Jeweller launches new industrial division for metal additive manufacturing

Birmingham-based Cooksongold has launched a new industrial division, Cookson Industrial, to advance metal additive manufacturing (AM) for performance-critical applications.

Part of HM Precious Metals, the division offers end-to-end services, including consultancy, R&D and production, managed from its Birmingham site.

Cookson Industrial develops metal powders like gold, silver, platinum and palladium, mainly from recycled sources, available in small batches or for use in its AM facility. The firm also uses advanced AM machines, including EOS and Renishaw models.

Partnering with the University of Birmingham, the company plans to develop metal alloys for aerospace, healthcare and glass fibre industries.

The firm is also working with Bentley Motors to produce components for its Batur by Mulliner line.

Nikesh Patel, head of Cookson Industrial, said: “While the use of precious metals in additive manufacturing has largely been confined to the jewellery, and luxury lifestyle industries, many more organisations are beginning to explore its potential for use in critical applications.

“For extreme environments such as aerospace, where there is no room for compromise, the performance characteristics of precious metals can offer a whole new world of design parameters compared to traditional alloys. There is also a lot of dynamism in the UK aerospace sector with many legacy processes set for disruption.

“However, given the significant cost of the powders themselves – a full hopper often outweighs the purchase price of the AM machine – many organisations have struggled to fully commit to R&D. As we produce and print with our own powder supply, we can help derisk the process by offering the optimum parameters for powder production, storage and use. This will help reduce powder loss and the associated impact on project costs, while giving organisations access to one of the most innovative production environments in the UK.”