3D Printing with Silver

Yes, it is possible to 3D print objects using silver. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Obtaining silver powder or filament compatible with the 3D printing technology being used (e.g. binder jetting, material extrusion).
2. Preparing the 3D model design for the desired object, in this case a coin.
3. 3D printing the coin using the silver material. This creates a “green” part that needs further processing.
4. Sintering or infiltrating the printed part to fuse the silver particles into a solid metal object.[1][2]
5. Post-processing steps like polishing or adding additional details/elements to the coin.

• Minting legal tender currency requires authorization and oversight from a recognized monetary authority like a national mint.[1] Private individuals cannot simply print their own currency.
• There are strict requirements around coin composition, weight, dimensions, and anti-counterfeiting measures that must be followed for legal tender.[1]
• Attempting to produce unauthorized currency would likely be considered counterfeiting, which is illegal in most jurisdictions.

So while the technology exists to 3D print silver objects like coins, actually using them as self-issued currency would not be permitted without proper legal authority and oversight from a recognized monetary institution.[1][5] The examples of 3D printed legal tender coins were produced under contract for the New Zealand Mint and other official mints, not by private individuals.[1][5]

Citations:
[1] https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/legal-3d-printed-coins-produced
[2] https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printing-silver-how-to-get-silver-3d-prints/
[3] https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/3d-printing-coin.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB2miq8vpGs
[5] https://formnext.mesago.com/frankfurt/en/themes-events/fonmag/fonmag_articles/articles/3d_printing_silver_coins_in_series.html