London, July 2018: International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry, will showcase latest innovations in 3D printing on the show floor. Cooksongold are exhibiting their PRECIOUS M 080 system – The first Direct Precious Metal 3D Printing system designed exclusively for the jewellery, watch and precious metals industries, which is jointly optimised by Cooksongold and EOS GmbH (Electro Optical Systems).
The system expands upon the technology created by EOS to provide jewellery makers with the power and freedom to create complex jewellery in a matter of hours. The production of innovative jewellery directly from precious metal powders has recently burst onto the manufacturing scene. Known as 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing where powdered precious metal is melted layer by layer using a laser, this technology is being developed by Cooksongold (part of the Heimerle & Meule group) at its facility in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.
Cooksongold 3D, the Bureau Service area of the business, has seen a 450% sales increase year on year as more and more companies and individuals are starting to design for and adapt to direct precious metal 3D printing. The technology frees designers from the constraints of conventional manufacturing processes and enables the creation of complex and beautiful parts that are ready to finish in a matter of hours. Parts can be made light-weight, hollow and thus very cost-effective they can also be made with intricate articulation which are highly customisable.
David Fletcher, Additive Manufacturing Business Development Manager, said: “By bringing the system to IJL 2018, we’re hoping to provide an introduction to the technology, displaying how the jewellery industry can now adopt the process as part of their supply chain. We believe that the more people understand about the technology, the more they will be able to push the boundaries of jewellery making by completing previously unachievable designs.”
Fotoulla Michael, Head Of Sales, International Jewellery London (IJL) said:
“The jewellery industry doesn’t stand still and, as with all other industries, uses technology to innovate. We are delighted to see the cutting edge of jewellery design and technology on display at IJL. Technology is a vital partner in the industry and pushes the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship — it is fascinating to see how designers and manufacturers use 3D printers to the advantage of consumers and jewellery collectors everywhere.”
IJL is an unrivalled opportunity for the international jewellery trade to network and find out about the latest industry trends and market developments which will help retailers and suppliers make the right commercial decisions.