Platinum alloys represent the most challenging materials with respect to processing and refining. Powder metallurgy (PM) of platinum is an essentially different processing practice from conventional manufacturing. This paper will give insight into the atomization of selected platinum jewelry alloys as well as the conditioning of powders by sieving and air classification. Our experiences of processing platinum alloys by metal injection molding (MIM) and additive manufacturing (AM) by laser metal fusion (LMF) will also be shared. Finally, CNC-machining and/or heat treatment by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) lead to products of highest accuracy and quality. We believe that the combination of PM-technologies such as MIM and AM with CNC and HIP is a complementary future state of the art for manufacturing of platinum jewelry and watches. The presentation should be the kick-off for a discussion of the advantages and challenges of powder processing platinum alloys.

Authors: Thomas Laag and Dr. Jochen Heinrich