Numerous
times we welcomed people from the trade into our production room to hear their
astonishment of the 3D printing process. It is not uncommon that experts in
jewellery manufacturing are aware of the 3D printing capacity but not seen the layer
printing process in action.
Unlike filament printing
technique, jet modelling process looks a lot like ink-jet technology. Molten
wax material is deposited layer by layer through print head nozzles, building the
objects and the functional prototypes. The
material that supports the model during this process has a lowest
melting temperature. It is dissolved in a stirring bath when the printed model comes out of the printer.
This support wax enables the
creation of almost any form, even the most complex product designs and the most
complicated wax patterns.
This whole printing process
can print products with an incredibly high resolution of 6μm (0.006mm) of each
layer which allows to create pieces with a virtually unlimited level of detail.
Designers
makers typically start their project from a customer order or a creative idea
that triggers a project. The idea is to create concept models with 3D modelling
software and then 3D print it in wax material. 3D scanning can be an ideal
start to the design process, otherwise the designers starts with an empty canvas
or by tracing over a 2D scan. The 3D printed model can be used ones to make a unique one-off piece of jewellery or it
can be made into a silver master to make more copies from a mould.
Melting
the wax in the burn out cycle creates an empty shell that is filled with the molten
metal. Silver, Gold, Platinum, recycled metals and more. Once the piece is ready in its metal form it is ready for polishing, diamond setting, hallmarking etc.
If
you’re reading this, there is a big chance you’re a designer or a maker looking for
a 3D printing service…
When
your CAD files are ready, simply upload them via your account on our website for a no-obligation quote. Most
items get printed overnight and shipped out the following day.
The
models printed in our LAB are of high quality for precious metal casting. The
Solidscape 3D printers produce extremely high-resolution items and outstanding
finish, ideal for jewellery, medical and industrial manufacturing.
We look forward to printing your designs.
Our team is ready for you.