Page 7 - 3DA Mag N° February2018 -EN+

DOSSIER

Marie Boltenstern, Managing Director explains us in an interview: “the most important characteristic is that
the product should be “unique”, especially in this sector. And that’s something that we can only achieve using
3D printing.”
Furthermore, the technology requires a very good knowledge in 3D printing and a mastery of the 3D printer.
The “post-printing work is very important and must be mastered in order to obtain the expected result: smooth,
shiny, etc.”, she concludes.

1.2. Advantages and areas for improvement in the use of 3D printing for jewellery

The table below summarizes the advantages and the points to watch for regarding 3D printing in the jewellery
sector.

Advantages “Points to watch”

Customisation :
A post-printing work is required in order to obtain
This technology enables the creation of a unique the expected result
and customizable jewel.
Metal 3D printers are very expensive and require a
Some jewellery shops provide their customers with good knowledge of the technology in order to master
simple, intuitive and easy-to-use software. This them.
type of software does not require a fundamental
knowledge of 3D.

3D printing enables to achieve complex shapes and
geometries impossible to achieve using traditional
manufacturing techniques

Professionals of the jewellery industry can optimize
the design and the manufacturing of the products

Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping enable
to reduce the production time.

2. Last…

In the end, thanks to its potential and the creativity it arouses, 3D printing has proved to be an interesting tool
to exploit by a number of jewelers and companies.

However, it should be remembered that if this manufacturing technique can be used by jewelers, the ultimate
goal is not to replace them. If they suffer the consequences of a society marked by customization, they must
keep in mind that additive manufacturing simply allows them to go further in their art and to gain in efficiency
in the development, design and production stages.

Magazine / February 2018 7