If you’re someone who had just adjusted to the idea of 3D printing you would be surprised to discover that we could actually make jewelry with a 3D printer, you’re not alone. 3D printing has taken over the world by storm and it is used in more industries than you think but we can bet that you don’t know how to make jewelry with 3D printers.
Why is 3D printing so common among jewelry makers?
Jewelry designers from all over the world are adopting this method of using a 3D printer to make jewelry and their designs have never been better. 3D printing is basically just putting layers over layers until you reach the desired shape. The items that have been “printed” are just like regular jewelry at a much more affordable price. The best part about using a 3D printer for jewelry making is that it gives designers the ability to make multiple multiple design iterations in one go and get a market edge.
Methods of printing 3D jewelry
1. Investment casting
This is quite similar to the traditional manufacturing methods and the most popular way of printing 3D jewelry using conventional mold manufacturing techniques. It involves printing the castable model in resin as the first step. This is done by a process known as digital light processing. It can also be done by stereolithography. The next is covering the model in gypsum to make a mold.
When the gypsum sets, you’re supposed to drain the resin away and then pour the liquid metal into the model. After the metal sets in the mold are removed and the object is carefully removed. It is then polished and given the necessary final touches.
2. Direct 3D printing
In this method, the final piece of jewelry is printed directly out of metal. Since this method is quite expensive, it is not as popular as investment casting. But it also gives you a much better range of possibilities, than you wouldn’t get in investment casting. In the direct 3D printing method, metal powder particles are sintered together using a laser that employs a bed fusion technique aka Direct Metal Laser Sintering or Selective Laser Melting. The type of metal that can be used depends on the 3D printer used.
Steps to make jewelry with a 3D printer
- Finding/making 3D jewelry models.
You are going to find endless 3D jewelry designs on the internet. Also, there are a ton of websites that allow you to download these files for free, simplifying the process for you. You can also find websites that offer comparatively more advanced designs but you’ll have to pay for those designs.
In case you want to design your own 3D jewelry, there are a lot of software such as blender or fusion 360 that give you the creative freedom to be able to make your own designs.
- Selecting the material for the jewelry.
After you’ve chosen the model for your jewelry, the next step is selecting the material for the jewelry. You can choose from a variety of different materials such as ABS, PLA, Nylon, etc. If you want your jewelry to have some extra flair then you can even opt for more soluble filaments like PVA.
- Selection of appropriate slicer settings.
Make sure that you choose the right slicer settings because that will directly impact the quality of your jewelry. But there’s more to slicer settings than just setting the right temperature and speed. Don’t forget to set the right layer height, exterior speed (slows down the speed of the printer when it works on the finest parts), infill, etc.
- Printing your jewelry.
Once you’re done with all the above-mentioned steps you can print your jewelry, but be very patient because this is going to take a while.
- Finishing touches.
This step is optional. People usually opt for sanding or polishing which gives it a more authentic look.
You can also learn about what you can make and sell with a 3D printer.
FAQs
1. How to make 3D printed earrings?
You can look for 3D earring design models online. Most of these designs can be printed on any non industrial printer by following the stps mentioned in the next question.
2. How to make 3D printed jewelry?
A. Finding/making the right model.
B. Selection of material
C. Setting of slicer settings
D. Printing
E. Final touch
I’m Susan Rockett, I am dedicated to providing effective solutions for all your printing needs. From troubleshooting common printer issues to recommending the best printers for your specific requirements, our website offers valuable insights and resources.