3D printing silver

Written By isabel van Bodegom

01-04-2026

Curious about the possibility of 3D printing with Art Clay, I started a research project to explore the possibilities with 3D printing with fluid substances.

The question is simple, yet open-ended:
is it possible to print with a material like silver clay and what kind of forms could emerge from that process?

Mapping the field

As a first step, I began mapping a network of people, studios and organizations that could help me explore this direction.

I created a rough plan for the project:
Resources & network → technical experimentation → collection development

Starting with network, I spoke with Agnes from Esquell. She mentioned that, as far as she knows, no one is currently working with 3D printing in silver clay in this way. She also connected me to CODA, where they have access to a clay 3D printer.

First findings

Alongside reaching out and speaking to people, I started with desk research to understand what already exists.

There are large industrial companies working with advanced 3D printing techniques, including metal-based processes, but these operate on a completely different scale, technology and price. 😬

What became more relevant were printers designed for materials with a similar consistency to clay. I came across the Lutum M5 clay printer, and learned that CODA is one of the few places in the Netherlands that owns one.

After getting in touch with them, they explained that the silver particles in Art Clay could potentially damage the machine. At the same time, they pointed me in an interesting direction: food printers.

A new direction: food printers

There are 3D printers developed for chocolate, purées and batters. Materials that behave in a similar way to clay.

At the CODA lab, I have the opportunity to visit and experiment with these kinds of techniques. They have a cocoapress printer. At the same time, I wanted to explore options closer to Enschede, which led me to TETEM. They have multiple food 3D printing facilities ie MyCusini, and through their Fablab I can start experimenting more accessibly.

What’s next

The first session at FABLAB is planned to check out the possibilities and do some tests. Starting with bronze clay.

This phase is about understanding the material, the machines and their limitations.

I’m curious about:

  • What consistency should the clay have for printing?

  • Can I mix the clay with water, and what ratio works best?

  • Does it work better with clay from a syringe or normal clay?

  • How much material is needed to print properly?

  • How much material gets wasted in the system?

  • Does the clay dry inside the machine?

  • Does it dry too quickly after extrusion?

  • How small can I print? What nozzle sizes are possible?

isabel van Bodegom