At Legor’s 3D Metal Hub, creativity knows no technical limits
In the beating heart of Italy’s Northeast, nestled between the hills of Vicenza and the centuries-old goldsmith tradition of a land that has long mastered the art of precious metals, a story of transformation is taking shape. Not only of metals—but of an entire entrepreneurial culture.
This is the story of Legor Group, a family business that began almost by chance in 1979, sparked by an intuition and a gesture of trust between friends. Gianni Poliero, then a technology teacher, agreed to help an acquaintance produce and sell jewelry alloys. That single act became a spark. In just a few years—and with passion and determination—he built not only a company, but a vision. Eventually, an international group emerged.
Today, the story is told by Fabio Di Falco, Marketing & Customer Service Manager at Legor—and above all, the spokesperson for one of the group’s most visionary initiatives: the Legor 3D Metal Hub. A technology center that represents not only the evolution of an industry, but also a new way to imagine the future of manufacturing across fashion and beyond.
Reinventing tradition
“Legor has always been a company with local roots and a global outlook,” Di Falco begins, seated in his office overlooking a plant that smells of metal and ideas. “We’ve been working with precious metals for over 40 years, and yet each day still feels like the first. Curiosity is part of our DNA.”
Fabio Di Falco, Marketing & Customer Service Manager at Legor
Today, Legor counts over 200 employees, operates in several countries through nine subsidiaries and a special partner in India, and serves more than 8,000 customers. These are impressive figures that point to steady growth—but they don’t tell the full story. Because Legor is, first and foremost, a culture: one of responsible transformation, of science in service of beauty, and of innovation rooted in respect—for people and for the planet.
“More than 40% of the world’s jewelry contains alloys produced by Legor. And 14% of fashion accessories are treated with our galvanic solutions. We don’t say this to boast, but to emphasize our role: we’re at the heart of a global supply chain—and we aim to be there with responsibility and vision.”
The 3D Metal Hub: where the future takes shape
In 2021, amid global uncertainty, Legor chose to invest in a bold new direction: metal 3D printing. Thus was born the Legor 3D Metal Hub—a cutting-edge lab, but also a meeting place for knowledge, technology, and creativity.
“It started purely as experimentation,” Di Falco recalls with a smile. “A small R&D team, a daring idea, and a strong desire to explore. But we knew the potential was huge. Today, that small team is a full-fledged business unit, collaborating with designers, luxury brands, universities, and startups.”
At the heart of the 3D Metal Hub is HP’s Binder Jet Technology—an additive manufacturing process that builds metallic objects layer by layer from ultra-fine powder (5–25 µm). It’s a process that balances precision with sustainability, efficiency with creative freedom.
“No molds, no supports, no waste. You can create complex geometries, hollow or interlinked objects, unique pieces or micro-series—at small or large scale. All in a matter of days—even a week. It’s a revolution.”
Beyond technology: where human creativity leads
But beyond the machines, it’s the approach that makes the difference. The 3D Metal Hub isn’t just a production facility—it’s a space for experimentation, learning, and co-creation. Where science meets design, technique meets aesthetics, and tradition meets the future.
“We’re a forge of ideas. Every project that comes through our doors is treated as a unique story. It doesn’t matter if it’s a major brand or a young designer starting out—we listen, analyze, co-design. Technology is at the service of people, not the other way around.”
Currently, the most used material is AISI 316L stainless steel, ideal for fashion accessories and industrial components. But there’s more: Bronze, Silver, and Platinum can also be printed—and in the near future, Gold.
“Printing in gold is a massive challenge—technically, economically, and culturally. But we’re ready. And when it happens, it will forever change how jewelry is conceived.”
Sustainability as daily practice
At Legor, sustainability isn’t a slogan—it’s a concrete, daily commitment.
“We prefer the term responsibility. Every industrial process has an impact. But we can make it fairer, more efficient, more ethical. All the precious metals we use are 100% RJC CoC-compliant and 100% recycled. Even our non-precious metals, in products certified to ISO 14021, are 100% sourced from recycled materials. We don’t sell promises—we offer transparency.”
Being a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and obtaining certifications like ISO 14021 are formal, tangible expressions of Legor’s commitment to a more ethical, responsible, and sustainable jewelry and precious metal industry. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about leading positive change.
Governance with a long view
While retaining its family-owned spirit, Legor adopted a managerial organizational model years ago. Each division is led by professionals with broad autonomy, striking a balance between entrepreneurial vision and operational excellence.
“This allows us to be agile, to respond quickly to change, to innovate without losing control. And above all, to empower people. Because at the end of the day, our team is our true strength.”
In 2024, Legor completed a major Industry 4.0 digital transformation plan: automated warehouses, QR-based traceability, order replenishment platforms, full-web ERP systems. Silent innovation—but profound.
Toward a new way of making: creative, sustainable, possible
The message from Legor and its 3D Metal Hub is clear: a different kind of industry is possible. One that’s less driven by the logic of “more, faster,” and more oriented toward quality, collaboration, and uncompromised creativity.
“We want to be partners to designers, brands, and innovators. To help them turn ideas that once seemed impossible into reality. Because metal is a living material—and if you listen closely, it has new stories to tell.”
The future doesn’t always arrive with a bang. Sometimes, it takes shape layer by layer, like in a 3D print. And when metal meets vision, something extraordinary emerges.
This is the future according to Legor: one that smells of metal, ethics, and beauty—and, most of all, of possibility.
