Method for digital manufacturing of jewelry items

Abstract

A method for digital manufacturing of a jewelry item includes printing a three-dimensional wax model on a substrate and printing a three-dimensional sprue, the sprue being adapted to support the wax model. A fixture for handling wax models includes a platform, a plurality of holders, a plurality of standoffs, and a tie. A method of manufacturing a jewelry item, comprises forming a first wax model for a portion of a jewelry item, forming a second wax model for a portion of a jewelry item using a rapid prototyping process, and performing one or more lost wax processes with the first and second portion to create the jewelry item.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present disclosure relates to digital manufacturing of jewelry items. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to tracking and associated fixtures for maintaining control of jewelry items in a rapid prototyping process. The present disclosure also relates to particular applications of digital manufacturing to the jewelry industry and advantageous applications of the same.BACKGROUND[0002]Manufacture of jewelry can be done using a lost wax process. In such process, a plurality of wax patterns, also referred to herein as wax models, are formed, each representing a jewelry item to be manufactured. The wax patterns are aggregated to form a tree and the tree is placed in a flask. The flask is filled with investment (a plaster-like material) and the wax melted out to form a mold. The mold is filled with a metal alloy that forms the jewelry items. After the metal alloy hardens, it is removed from the mold and each jewelry item removed from the tree.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for making jewelry items using a 3D printing process. The method involves creating a three-dimensional model of the jewelry item in wax and then printing a sprue to support the model during the manufacturing process. The patent also describes a fixture for handling the wax models. The invention allows for the creation of intricate designs on the jewelry item, such as customized side panels. Overall, the method allows for efficient and precise production of jewelry items with customized designs.

Problems solved by technology

Forming wax patterns using a mold can have inherent limitations.

In the past, it has been difficult to apply rapid prototyping to mass produced personalized jewelry items such as class rings because automation software needed to meet production capacity requirements does not readily exist, level of detail requirements cannot be met, and RP materials are typically polymer-based.

Polymers do not perform as well as wax-like materials during the lost-wax burnout process.

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