Application of Precious Metal 3D Printing Technology in Jewelry Processing: Technology-Process Verification of Solder-Free Hollow Structure and Solder-Free Integrated Chain-Like Structure

In recent years, precious metal 3D printing technology has gradually been adopted into the jewelry manufacturing industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for transforming this traditional sector. However, effectively leveraging this technology to facilitate industrial upgrading and foster innovation while simultaneously developing feasible production solutions to maximize its potential has become a critical challenge. This study employs the EOS Precious M080 precious metal 3D printer to systematically investigate key technical aspects, including "lightweight" 3D modeling, support structure design, optimization of process parameters, recycling of residual precious metal powders, and post-processing techniques. Using 925 silver powder as the material, the feasibility of two types of structures — "solder-free hollow jewelry structures" and "solder-free integrally formed chain-like structures" — along with their corresponding process routes, were verified.Two practical technical approaches have been established accordingly. Finally, the future development prospects and associated challenges of precious metal 3D printing technology were discussed.