Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Jewelry
CAD design software gives designers of jewelry the tool to create more intricate shapes.
The finished products can be made in plastic or metals, as well as precious metals. Additive
Manufacturing can be used to print the jewelry directly or indirectly by making master pat-
terns or molds. Vicenza-based DWS is situated in the heart of Italy's jewelry district and a
large part of their business is to market SLA printers for the jewelry industry. DWS printers
are used for making molds. German Envisiontec is another major player in this field. Direct
printing of gold and silver is also growing in importance. The British company Cooksongold
produces gold and silver powder for this process. Other precious metal powders suppliers
are: Hilderbrand, Legor and Progold. Cooksongold also have a collaboration with EOS in
supplying a precious metal printer especially suited for the jewelry market. Direct gold and
silver 3D printing is especially useful and time saving for designs that are complicated to
make with conventional casting techniques, such as chain links and mesh. Recently some
jewelry stores have started offering their customers to choose their own designs which are
then 3D printed by the store.
