OT: making jewerly from models

 From:  Colin
3308.6 In reply to 3308.1 
Hi Candide,

I got your PM back at start of December last year & tried to reply, but obviously you've not set your Private Message Options to "receive".
Been waiting for you to post again so I could reply.

Here's the basics of that PM from December.

Hi Candide,

The basic process of turning a wax model into a metal version is called "Lost Wax Casting".
Here's some links for you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-wax_casting
http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&hs=s6Y&q=lost+wax+casting+jewelry&btnG=Search&meta=&aq=f&oq=
http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/index.htm

Obviously the limit to details will be mostly dependent on what the finished model size is to be...
...typically for a milled wax this will be dependent on the finest Cutter used & the actual mill's mechanical resolution...0.025mm on average.

Your best option would be to do a Google Search for a Jeweller offering CAD/CAM within your area.
This way you can physically see what their work quality is like with regards to models they've produced & if they're going to be helpful with explaining what's needed from you with regards the model.
Thicknesses, the depth of model sections & surfaces will all play a crucial part in how well your "virtual model" will transform into a "real model"
You maybe required to supply them with either the 3DM file or the STL file...typically for milling purposes, just an STL file is used & needed.

Hope all of this info is of help.

regards Colin

EDITED: 10 Feb 2010 by COLIN