ZBrushCentral

3D print advice needed

Community
#1

Hi-

I am designing a wedding ring for my wife. I am planning on making a 3D print of a zbrush model, then taking it to a jeweler to cast the print into the actual ring.

I have never used a 3D printing service, or even seen a 3D print before, and was wondering what level of detail they are able to achieve, and if it is even feasible to get fine details in something as small as a woman’s ring.

Can anyone think of a better process of getting a 3d model into a physical metal ring?

Thanks!

#2

Nothing beats modeling a ring in wax and applying the detail right there. Having it cast in a precious metal is easily accomplished from there.
But if sculpting/modeling skills are not there, then just call a few larger jewelers. One WILL have a 3d printer and casting service. Don’t worry about detail… They can print it. However, make yourself familiar with the entire process, so you know what post processing of the raw ring has to be done, and what that might do to detail. Polishing and other steps along the way can yield unexpected results. In real life… there are no sharp CG corners… and so on…
Best of luck
Lemo

PS:Here’s a link to a movie which shows a basic casting workflow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irrlZnu8Elc&feature=related

PPS:Not every material a 3D printer spits out is usable for casting. Let the printer know what you are up to. Most are printing wax for that purpose.
http://www.solid-scape.com/t66.html

#3

Thanks for the info!

I decided against the wax method because I have huge hands and sculpting a size 6 ring seemed like it would be a nightmare.

If anyone has done something similar before and has any jeweler recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

#4

You can get some really amazing detail from some of the Objet printers these days,I use an eden 260 all the time.
Don’t worry about detail find someone who can mold the piece after you have cleaned the print and cast that in wax,it will work fine.
You should check out these links, they have it figured out as well

http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=061205
http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=73580

#5

Yeah just drop T.S a line and im shure you could work something out.
He printed jewlery for a zbc member before and as far as i remember it was a pretty nice price

#6

I found this link for digital printing of jewelry - I hope it helps.

jewelry printing: http://www.rjmrp.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=57

#7

I’d agree that http://www.rjmrp.com/main/ do a great job for printing and milling rings.

#8

If you are working with a ring, we can print your ring in a hardened wax straight off of a printer. We use EnvisionTEC machines and the resin can either be a plastic or a wax for casting. The EnvisionTEC has the highest resolution on the market right now and we can even take you .ZTL file (sub-tools unlocked) feel free to contact Will at Morpheus Prototypes!

Morpheus Prototypes
1840 W. 205th St.
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 781-8208
www.morpheusrp.com
[email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/morpheus.prototypes?ref=profile

#9

Thanks for all the resources guys!

One question, if there is to be stones set into the ring, how do I notate that on my model? Can I simply model the stone in there, or is there a standard setting that I should use?

#10

it really depends on what stone you are planning to use, I would model the stone you want in there, but make it a separate sub-tool so that it can be removed for printing. it’s easier to make tolerances for objects when they are still digital. but a ring is small enough to adjust once printed and I’m sure the Jeweler could heat the metal to form around the stone.

#11

I think, that you are not right. Write to me in PM, we will communicate.Between us speaking, you did not try to look in google.com?It is very a pity to me, that I can help nothing to you. I hope, to you here will help. ________________________________________________ Refer Personal Injury Claims