Not sure if additive or subtractive fabrication is better for my application.
I’ve noticed that 3d printers give a different texture, look, and feel, than do cnc routers, engravers,
I’m looking at using cnc to fabricate wax patterns for jewelry. I’ll take the pattern cover it with plaster burn out original and cast molten metal into the cavity
I’d like some more input on how to keep the right aesthetic appeal in the finished product. A cast by its nature is different than a hand engraved surface
What I’d like to eventually do is make myself a singet ring that is hand engraved- but that’s entirely different
a wax printer may give you what you need if you can “flame polish” it after it’s printed.
Depeding on your jewelry design, a 3 axis router or mill will do what you want, with careful and creative setups, if the design is very intricate or requires undercuts, you may need a 4 or 5 axis setup.
Cutting wax requires next to nothing for spindle power, but you need something pretty accurate to have good finish will small stepovers.
I’m considering options. In the next few years (need to save $, and do other prep work) I’d like to do Custom (not costume) jewelry design. Researching the best tools while also planning marketing strategy (networking)
It was recently discovered that fumes from heated PVC cleaner gives pla a smooth surface. There was also some mention of using printers to help in casting on hackaday in the past day or so.
I do custom jewelry and lost wax casting and would reccomend buying ring blanks and CNC engraving the design on the face. The equipment needed for lost wax casting will cost about $1000 new.
As with anything, it depends on size, resolution, and price. The fused filament does leave a texture but can be sanded and filled or some fuming or solvents will smooth it. The resin printers give better resolution but cost is what it is. The scale for jewelry is generally pretty small but detail is important. For fine investment casting, without a lot of post printing finishing work, filament printers are probably not going to meet your needs. For work of that scale, a small cnc router with rotary axis will be most likely your best bet. Another option in that range would be a small milling machine like a sherline or taig with a rotary axis. They are not really expensive but you will most likely spend more on software than on machinery anyway.
Any that I can build? I’m into dyi, as well as if I can get linux software (it’s usually more accessible at a cheaper price, sometimes not only can you get compiled version free, it includes source code that can be customized)
There are lots of designs around for small cnc routers. Lowest budget would probably be: http://makeyourbot.wikidot.com/mantis9-1
The control software is fine under linux (many feel it is superior to other options) The CAM software for some types of multi-axis stuff that would be nice for jewelry? Not cheap
For jewelry i would look into high-res DLP 3D printers like the LittleRP with resin formulated for jewelry casting like this one: http://madesolid.com/cast-solid-resin.html
If time is what you have and monies are scarce, why not carve the ring out of jeweller’s casting wax and some simple tools (youtube). Forgo the complex machines for now. There are casting services, if you have the wax model, but not the kiln and casting machines. I teach jewelry at a state college.
I don’t have the hand eye coordination to maintain detail. Have access to machines (for a small fee) but looking at what’s the best investment to make, when the time is right to acquire my own machines
