# 3D printing in jewelry

> 3D printing makes castable resin or wax models for casting jewelry, or direct metal pieces; precision, workflow and limits.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/3d-printing-in-jewelry/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-08
- Updated: 2026-08-08
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/impresion-3d-en-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/impresion-3d-steps.en.svg "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](https://www.711grados.com/en/cad-software-for-jewelry-design/), 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](https://www.711grados.com/en/cad-software-for-jewelry-design/)).
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

- [Wax carving and modeling](https://www.711grados.com/en/wax-carving-and-modeling/)
- [CAD software](https://www.711grados.com/en/cad-software-for-jewelry-design/)
- [3D scanning and CNC milling in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/3d-scanning-and-cnc-milling/)
- [Resin](https://www.711grados.com/en/resin/)