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3D printing in jewelry

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: 3D printing in jewelry

3D printing takes a design on the computer to a physical model with an accuracy of tenths of a millimeter. In jewelry it is used for casting models and, more and more, for direct metal pieces.

Steps of the technique: Design, Prepare, Print, Post-process, Cast, Finish
Summary of the steps

Models for casting #

A resin printer (SLA or DLP) makes models with “castable” resins that burn out without residue in the mold. They are then cast like a wax model.

Direct metal #

Laser sintering (DMLS) builds pieces of silver, gold, steel or titanium layer by layer from metal powder.

Workflow #

Design in CAD software, printing, curing, cleaning, casting and finishing.

Limits #

The size and cost of the machines, layer roughness, and finishing, which is still manual.

Step by step #

  1. Design. Model the piece in CAD (CAD software).
  2. Prepare. Orient and add supports.
  3. Print. In castable resin or wax.
  4. Post-process. Wash and cure the piece.
  5. Cast. Lost-wax casting.
  6. Finish. Polish and set.

Tools and materials #

  • CAD software
  • Resin or wax 3D printer
  • Castable resin
  • Burnout kiln

Common mistakes #

  • Walls too thin to cast.
  • Badly placed supports: marks.
  • Resin poorly cured: leaves residue.
  • Leaving no sprues.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.