Cooksongold, part of the Heimerle + Meule Group, together with strategic partner EOS — the market leader for additive manufacturing solutions — announced the launch of the Precious M 080 Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) system at the recent Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2014.

Adrian Keppler, EOS chief marketing officer, says: “This Additive Manufacturing — AM — process introduces an innovative and paradigm shift in technology for the luxury goods industry. With Cooksongold we found the perfect partner for the extension of our technology into this industry.

"AM paves the way for a completely new approach towards design and manufacturing, enabling the design-driven manufacturing the industry has long been searching for.”

With AM, Cooksongold will support the most demanding jewellery brands in the creation of entirely new product lines.

David Fletcher, European product manager at Cooksongold, says: “Utilising the power of 3-D CAD design, DMLS technology will challenge a designer’s imagination and allow the creation of jewellery and watch components that previously would have been impossible to successfully manufacture.

"AM will change the economics of producing watch and jewellery products by offering a streamlined manufacturing process that dramatically reduces the time required from design conception to final part realisation.

"DMLS will also allow the production of design-driven pieces that are not limited by the restrictions of conventional production techniques such as lost wax casting, eliminating many process steps and costs that we normally encounter.”

At Cooksongold, product and service offerings will range from the sale and installation of a Precious M 080 machine and the supporting supply chain for jewellery and watch production, including licences, advanced metal powder, software and training.

The company will also provide consultation for a DMLS-driven design process and bureau service for the production of bespoke precious metal parts.