Our Jewelry Making Process: Making a Ring with a Computer
Start of CAD-CAM Process
The CAD-CAM process begins by drawing the ring in a software program similar to those used by architects and engineers. Many layers of the design are made into a 3-dimensional working model that can be modified on screen to show every detail of the piece.
Illustration of Design
Once the model is created in the CAD program, and illustration of the design can be made. Sophisticated software creates a virtual lighted environment and calculates the appearance of different materials such as metal and even transparent gemstones. This image is very realistic and can be emailed in a simple format for clients to view and approve on their own computers at home.
Computer Aided Milling
When the CAD design is read to make in wax, the design is transferred to a milling machine or an RP (rapid-prototype) machine. This is a picture of a milling machine used to create wax models. This technique of creating the wax from the hCAD file involves carving a solid block of wax with a computer-guided cutter. This is called Computer Aided Milling, or CAM.
Rapid Prototype Machine
This is a picture of the other type of machine used to create models from the CAD files. This is a type of "Rapid Prototype" machine called an Envisiontec. There are several different technologies currently used in the process. We often refer to these as growing machines because all grow the model from a liquid substance through thin layer deposition.
The CAD Model
The CAD model is now ready to be used to make the ring. This model can now be used just as any other wax model. It is the first step in the lost-wax casting technique.
Casting the Ring
Here a vertical casting machine is spinning at extreme speed to produce a centrifugal pressure which forces the molten metal into the crucible and fills the form of the model.
Pouring the Investment
The CAD wax is invested exactly the same way as a traditional wax model.
Lost-Wax Process
Once invested, the model is burnt out of the flask, creating a negative imprint of the piece. Here we see the centrifugal casting machine spinnign molten metal into the void that was the wax model (the wax is lost in the process, hence the name).
The Casting
Here is the casting from theh CAD wax model. The ring is now in metal and will continue to completion using traditional hand finishing techniques.
Preparing for Finishing
Removing the ring from the sprue and preparing the casting for finishing. Once the ring is ready the stones can be set.
Setting the Stones
The stones are all set by hand and inspected periodically as the ring is completed. Some of the more complex designs can take over 100 small accent diamonds.
The Final Polish
The final polish brings the ring to its full beauty. This is the last step in production before the ring goes to quality control and final inspection.
The Finished Ring
The finished ring comes out exactly as originally designed and illustrated. The precision and detail is breathtaking.