XJet Carmel Pro NPJ printer achieves 97% material efficiency for precious metal jewelry production

XJet is deploying its NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ) technology via the Carmel Pro, a multi-material printer designed for high-precision jewelry and luxury accessory manufacturing. The system utilizes a four-channel printhead configuration to jet nanoparticle inks containing precious metals like gold and silver alloys, alongside a soluble support material. The process achieves a minimum feature size of 200 microns and a dimensional accuracy of ± 50 microns. By utilizing a liquid ink format instead of traditional powders, the system allows for near-net-shape manufacturing that requires minimal post-sintering finishing.

This technology addresses the high material waste and cost inefficiencies inherent in traditional powder-bed fusion (PBF) and binder jetting processes when working with high-value precious metals. In standard metal AM, significant amounts of gold or silver are often lost in support structures or powder recycling loops. XJet's NPJ approach utilizes a closed, bottled material system where only the necessary volume of ink is consumed, resulting in an end-to-end material efficiency of 97%. This provides a direct competitive advantage in the luxury sector, where material overhead and inventory management of precious metals are critical economic drivers.

For jewelry manufacturers, the transition from indirect casting methods to direct NPJ printing removes the need for castable resins and complex mold workflows. The primary technical hurdle for users will be managing the predictable, isotropic shrinkage during the sintering phase to ensure dimensional accuracy in complex geometries. Successful adoption depends on integrating this high-efficiency digital workflow into existing stone-setting and polishing production lines.