After the virtual three-dimensional model has been created, it can be used to create a realistic image of the piece; the design can then be created in wax by a 3-D printer, allowing it to be cast in metal.
Computer-aided design (CAD)
CAD/CAM covers a range of techniques that use data produced by or fed into a computer ti aid or effect design, and drive the technology that performs the technique. CAD/CAM is already used extensively within the commercial jewelry-making industry as it is a cost-effective method of producing large numbers of high-quality models for casting.
While the term CAD/CAM is generally understood as the process of building 3-D models for wax printing, other forms include engine turning, routing, laser cutting, water cutting, laser engraving, and photoetching, which all involve the use of computers in one way or onother.
Building a 3-D model
The principle of three-demensional modeling is based in linear graphic shapes that can be build up construct complex forms, described as "vectors".
The shape and forms can be stretched, twisted, rotated, added, subtracted, duplicated, and have their scale changed with ease, allowing infinite possibilities in the exploration of form, and the computer stores detailed information on spatial relationships between all points of the form.
Rhinoceros is a software application often used by jewelry designers, and allows forms to be constructed and manipulated as mesh of lines that outline and describe the form.
Rendering images
Once a jewelry form has been constructed in a 3-D package, the design can be "rendered".
This is the equivalent of producing a presentation image of the piece. Rhinoceros export 3dm. file to the KeyShot program or use the V-ray rendering software, that allows a choice of material, finishes, and stone colors to be applied to the piece, in effect creating a skin over the mesh; different lighting effects can also be applied, showing what the piece will look like once made.
Rendering can take considerable time, depending on the quality of the image required.
Computer-aided modeling (CAM)
The vector-based virtual model can be translated into reality using a 3-D wax printer, which deposits layers of wax into the shape of the design in a process know as "rapid prototyping". Two types of wax are used: a hard brittle wax to make the piece, and the the second type of wax is deposited in order to support area of the piece; this wax is water-souble and is dissolved once the printing is complete to leave a form in hard wax that can then be lost wax cast.
These wax models are incredibly fragile and should be handled with extreme care.
* The information used from the book "The workbench guide to Jewelry techniques"
Anastasia Young
* The design of pendant and images was made by Dariia Oleskiv for KLENOTA s.r.o. (CZ)
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