The present technology deals with jewels based on shape memory alloys and fabricated through additive manufacturing. In ICMATE-Lecco laboratories, several NiTi-based rings have been fabricated through a powder bed fusion technology (selective laser melting technique). At the same time, a post-processing route has been implemented to promote the shape memory functionality and to improve the surface finish (polishing and coloring through oxidation). Thanks to the functional materials and the additive manufacturing (4D-printing) it is possible to fabricate functional and customized jewels with innovative design.
The presented technology allows the development and fabrication of NiTi alloy jewels with an innovative design and capable of changing shape following thermal variations. The predefined shapes can be customized thanks to the use of the additive manufacturing. The main innovative feature of the presented technology is to obtain unique jewels in terms of shape and functionality.