This text was initially printed in VoxelMatters’ Steel AM Focus 2025 eBook. The total version might be discovered right here.
Whereas polymer AM purposes within the client section have undoubtedly taken off—even at mass scales—the adoption of steel AM for client merchandise has remained extra restricted. That isn’t to say, nonetheless, that it isn’t occurring. Steel AM is unlocking innovation within the client product sphere, notably in specialised markets like nice jewellery and high-performance gear. On this article, we’re rounding up a (non-exhaustive) number of current 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 nice 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 business actuality, pushing the boundaries of type, operate, and artistry in treasured metals.
Not like different treasured metals, platinum is notoriously troublesome to print on account of its excessive melting level and power. The Tùsaire mission required months of calibration, redesign and materials science collaboration. By means of 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 specialists at Leon Paul represents yet one more AM-driven leap into the way forward for sports activities gear. 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 burden 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 gear. The usage of AM isn’t a beauty gimmick—it’s a elementary design shift. Developed by 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 function in fencing. The Sub Zer0 2’s astonishingly low mass drastically reduces fatigue and permits faster weapon maneuverability. Conventional aluminum grips typically weigh 90g or extra. Shedding this additional bulk offers fencers speedier response time, extra fluid actions, and diminished pressure on the wrist, particularly important throughout lengthy bouts. The advantages embrace elevated agility and management, quicker restoration occasions between parries, diminished pressure throughout prolonged apply and improved accuracy on account 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 programs and growing patented masks, however the Sub Zer0 2 is his ardour mission. Critics mentioned steel 3D printing was “too costly” or “too fragile,” however Alex’s dedication and buyer help proved in any other case. Now, it’s a business 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 incorporates a totally 3D printed titanium case, demonstrating that the usage of AM to mass produce client electronics is right here to remain and shall 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 bold plan to be carbon impartial throughout its total footprint by the tip of this decade by decreasing product emissions from its three greatest sources: supplies, electrical energy, and transportation.
The skinny profile of the brand new iPhone is made attainable 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 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 help, 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 the usage of cutting-edge applied sciences and supplies—whereas all the time honoring conventional watchmaking strategies. 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 cloth 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 parts—some with characteristic clearances underneath 70 microns. Because the watchmaker says: “Every of the 1,693 parts together with the buckle are fashioned concurrently and are hooked into their neighbour in a closed loop. The Polymesh wouldn’t be attainable with out 3D printing because it can’t be made utilizing conventional subtractive strategies similar to machining.”
In growing 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 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 provides the consolation and pliability of leather-based with out the “transience”. The modern 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-Mild 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 on account of its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However as demand grows for lighter, extra aerodynamic frames and shorter lead occasions, typical strategies similar 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 provides benefits similar to optimized design, speedy prototyping, small-batch manufacturing, customization, and light-weight building. In response to the corporate, these capabilities have gotten a big development throughout the broader manufacturing sector.
At present, Hello-Mild makes use of precision casting for mass manufacturing and applies 3D printing primarily to small-batch custom-made merchandise. This hybrid mannequin addresses the rising demand for weight discount and structural integration in biking parts, whereas additionally avoiding the excessive price and environmental influence usually related to low-volume manufacturing. HBD states that this strategy shortens supply timelines and enhances total manufacturing effectivity.
Trying forward, HBD plans to scale its titanium 3D printing capabilities to supply greater than 50,000 bicycle frames and elements yearly. These parts shall be utilized throughout a variety of bicycle fashions, with the purpose of delivering increased power, lighter weight, and improved sturdiness for purchasers worldwide.