Platinum 3D Printing

Platinum 3D pRinting

I am delighted to share a new strand of research emerging from the Centre for Print Research at UWE Bristol, where my colleague Mike White and I have been exploring how metal 3D printing can open new pathways for crystal growth.Working with Meltio's wire laser directed energy deposition technology, integrated into a HAAS five axis CNC machine supplied by 3DGBIRE, we are developing bespoke platinum scaffolds designed to support the growth of sapphire and ruby crystals. Unlike traditional casting, this process deposits metal wire directly, layer by layer, opening up complex geometries that would be extremely difficult to achieve by conventional means.One of the most exciting aspects of the technology is that the deposition process can be paused midway through fabrication. This allows a crystal seed to be introduced directly into the growing structure before the build resumes, so the platinum scaffold and the crystal develop together rather than being joined afterwards. The system's integrated recovery process also captures platinum debris as it works, minimising waste of a precious material.You can read more about the project and the technology behind it in 3DGBIRE's feature.

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