Last year, Shapeways made an exciting announcement that the 3D printing service bureau was venturing into the world of precious metals. Implementing investment casting, the company could transform just about any complex printed shape into platinum, 18k gold, 14k rose gold, and 14k white gold. ‘Course, precious metals cost a precious penny. So, Shapeways expanded its materials portfolio into precious metal plating – the same shine without the same high price.
With precious metal plating, Shapeways offers customers the ability to obtain printed objects in 18k and 14k Gold, 14k Rose Gold and Rhodium. The objects are made metal in the same way as Shapeways’ Polished Brass, in that wax casts are 3D printed from 3D models with which to cast brass objects. The brass items are then coated in a layer of palladium, for strength and durability, and then .5 microns of the precious metal are zapped onto the object via electroplating.
Independent Makers have been plating their prints for some time, making plated metals a welcome addition to the company’s already expansive materials portfolio. And, unlike the plating performed at home, Shapeways offers a professional service with actual precious metals. No penny copper here! This doesn’t mean that the service bureau is the only option for electroplating, but as you may have been selling or purchasing through Shapeways anyway, this may be an efficient alternative.
The specs for the new materials are listed at Shapeways, so if you’re interested in plating your prints, start there! Or, to learn a bit more, watch the video embedded below:
