Cooksongold Launches Cookson Industrial for Precious Metal AM

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Have you ever wondered how the world of manufacturing evolves with each passing day? One of the recent advancements capturing the headlines is the intersection of precious metals and additive manufacturing (AM). When you think of precious metals, you might envision jewelry or luxury items. But what if I told you that these metals are now playing a crucial role in performance-critical industries like aerospace and defense?

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Cooksongold Launches Cookson Industrial for Precious Metal AM

Cooksongold, a leading UK-based manufacturer of precious metal products, has taken a significant leap forward by launching Cookson Industrial. This new division is set to revolutionize how precious metals are used in additive manufacturing (AM). The aim is clear: to enable the production of high-performance parts for extreme environments. But what does this mean for various industries? Let’s find out.

A New Era of Manufacturing

Cookson Industrial’s creation signifies a new era where traditional manufacturing methods blend seamlessly with advanced technologies. This division provides an end-to-end service that includes consultancy, research and development (R&D), new product development (NPD), and production. Their headquarters and manufacturing site are in Birmingham, UK.

Precious Metals and Their Unique Applications

Why use precious metals in AM? The answer lies in their unique properties. Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium have exceptional thermal and material characteristics. Traditional alloys often fail to meet the challenges posed by extreme environments, but precious metals can withstand these conditions more effectively. This makes them invaluable in industries like aerospace and defense, where performance cannot be compromised.

The EOS M 100 System

One of the standout features of Cookson Industrial is its use of the EOS M 100 system. This advanced additive manufacturing system utilizes gold, silver, and bronze powders developed by Cookson Industrial. These powders are produced on-site through gas atomization and are refined from recycled sources whenever possible. They are available for purchase in small batches of up to 15kg or for use directly in Cookson Industrial’s state-of-the-art facility, which houses six EOS Precious M 080 and M 100 AM machines and a Renishaw AM 500S Flex single laser AM machine.

Collaboration with University of Birmingham

Collaborations often accelerate advancements, and Cookson Industrial is no exception. The company has partnered with the University of Birmingham to explore the development of precious metal alloys for various AM applications. This collaboration has already garnered significant support, including a £750k Early-stage Prosperity Partnership funding from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Industry Applications and Case Studies

Aerospace

Aerospace is poised to be a key growth market for Cookson Industrial. The company is making notable strides in satellite thruster design to create lighter parts and reduce the volume of hazardous materials compared to traditional chemical thruster designs. In such extreme environments, the performance characteristics of precious metals offer unparalleled design parameters, creating endless possibilities for innovation.

Automotive

Cookson Industrial is not limiting its ambitions to aerospace. They are also collaborating with Bentley Motors to manufacture various components for the prestigious Batur by Mulliner line. This partnership signifies the potential for precious metals to make significant inroads into the automotive industry, offering more durable and high-performing components.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector stands to benefit immensely as well. By exploring precious metal alloys’ applications, Cookson Industrial can contribute to developing high-precision medical implants, models, and devices.

Technical Insights

Advantages of Precious Metals in AM

Thermal Properties

One of the key advantages of using precious metals in AM is their excellent thermal conductivity. This feature makes them ideal for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation, such as aerospace components.

Material Strength

Precious metals also exhibit superior strength and durability. This attribute is crucial for manufacturing parts that must withstand high stress and harsh conditions.

Corrosion Resistance

Another significant benefit is their resistance to corrosion. This property ensures the longevity and reliability of components, particularly in industries like marine or chemical processing.

Challenges and Solutions

While the advantages are clear, the use of precious metals in AM also presents challenges, primarily the cost. Precious metals like gold and platinum are expensive, often making the powder supply more costly than the AM machine itself. Cookson Industrial aims to mitigate these challenges by producing and printing with its own powder supply. This approach optimizes powder production, storage, and usage, thereby reducing overall costs and minimizing powder loss.

Cost Management

By controlling the entire supply chain, from powder production to the final printed product, Cookson Industrial can offer more competitive pricing. This end-to-end management helps in de-risking the development process for various organizations.

Quality Control

Having an in-house powder production facility ensures stringent quality control measures. This guarantees the consistency and reliability of the precious metal powders, which is crucial for performance-critical applications.

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Future Prospects

Market Growth

According to recent studies, the consumer products AM market generated $2.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow exponentially to $28 billion by 2033. Such growth rates indicate a burgeoning demand for innovative AM solutions, and Cookson Industrial is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Technological Innovations

The field of additive manufacturing is dynamic and constantly evolving. New technological innovations are continually being developed to meet the ever-growing needs of various industries. Cookson Industrial is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, ensuring they can offer cutting-edge solutions to their clients.

Sustainability

Sustainability is another critical focus area. Cookson Industrial emphasizes the use of recycled sources for its precious metal powders, reducing the environmental impact. This approach aligns with global trends toward sustainable manufacturing practices, making them a responsible choice for organizations looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Cookson Industrial’s launch marks an exciting milestone in the world of additive manufacturing. By integrating precious metals into AM, they are opening up new avenues for innovation and high-performance manufacturing. From aerospace and automotive to healthcare, the potential applications are vast and varied.

You now have a detailed overview of how Cookson Industrial is setting new standards in the industry. Whether you’re part of an organization looking to advance in these fields or simply interested in the latest technological innovations, understanding these developments can provide valuable insights into the future of manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

End-to-End Services: Cookson Industrial offers comprehensive services from consultancy to production, ensuring a streamlined and efficient manufacturing process.
Unique Properties: The superior thermal, strength, and corrosion-resistant properties of precious metals make them ideal for extreme environments.
Challenges and Solutions: While cost remains a challenge, Cookson Industrial’s in-house powder production and end-to-end management help mitigate these issues.
Future Prospects: With a rapidly growing market, ongoing technological innovations, and a focus on sustainability, Cookson Industrial is poised for continued success.

If you’re intrigued by how precious metals and additive manufacturing combine to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements, Cookson Industrial is a name you’ll want to keep an eye on.

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