The jewelry designing industry has traditionally been associated with two processes only- handcrafting and wax-casting. However, both processes are quite time consuming, require a very precise skill set, and are quite expensive to make. This is where the principles of digital printing enter. 3D printers combines the advantages of a digital manufacturing process with the finesse of handcrafting.
Traditional lost-wax casting requires the designers to carve the original pattern of the design in wax. Thereafter, the molten precious metals are poured into the cavity and then cooled to produce the body of the product. After some polishing, the ornament achieves its final look. So, now you can finally get your hands on the custom hip hop name pendants that you have been eyeing for so long – you can even make it for yourself!
Digitally enhanced systems use the CAD software to curate the designs on automated platforms via a high-resolution 3D printer. These printers are then cast in the mold. When the pattern is burned out completely, the technique of traditional wax casting is implemented once again. This reduces the time and energy that needs to be invested in the jewelry making process, making it quite easy to develop.
What are some of the ways in which customers and jewelers benefit from this procedure?
New trending options in customized jewelry
Customized jewelry was inaccessible to many because of the complexity and expense of the production process. Digital tools have enabled jewelers to act on their customers’ personalization requests. Nowadays, you can ask a jeweler for a customized engagement ring and obtain it for a reasonable price. The jeweler and the customer discuss the design, and within the next hour, the customer is provided with a physical model of what their ring will look like. Thereby, the customer can provide immediate feedback on the quality of the design and the changes that they want to be done.
Freedom to design with 3D printers
Designers can use 3D printing to create incredibly detailed specimens that they would not have been able to perfect by hand. Castable resins are reaching new milestones each moment, thereby upgrading the quality of designs that are now available to the public.
Easier to produce jewelry on a bigger scale
Since 3D printing has quickened the manufacture of designs and molds, it has facilitated the mass production of jewelry. The surface finish is smooth already, which eliminates the need for any polishing. 3D printers can produce master models that are used to produce vroom temperature molds for vulcanization, and durable rubber molds as well.
3D Printers Helps independent jewelers
3D printing is far more affordable than traditional wax casting and requires half the expertise. This has enabled a lot of independent jewelers to start a successful venture of their own. Jewelry designers will become increasingly competitive as the industry familiarises itself with the particulars of castable resin. The availability of affordable 3D printers has made the technology more accessible to jewelers who operate without the knowledge or technical skills of their industrial betters.
Summary
The impact of 3D printing on the jewelry designing industry, revolutionized the traditional processes of handcrafting and wax-casting. With digital printing, customized jewelry has became more accessible, designers gain greater creative freedom, and mass production becomes easier as well. An affordable 3D printing also benefits independent jewelers, making the technology more widely available.
