PMP
• Significantfinishingcostsdecreasescompetitivenesswithcastandfabricatedjewelry
• 3D-PMPjewelryconfinedtosmallbutprofitableniche
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• Lackofcompetitivepricingforplatinumandpalladiumalloypowdersaswellasalimitednumberofsuppliers
5.0 THE2026U.S.MARKETFORECASTFOR3D-PMPPRECIOUSMETALALLOY
JEWELRY5.1 IntroductionInthissection,weexploredthreepotentialmethodologiesforforecastingthe3D-PMPjewelrymarketsizein2026.Onlyoneofthethreemethodswasfoundtobeviable.5.1.1 ExtrapolatingtotheJewelryIndustryfromtheSuccessesof3D-PMPtechnologyin
OtherRelatedMarketSectorsFormany,thereisreasontobeoptimisticaboutthefutureof3D-PMPtechnologyforjewelrybaseduponthesuccessof3D-PMPand3Delectronbeammeltingtomanufactureaircraftgasturbineenginescomponents,orthopedicimplants,dentalappliances,titaniumpartsformarineapplications,anddies,screws,andothercomponentsforpolymerinjectionmoldingequipment.However,thesesuccesseswerebuiltuponafoundationofwell-establishedpowderandequipmentsuppliersaswellasacommitmentbycompaniessuchasGeneralElectrictoinvesthundredsofmillionsofdollarsinproductionfacilities.Thisisnotthecasefor3D-PMPjewelry.Althoughthereisawell-establishedbaseofgoldalloypowdersuppliersfor3D-PMP,thereisonlyonesupplierofplatinumpowdersandnoneforpalladium.Additionally,therearenotarangeofreasonablypricedPMPmachinesavailablefrommultiplesources.Furthermore,noneofthemajorintegratedjewelrymanufacturersorcastinghouseshaveopenlyembracedthetechnologyandbeguntomanufactureandsell3D-PMPjewelry.Andfinally,thesurfacequalityrequirementsinthejewelryindustryareamajorimpedimenttothegrowthintheuseof3D-PMP.Therefore,itisdifficulttoextrapolatefromsuccessesintheaerospaceandmedicalimplantmarketsectorstosuccessinthepreciousmetaljewelryindustry.5.1.2 UsingHistoricalCompoundAnnualGrowthRatesofRelatedDisruptiveTechnologies
toForecast3D-PMPjewelryMarketGrowthTypically,thegrowthandmaturityofemergingordisruptivemanufacturingtechnologiesandmaterialsspansthreetofourdecades.Technologiesandmaterialssuchaspressedandsinteredpowdermetallurgyandmetalinjectionmolding(MIM)requiredtwotothreedecadesbeforetheywerefirmlyestablished.Overany10-yeartimeframe,themostsuccessfulpressedand
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sinteredandinjectionmoldedmetalpowdertechnologiesgrewnomorethan15%to20%annually.TheuseofMIMformakingjewelrywasproposedasearlyas1996.TheprosandconsofMIMjewelrywerediscussedinpaperspresentedatthe2003SantaFeSymposiumonManufacturingTechnology.KlausWisnerpresentedapaperonMetalInjectionMoulding(MIM)Technologywith18ctGold,FeasibilityStudyandDr.JosephTunickStrausspresentedapaperonP/M(PowderMetallurgy)inJewelryManufacturing;CurrentStatus,NewDevelopments,andFutureProjections.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/2003-santa-fe-symposium-papers?category=2003ThepapersbyWisnerandStrausssuggestthatforsomeofthesamereasonsthatMIMhasnottakenholdintheU.Sjewelryindustry,thegrowthinuseof3D-PMPforjewelrymanufacturemaybeveryslowindeed.TheobstaclestocommercializationforMIMformanufacturingjewelry,inmanyrespects,parallelthosefor3D-PMP.Todate,thereisnosignificantuseofMIMintheU.S.jewelryindustry.Therefore,weconcludedthatitwasnotpossibletousethemarketgrowthofMIMjewelryasabasisforforecastingthegrowthof3D-PMPjewelry.5.1.3 UsingaPenetrationPotentialGrowthMethodologytoForecastthe3D-PMPJewelryMarket5.1.3.1IntroductionBaseduponourpreviousexperienceusingthePenetrationPotentialGrowthmethodology,wedecidedtousethisapproachtoforecastthepenetrationof3D-PMPintoexistinggold,platinum,andpalladiumjewelrymanufacturingmethodsin2026.ThePenetrationPotentialGrowthmethodologyinvolvesanestimateoftheextenttowhichexistingjewelrymanufacturingtechniqueswillbepenetratedby3D-PMP.Themodelproducesthreepossibleoutcomes:“Optimistic,”“Pessimistic”and“MostLikely”.WestartedwiththebestavailabledataforU.S.consumptionofgold,platinum,andpalladiumusedinjewelryasshowninTable2.Webasedourmarketforecastsonestimatesoftheextenttowhichthe3D-PMPmanufacturingprocesswoulddisplaceexisting2016jewelrymanufacturingtechniques.However,wedidnotattempttoforecastthecomponentof3D-PMPjewelrysalesthatresultedfromorganicgrowthorfromincreasesinpreciousmetalpricesovertheperiod2016to2026.
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InordertoapplythePenetrationPotentialGrowthmethodologyto3D-PMPjewelry,wefirstbrokedownthetroyouncesofplatinum,gold,andpalladium,asshowninTable2,bymanufacturingmethod.Westartedwithabroadsetofcategoriesincluding,electroplating,electroformed,cast,diestruck,machined,machinemade(chain),assembledbywelding,andsoldering.ThesecategoriesweredistilleddowntoCast,Fabricated,andAllOthers.TheAllOtherscategoryrepresentsaverysmallfractionofthecombinedCastingandFabricatedcategories.Penetrationpotentialswereassignedtoeachsetofcategoriesinordertoreflectthepotentialmarketpenetrationof3D-PMPintothesejewelrymanufacturingmethodsbytheyear2026.Thenpenetrationpotentialsfor2026wereobtainedbycombininginputsfromindustryexpertsalongwiththeauthor’sexperienceinassessingemergingmanufacturingandmaterialstechnologies.Theauthor’sexperienceasajewelrydesignerandbenchjewelerfrom2002to2012alsowasusedinarrivingatthepenetrationpotentials.5.1.3.2PenetrationPotentialsandAssumptionsTheprimaryassumptionsusedinthePenetrationGrowthModelwereasfollows:
• 3D-PMPwouldpenetratefabricatedgold,platinum,andpalladiumjewelrytwiceasfastasCastingsand10timesasfastastheAllOtherscategory
• 3D-PMPplatinumwouldpenetrateallcategories4timesasfastasgold,basedupontheperceivedadvantagesoflighterweightandthinnerwalls.
• 3D-PMPpalladiumwouldpenetrateallcategoriesatthesamerateasgold
• 3D-PMPwillmakethegreatestinroadsindesignsthatareverycomplex,difficult,impossibleoruneconomicaltomakeusingtraditionaljewelryfabricationtechnology.
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SeeAppendixDforthefullsetofassumptionsusedtodeterminethepercentpenetrationpotentialsfor2026.The“Optimistic,”“Pessimistic”and“MostLikely”PenetrationPotentialsfor3D-PMPjewelryin2026areshowninTable3.
5.1.3.3EstimatingRetailsSalesfor3D-PMPjewelryin2026Usingthe“MostLikely”scenarioasanexample,Table4showstheestimatedretailsalesintheU.S.for3D-PMPjewelryin2026.Asanexample,forgoldcastings,weestimatedapenetrationof1.75%in2026.Thatamountsto~50,000troyounces.Atpresentdaymarketvalueandwitharetailmarkup,thevalueoffinishedgoldjewelrypreviouslymanufacturedbycastingandpenetratedby3D-PMPisapproximately$150million.SeeAppendixEforcompletetableswiththe“Optimistic”and“Pessimistic”scenarios.
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Theestimatedtotal3D-PMPretailsalesofgold,platinum,andpalladiumjewelryforthe“Optimistic”,“Pessimistic”,and“MostLikely”scenariosareshowninTable5.
ToputthePenetrationPotentialGrowthforecastsinperspective,theestimatedU.S.salesofallgold,platinumandpalladiumjewelryin2015issummarizedinTable6.
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6.0 SUMMARYANDCONCLUSIONSTheforecastingmethodology,basicassumptionsandpenetrationpotentialswereformulatedbytheauthorusinginputsfromavarietyofsourcesincludingtheresultsofinterviewswiththeindustryexpertslistedinAppendixA.Forthe“MostLikely”marketpenetrationscenario,asshowninTable1,toberealizedin2026,numeroustechnical,economic,andmarketgrowthbarriersmustbeaddressed.BasedupontheresultsofinterviewswithindustryexpertsandupontheSWOTanalysis,thetopbarriersandtheircorrespondingpotentialsolutionsaresummarizedbelow:Barrier1 UnacceptableSurfaceRoughnesscomparedtoinvestmentcastingsPotentialSolutions:• Newinnovativesurfacefinishingtechnologyspecificallyfor3D-PMPmanufacturedjewelry• Finerpowdersforsmoothersurfaces• Continuetooptimizepowderchemistry,distribution,particlesizeandshape• Continuetooptimizelaserbeammeltingparameterstominimizesurfaceroughness• Continuetooptimizebuildratetominimizesurfaceroughness• Laserore-beampolishingofroughsurfaces• Incorporatethesurfaceroughnessinthedesignifpossible
Barrier2 HighCostof3D-PMPMachinesPotentialSolutions:• Challenge3D-PMPmachinemanufacturersandcomponentsupplierstocutcosts• Make$75,000benchtop3D-PMPmachinesavailable• Increasebuildratesandoffervariablebuildchamberstopowerunitcostswithoutraising
prices
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Barrier3 SlowBuildRatesPotentialSolutions:• Multiplelaserbeams• Innovatefasterwayofspreadingthesuccessivepowderlayers
Barrier4 HighInventoryCostsAssociatedwithPreciousMetalAlloysPowdersPotentialSolutions:• Variablevolumebuildchamberstominimizeinventories• Benchtopmachinesforsmall-tomedium-sizedcustomone-offjewelrypieces• Apartnershipbetweenusersandequipmentandpowdersupplierswhereinequipmentis
leasedalongwithpowdersandusersonlypayforpartsproducedandsold.Barrier5 LackofInvolvementfromMajorIntegratedJewelryRetailersandManufacturersPotentialSolutions:• EquipmentandpowdersuppliercompaniesofferingequipmentandpowderstokeyU.S.
jewelrydesignhousesandjewelrymanufacturersinreturnfortheircarryingoutdesignstudiesandofferinguniquelydesigned3D-PMPjewelryforsale
• Supplyseveraljewelrydesignhousesandjewelrymanufacturerswithoneormoremachinesandpartnerwiththemtobuildthemarketfor3D-PMPjewelry
• Createacollaborativeapproachtoimprovementsinmachinedesignandperformanceandinjewelrydesignthroughauniversitybased3D-PMPjewelryinstitutejointlyfundedbyjewelryindustryparticipants.
Barrier6 LackofRealWorldExamplesofJewelryDesignsandofActualJewelrythatcanonlybeMadeby3D-PMPPotentialSolutions:• Internationaldesigncompetitionsaimedatinnovativedesignsthatareonlypossiblewith
3D-PMP• Identify,manufactureandsell“socalled”jewelrydesignsthatcanonlybemadeby3D-
PMPBarrier7 LackofThin-Wall,Hollow,andFiligreePlatinumJewelryOfferedintheU.S.MarketplacePotentialSolutions:• Makeandofferforsaledesignerjewelrybasedupontheseperceivedadvantagesof3D-
PMPplatinumjewelryBarrier8 LackofIdentifiableU.S.Salesof3D-PMPGold,Platinum,orPalladiumJewelryin2015
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PotentialSolutions:• Dispensewithbusinessasusualapproachestosalesandemployinnovativemarketingand
salesapproachesformachines,powderandjewelry.Forexample,supplyleadingintegratedjewelrydesignandmanufacturinghouseswith3D-PMPmachinesandpowderandonlychargethemforpartsproducedandsold
• Independent3D-PMPjewelryservicebureaupartnershipsintheU.S.aswellasoneslocatedinhighendjewelryboutiquesandjewelryretailspacesandindesignerclothingspaces
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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR Andrew Nyce has over 50 years of experience as a research scientist and engineer, marketresearchanalyst,andasaCEOandentrepreneurinadvancedandengineeringmaterialsbasedbusinesses.HeiscurrentlyPresidentofAndrewNyceAssociates,aconsultingfirmfocusedon3D-PMP.From2002to2012,hewaspresidentandownerofAndrewNyceDesigns,Inc.,wherehewasinvolvedindesigning,fabricatingandmarketingcustomhandmadegold,Silver,Palladiumandplatinum jewelry in the formofMokumeGane, an ancient Japaneseart formandDamascusstainlesssteel.PriortothathewasPresidentandownerofGorhamAdvancedMaterials,Inc.whichprovidedBusinessconsultingandR&DservicestoglobalFortune2000companies.Theconsultingdivisionprovidedstrategicbusinessplanning,technologyassessmentsandmarketresearchservicestoFortune 2000 companiesworldwide. The contract R&Ddivisionwas engaged in cutting edgeResearch and development in the areas of powdermetallurgy andmetal powders, thin filmcoatings,ceramics,highenergymagnets,aircraftjetenginealloys,ceramiccuttingtools,Ceramicsuperconducting materials, Hot Isostatic Pressing, metal and ceramic injection molding,alternative energy technologies and semiconductor materials. And, the conference divisionorganizedbusinessandtechnicalconferencesinemergingandadvancedmaterialstechnologyforseniorexecutivesworldwide.Aftergraduateschool,hewasdirectoroftechnologyforCrucibleMagneticsresponsibleforthemanufacturingtechnologyforhighenergyNeodymiumRareEarth,hardferriteandcastAlnicomagnetsaswellasCrucible’slineofHardfacingweldingrodsandcastwear-resistantmaterialsfordownholeoilandgaspumpingapplications.While in graduate school, with three others, he co-foundedMetra Inc., a high tech vacuumequipmentandcomponentscompany.Alsowhileingraduateschool,heworkedasaconsultantfor the American Instrument Corporation designing specialized scientific equipment forparticulatematerialscharacterization.AftercompletinghisPhDthesis,hewasappointedvisitingassistantprofessorofmetallurgyandmaterialsscienceforthefallsemester.PriortothatAndrewworkedasamaterialsengineerforWestinghouseNuclearfueldepartment,AllenWoodSteelcorporation,andNuclearmaterialsandequipmentcorporationandanappliedresearchengineeratGliddenresearchlaboratories.Hehaspublishedover100technicalpapersandreportsoverthelast50yearsandholdsthreepatents;twointheareaofadvancedmaterialsandprocessing;oneandoneonanimplantabletooth.Heisalsotheco-patentholderofanisotopicallypoweredcardiacpacemaker.
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AndrewreceivedhisB.SinMetallurgyfromPennsylvaniaStateUniversity,hisM.S.fromCarnegieInstituteofTechnology(NowCarnegieMellon)andhisPhDfromtheUniversityofMaryland.Healso attended theUniversity of Pennsylvania graduate school ofmetallurgy for one year.HecompletedDartmouthCollege’sTuckExecutiveProgramin1987.In1996,hewasdesignatedacentennialFellowoftheCollegeofEarthandMineralsScienceatPennsylvania State University. He was inducted in Alpha Sigma Mu, National MetallurgicalHonoraryFraternityandofTheSocietyofSigmaSi.ContactInformation:Telephone:207-232-2798e-mail:[email protected]
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APPENDIXASTUDYCONTRIBUTORSThejewelryindustryindividualslistedbelowparticipatedinthisstudybygenerouslysharingtheirknowledgeandinsightsinoneormoreinterviews.However,theanalysisandconclusionsofthisstudyareentirelythoseoftheauthor.SteveAdler,Founder,A3DMJimBinnion,DesignerandOwner,JimBinnionMetalArtsDr.ChrisCorti,ManagingDirector,COReGOLDTechnologyConsultancyBillDahl,VicePresidentofProductsandMarketing,Solidscape(asubsidiaryofStratasys)GaryDawson,Goldsmith,Designer,AuthorandOwner,GaryDawsonJewelryDesign,DawsonDistributions,LLCandGaryDawsonMarketingandPhotographyLinusDrogs,President,AuEnterprisesLarryFell,CEO,DavidH.Fell&CompanyDavidFletcher,BusinessDevelopmentManager,Cooksongold(partoftheHeimerle+MeuleGroup)TeresaFrye,Owner,TechFormAdvancedCastingTechnologyStewartGrice,VicePresident,HooverandStrongLisaKrikawa,DesignerandOwner,KrikawaJewelryDesignsChrisPloof,DesignerandOwner,ChrisPloofDesignsG.PhilPoirier,MasterGoldsmithandGemCutter,G.PhilPoirierMarleneRichey,Owner,MarleneRicheyJoeRazum,EngineeringProgramManager,3DSystemsDr.JoeStrause,President,HJECompanyRobertSweet,Founder,SweetMetalsLLCJ.TylerTeague,ProductandProcessEngineering,JETTResearchDamianoZito,CEO,ProgoldS.p.A.
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APPENDIXBLITERATUREREVIEWSelectedpapersfromtheSantaFeSymposiumthatcoverthetechnologyanddesignof3D-PMPjewelry.SinteringandAdditiveManufacturing:TheNewParadigmfortheJewelryManufactureFrankCooperTechnicalManagerJewelerIndustryInnovationCentreSchoolofJeweleryBirminghamCityUniversityBirmingham,UKInthis2012SFSpaper,Coopersuggeststhatthejewelryindustryneedstobecomeaware,ofjusthowunsettlinganddisruptivethistechnologyshifthasthepotentialtobecome.Thispaperoffersvariousviewpointsthatconsidernotonlythedesignpotentialofthetechnologytothejewelrymanufacturingindustrybutwillalsoaddresshowthatdesignpotentialmightbe,andisbeing,taughttofuturegenerationsofjewelrydesigners.Italsodiscussesinsomedetailtheeconomicsofandpotentialfornewanddifferentbusinessmodelsthatarealreadybeingexploitedbyotheradditivemanufacturingmarketsectors.And,italsoexploresthemanufacturingcapabilityofthisnewandalternativesinteringtechnologyanditspotentialforuseinjewelrymanufacture.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/RapidJewelryManufacturingbyLaserMeltingofPreciousMetalPowders(PLM):FictionorFuture?Dr.JoergFischer-Buehner,PietroPoliero,RiccardoBertoncello,AndreaBasso&MassimoPolieroLegorGroupS.p.AThis2012paperreportsonthepotentialofrapidjewelrymanufacturing.Thecharacteristicsofavailablemetalalloypowders(18Kgold,925silver,bronze,etc.)aswellascorrespondingPLMprocessparameters(laserpower,speed,etc.)andmetallurgicalinvestigationsonPLMpartsarediscussed.Examplesofrealjewelrypartsindicatetheuniquepotentialofthistechnologytocreatejewelrydesignsthatareimpossibleoratleastverydifficultandtime-consumingtoproducewithconventionaljewelrymanufacturingtechnology.Thepaperalsodiscussespost-treatment,surfacefinishing,powdermaterialdemand,andconsumption.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/CreativeApproachestoDesignandManufacturingintheDigitalAgeDr.LionelT.DeanFutureFactoriesandDeMontfortUniversitySouthRaucebyLincolnshire,UKThis2013paper,throughaseriesofcasestudies,illustratesnewapproachestodesign,manufacturing,andconsumerismaffordedbydigitaltechnologiesandinparticularAdditiveManufacturing(AM).Thepaperfocusesonthecreativeopportunitiesitaffords.TheauthorsuggeststhatthefreedomandflexibilityofAMallowsareassessmentandreinventionofrelationshipsbetweendesigner,manufacturerandconsumer.Itisfurthersuggestedthatthedesignercanexplorenewwaysofworking,themanufacturercanrespondtonichemarkets,andtheconsumercanbecomeengagedinthecreativeprocess.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/ LatestDevelopmentsinSelectiveLaserMeltingProductionofGoldJewelryDamianoZito,AlessioCarlotto,AlessandroLoggi&SilvanoBortolameiProgoldS.p.A.Prof.AlbertoMolinari&Prof.IlariaCristofoliniUniversitàdegliStudidiTrento
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Amongotherthingsthispaperfocusestheroleoflaserpower,laserscanningspeed,andthethicknessofthepowderlayerintheproductionofjewelry.Adesignedexperiment(DOE)approachwasusedtocharacterizetheinfluenceofthosevariablesonan18Kgoldpowderwithreferencetophysicalandchemicalattributes,surfaceroughness,defects,andmechanicalproperties.AcomparisonofaseriesofspecimensproducedbySLMandlost-waxcastingispresentedSource:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/UseofeManufacturingDesignSoftwareandDMLSintheJewelryIndustryDavidFletcher,EuropeanProductManagerAnthonyStaniorski,EuropeanTechnicalDirectorCooksongold,partoftheHeimerle+MeuleGroupBirminghamWestMidlands,U.KThispaperaddressestheroleofdesignandpreparationofcomputermodelsinsuccessfulimplementationofDirectMetalLaserSintering(DMLS),oranyadditivemanufacturing(AM)process.ThispresentationexploresavisiontouseeManufacturingtechniquestodevelopautomateddesigntoolstousewithDMLStechnology.Thesetoolscanbeusedtominimizepartweightandoptimizepartdesigntotakefulladvantageofdirectmanufacturingprocessesandtoproducequalitypartsthatotherwiseareunattainablewithconventionalmanufacturingtechniques.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/SelectedpapersfromtheSantaFeSymposiumthatcovertheeffectsofpowdercharacteristicsandPMPprocessparametersonthemanufactureofjewelry.LatestDevelopmentsinSelectiveLaserMeltingProductionofGoldJewelryDamianoZitoetal.,ProgoldSPA,2012This2012SFSpaperfocusesontheissuesofpowderqualityandavailability.togetherwithlaserpower,laserscanningspeed,andthethicknessofthepowderlayer.Adesignofexperiments(DOE)approachwasusedtocharacterizetheinfluenceofthosevariablesonan18Kgoldpowderwithreferencetophysicalandchemicalattributes,surfaceroughness,defects,andmechanicalproperties.AcomparisonofaseriesofspecimensproducedbySLMandlost-waxcastingwaspresented.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/TheOptimizationoftheMainSelectiveLaserMeltingTechnologyParametersintheProductionofPreciousMetalJewelryDamianoZitoetal.,ProgoldSPA,2013This2013SFSpaperisacontinuationoftheresultspresentedatthe2012SantaFeSymposium.TheeffectofthemostrepresentativevariablesoftheSelectiveLaserMelting(SLM)technologyonthequalityoffinalproductswasevaluated.Thevariablesstudiedwerelaserpower,scanningspeedandthicknessofthepowderlayer.Theobjectiveofthispaperwastodeterminepowderchemical-physicalcharacteristicsthatensurethebestresultswiththeSLMtechnique.Analysisoftheinfluenceofchemicalcompositionandpowderparticlesizedistributiononporosityandroughnessofthefinalitemswasstudied.ThispaperdescribestheprogressobtainedwithSLMtechnologysince2012,demonstratingtheimportanceofoptimizingprocessparameters.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/OptimizationofSLMTechnology:MainParametersintheProductionofGoldandPlatinumJewelryDamianoZitoetal.,ProgoldSPA,2014
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Inapreviouspaperpreviouslyusinggoldalloysforselectivelasermelting(SLM),thekeyrolenotonlyofprocessparametersbutalsoofpowderchemicalcompositionforproducingqualitypreciousmetaljewelrywasstudied.This2014SFSpaperfocusesontheeffectofsomeselectedchemicalelementstoimprovelaserradiationabsorptionandtofavorthemeltingofmetallicparticles.Inaddition,theroleofthestructureandmorphologyofthesupportswasstudiedinordertooptimizetheirdensityandmaintainanadequatethermaldissipationoflaserenergy.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/DefinitionandSolidityofGoldandPlatinumJewelryProducedUsingSelectiveLaserMelting(SLM)TechnologyDamianoZitoetal.,ProgoldSPA,2015Inthis2015SFSpaper,thedimensionalaccuracyofactualjewelryitemsisassessedandthepossibilityofmakinglighteritemswhilemaintainingadequatestructuralstrengthisexplored.Inaddition,thebestworkingparametersforred-goldandplatinumalloyswasstudied.Dimensionalaccuracywasassessedbybuildingametalstructureandanactualpavéring.ThegeometricalconformityoftheSLMringwascomparedtotheoriginaldesignandtheroughnessofthemetalsection,metaldensity,metalhomogeneity,accuracyofornamentaldetailsandqualityasafunctionoforientationonthebuildplatformwasassessed.Source:http://www.santafesymposium.org/papers/
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APPENDIXCINTRODUCTIONTOADDITIVEMANUFACTURINGTECHNOLOGYAGUIDEFORDESIGNERSANDENGINEERSSource:EuropeanPowderMetalAssociationAbstract:Additivemanufacturing,alsoknownas3Dprinting,rapidprototypingorfreeformfabrication,is‘theprocessofjoiningmaterialstomakeobjectsfrom3Dmodeldata,usuallylayeruponlayer,asopposedtosubtractivemanufacturingmethodologies’suchasmachining.TheuseofAdditiveManufacturing(AM)withmetalpowdersisanewandgrowingindustrysectorwithmanyofitsleadingcompaniesbasedinEurope.Itbecameasuitableprocesstoproducecomplexmetalnetshapeparts,andnotonlyprototypes,asbefore.Additivemanufacturingnowenablesbothadesignandindustrialrevolution,invariousindustrialsectorssuchasaerospace,energy,automotive,medical,toolingandconsumergoods.TABLEOFCONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION1.1 -Vocabulary1.2 -PositioningofAMversusotherPMtechnologies1.3 -ThebenefitsofAMtechnology1.4 -ThelimitsofAMtechnology1.5 -Marketperspectives2. ADDITIVEMANUFACTURINGTECHNOLOGIES2.1 -Thebasicsoflasermeltingwithmetalpowders2.2 -Overviewofmetaladditivemanufacturingprocesses2.2.1 -Laserbeammelting2.2.2 -Electronbeammelting2.2.3 -3Dprinting2.2.4 -DirectEnergyDeposition(orLasermetaldeposition)2.3 -Mainprocesssteps3. METALPOWDERSFORADDITIVEMANUFACTURING3.1 -Introduction3.2 -Powdermanufacturingprocesses3.2.1 -Thegasatomizationprocess3.2.2 -TheVIMgasatomizationprocess3.2.3 -Otheratomization3.3 -Metalpowdercharacteristicsforadditivemanufacturing3.3.1 -Chemicalcomposition3.3.2 -ParticleSizedistribution3.3.3 -Powdermorphology3.3.4 -Otherphysicalproperties3.3.5 -Otherpowdercharacteristics3.4 -Alloysandmaterialproperties3.4.1 -Introduction
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3.4.2 -Specificdefectsinmaterialsobtainedwithadditivemanufacturingprocess3.4.3 -Howtooptimizeprocessparameterstoimprovematerialproperties?4. DESIGNGUIDELINESFORLASERBEAMMELTING4.1 -Basicdesignrules4.1.1 -Holesandinternalchannels4.1.2 -Minimumwallthicknesses4.1.3 -Maximumlengthtoheightratio4.1.4 -Minimumstrutsdiametersandlatticestructures4.2 -Partorientation4.2.1 -Overhangs4.2.2 -Supportstructures4.2.3 -Surfaceroughness4.2.4 -Residualstressesandwarping4.3 -DesignoptimizationforAMtechnology4.3.1 -Introduction4.3.2 -Topologyoptimization5. CASESTUDIES5.1 -Aerospace5.2 -Energy5.3 -Medical5.4 -Industry5.5 -Automotiveandcarracing5.6 -Consumer
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APPENDIXDASSUMPTIONSFORTHE3D-PMPPENETRATIONPOTENTIALGROWTHMODELOPTIMISTICSCENARIONumerousdesignsthatcanonlybemadewith3D-PMP3D-PMPmachinecostreducedby30%SurfaceroughnessproblemsolvedBuildratesincreasebyfactorof4Numerousbenchtop3D-PMPmachinesunder$75,000inuseSignificantsalesofthinwalledplatinumjewelryInventorycostproblemmitigated4to5largeintegratedjewelryhouseenterbusinessNumeroussmallcastingshopsenterthebusiness6to8competitivesourcesofgoldpowders2to4competitivesourcesofplatinumpowder2to4competitivesourcesofpalladiumpowderMOSTLIKELYSCENARIOSignificantnumberofnewdesignsthatareuniqueto3D-PMP3D-PMPmachinecostreducedby20%SignificantprogressonsurfaceroughnessproblemBuildratesincreasebyfactorof23D-PMPmachinesunder$75,000availablefromseveralsuppliersin2021Modestsalesofplatinumjewelryduetothin-walleddesignsProgressoninventorycostproblem2to3largeintegratedjewelryhouseenterbusinessSeveralmediumtolargecastingshopsenterthebusinessSeveralsuppliersofplatinumandpalladiumpowdersPESSIMISTICSCENARIOVeryfewdesignsthatcanonlybemadewith3D-PMP3D-PMPmachinecostsreducedbyonly10%SurfaceroughnessstillaproblemBuildratesincreasebyonly25%Benchtopmachinesunder$75,000introducedin2026ThinwalledplatinumjewelrysalesunremarkableInventorycoststillamajorproblemInvestmentcastingproductivity/qualityincreasedOnlyonelargeintegratedjewelryhouseentersbusinessOnesmallormediumsizedcastingshopsenterthebusinessOnecompetitivesourceofplatinumpowderOnecompetitivesourceofpalladiumpowder
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APPENDIXEOPTIMISTICANDPESSIMISTICSCENARIOSFORRETAILSALESOF3D-PMPJEWELRYIN2026
