Aerospace company Lockheed Martin filed for a patent on 3-D diamond printing

Do you like diamonds? How about aerospace and defense technologies?
2 min. read
Diamonds. (TVZ Design/Flickr)

Diamonds. (TVZ Design/Flickr)

Do you like diamonds? How about aerospace and defense technologies?

Lockheed Martin just submitted a patent for 3-D diamond printing to make synthetic stones for industrial uses.

According to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin submitted a patent for “3-D Diamond Printing Using a Pre-Ceramic Polymer with a Nanoparticle Filler.” The system would build on existing technology. An object of any shape or design would be constructed from ceramic and polymer, then subjected to heat to form a 3-D printed synthetic diamond, according to Rapid Ready.

This type of technology is not new -- 3-D printing has been around since 1986, according to the 3D Printing Industry. Only recently, however, was it small enough and affordable enough that your eccentric roommate could buy one and run up electricity bills in the name of printing chartreuse Pokemon.

Although medical tech and aerospace companies have already jumped on the technology, it took the fashion industry a little longer. American Pearl made headlines in 2014 for offering customizable, 3-D printed jewelry. De Beers, the company behind “Diamonds are Forever,” currently owns two—though, as of now, they won’t sell you one.  

Lockheed diamonds are not De Beers diamonds.

The technology will most likely be used for complex and durable drill bits or cloth-like body armor, according to the patent filing. And I know you’re excited, but just to be clear, submitting a patent doesn't necessarily mean Lockheed will pursue the design.

Multimedia business & healthcare reporter Chloe Aiello can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/chlobo_ilo.

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