This text was initially printed in VoxelMatters’ Steel AM Focus 2025 eBook. The complete version might be discovered right here.
Whereas polymer AM functions within the client phase have undoubtedly taken off—even at mass scales—the adoption of steel AM for client merchandise has remained extra restricted. That’s not to say, nevertheless, that it isn’t occurring. Steel AM is unlocking innovation within the client product sphere, significantly in specialised markets like wonderful jewellery and high-performance tools. On this article, we’re rounding up a (non-exhaustive) number of latest client merchandise that make the most of steel additive manufacturing to boost manufacturing agility, aesthetics and performance.
3D printed platinum jewellery
Platinum Guild Worldwide (PGI) unveiled a historic development in wonderful jewellery with the launch of the Tùsaire Assortment—a revolutionary line of 3D printed platinum jewellery designed by acclaimed Scottish-American artist Maeve Gillies. Because the world’s first commercially launched platinum-focused assortment using direct steel 3D printing, Tùsaire showcases the transformative energy of additive manufacturing in reshaping each the luxurious jewellery {industry} and client expectations.
Not like most beforehand seen direct treasured steel 3D printed merchandise, which have been largely experimental or one-off merchandise, the Tùsaire Assortment marks the transition of 3D printed platinum jewellery from experimental novelty to industrial actuality, pushing the boundaries of type, perform, and artistry in treasured metals.
Not like different treasured metals, platinum is notoriously tough to print as a consequence of its excessive melting level and power. The Tùsaire venture required months of calibration, redesign and materials science collaboration. By partnerships with ProGold in Italy and analysis by PGI, these technical hurdles had been overcome, ushering in a brand new frontier for platinum.
Platinum’s low reflectivity and wonderful warmth management make it an energy-efficient materials for laser printing. Moreover, additive manufacturing produces far much less waste than conventional casting, redefining luxurious as environmentally aware. Every Tùsaire piece, regardless of its grandeur, is a testomony to sustainable innovation.
3D printed fencing pistol grip
The Sub Zer0 2 Medium Pistol Grip from the fencing consultants at Leon Paul represents yet one more AM-driven leap into the way forward for sports activities tools. Born from a mix of biomechanical innovation and elite-level fencing insights, this product redefines expectations. Weighing solely 38 grams, it’s lower than half the load of typical grips, but engineered for power and superior efficiency.
The Sub Zer0 2 is totally 3D printed in steel utilizing selective laser melting (SLM) know-how, a primary in fencing tools. Using AM isn’t a beauty gimmick—it’s a basic design shift. Developed by means of collaboration with biomechanical engineers and leveraging topology optimization, each curve, ridge, and indentation is purpose-built for enhanced grip and efficiency.
Weight performs a vital position in fencing. The Sub Zer0 2’s astonishingly low mass drastically reduces fatigue and permits faster weapon maneuverability. Conventional aluminum grips usually weigh 90g or extra. Shedding this further bulk offers fencers speedier response time, extra fluid actions, and lowered pressure on the wrist, particularly important throughout lengthy bouts. The advantages embody elevated agility and management, quicker restoration instances between parries, lowered pressure throughout prolonged follow and improved accuracy as a consequence of enhanced wrist mobility.
Working with Additive Italia, Alex Paul, a designer with over 25 years of expertise in fencing innovation, envisioned this deal with as the head of his profession. His earlier experiences included working with Olympic scoring techniques and creating patented masks, however the Sub Zer0 2 is his ardour venture. Critics mentioned steel 3D printing was “too costly” or “too fragile,” however Alex’s dedication and buyer assist proved in any other case. Now, it’s a industrial actuality.
Apple merchandise with 3D printed titanium
In September 2025, Apple debuted the all-new iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever made, and the primary to formally characteristic a titanium 3D printed element. Like a few of its predecessors, the brand new Apple Watch 11 additionally contains a absolutely 3D printed titanium case, demonstrating that using AM to mass produce client electronics is right here to remain and will likely be growing sooner or later.
Each parts are a part of Apple’s efforts to cut back environmental influence (Apple 2030), as AM can produce the identical elements utilizing considerably much less materials and electrical energy than different processes. Apple 2030 is the corporate’s formidable plan to be carbon impartial throughout its whole footprint by the tip of this decade by lowering product emissions from its three largest sources: supplies, electrical energy, and transportation.
The skinny profile of the brand new iPhone is made potential by the brand new titanium USB-C port, which is 3D printed to be thinner and stronger, becoming into the slim design whereas utilizing 33% much less materials than a traditional forging course of. As well as, iPhone Air is made with 35% recycled content material, together with 80% recycled titanium, the very best ever for an iPhone, and 100% recycled cobalt within the battery. It’s manufactured with 45% renewable electrical energy, like wind and photo voltaic, throughout the provision chain. It’s designed to be sturdy, repairable and provide industry-leading software program assist, whereas assembly Apple’s excessive requirements for power effectivity and secure chemistry.
3D printed titanium mesh watchband
Since its founding in 2017, Horologer MING, a Malaysia-based watchmaker, has got down to breathe new life into watchmaking by means of using cutting-edge applied sciences and supplies—whereas all the time honoring conventional watchmaking methods. Its newest product showcases this aptitude for innovation completely: the world’s first watch strap comprised of a 3D printed titanium mesh.
Dubbed the MING Polymesh, the product is a bracelet-strap hybrid comprised of grade 5 titanium, a fabric attribute for its low density and wonderful corrosion resistance. By printing the strap on an LPBF platform, MING was capable of produce the wearable in a single construction that consists of 1,693 built-in elements—some with characteristic clearances below 70 microns. Because the watchmaker says: “Every of the 1,693 elements together with the buckle are fashioned concurrently and are hooked into their neighbour in a closed loop. The Polymesh wouldn’t be potential with out 3D printing because it can’t be made utilizing conventional subtractive strategies corresponding to machining.”
In creating the MING Polymesh strap, MING labored intently with Sisma S.p.A. in Italy, a steel 3D printing firm that makes a speciality of Laser Steel Fusion (LMF) {hardware} for printing treasured metals, and Swiss watchmaking affiliation ProMotion SA. Collectively, the companions went by means of a number of iterations, exploring completely different topologies utilizing extrusion-based prototyping platforms. Finally, after seven full redesigns, the optimum topology for the strap was reached.
The result’s a steel watch strap presents the consolation and pliability of leather-based with out the “transience”. The revolutionary watch band is now out there for pre-order and is retailing for about $1,867 (CHF 1,500).
Customized 3D printed bike frames
Hello-Gentle Titanium Bicycles, a producer specializing in custom-built titanium frames, is now adopting steel additive manufacturing. The corporate has partnered with HBD Additive Manufacturing to combine industrial-grade 3D printing into its manufacturing workflow.
Titanium has lengthy been a most popular materials in high-end bicycle manufacturing as a consequence of its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However as demand grows for lighter, extra aerodynamic frames and shorter lead instances, typical strategies corresponding to welding and machining are hitting efficiency and value limits.
Since 2024, HBD has elevated its improvement and funding in 3D printing applied sciences. The addition of titanium 3D printing presents benefits corresponding to optimized design, fast prototyping, small-batch manufacturing, customization, and light-weight building. In response to the corporate, these capabilities have gotten a big pattern throughout the broader manufacturing sector.
At present, Hello-Gentle makes use of precision casting for mass manufacturing and applies 3D printing primarily to small-batch personalized merchandise. This hybrid mannequin addresses the rising demand for weight discount and structural integration in biking elements, whereas additionally avoiding the excessive value and environmental influence usually related to low-volume manufacturing. HBD states that this method shortens supply timelines and enhances general manufacturing effectivity.
Trying forward, HBD plans to scale its titanium 3D printing capabilities to provide greater than 50,000 bicycle frames and elements yearly. These elements will likely be utilized throughout a spread of bicycle fashions, with the objective of delivering larger power, lighter weight, and improved sturdiness for patrons worldwide.
