5, Dec 2013 | 3D Printers
This is a question we get asked all of the time regarding 3D printers, and it really depends on what you are looking to make. We recommend that people initially get started with a service bureau to 3D print their designs, typically the bureau will be able to cast your designs in your metal of choice as well. So for jewellers who do not do their own casting it is the easiest choice.
If you are designing pieces for a production range, typically with these type of designs a “master” is made, and then a mould is made to produce replicas in wax for casting in metal. The “master” can be printed in resin from an inexpensive 3D printer with resolution/quality less than 100 microns. That type of printer is approx $4,000 – $7,000 at current prices and there are some great offering using DLP (Digital Light Projector) technology like the B9 Creator and ASIGA machines. Unfortunately you can’t get away with a $1,500 3D printer, as the quality of the finish is definitely not suitable enough for jewelry sized objects.
If you are designing “one-off” pieces, like engagement rings, wedding rings, etc, then they are typically 3D printed in wax and direct-cast (lost wax cast). You need a 3D printer that can print in wax, you cannot use a resin-based 3D printer for reliable direct-casting in resin. The price for 3D printers suitable for printing in wax are still in the $25-30k ballpark as they are production-level printers aimed at people producing a minimum of 3-4 designs per day. The Kevox is one option, and we will happily arrange a print sample which you can cast to see the quality of finish.
So really to answer your question as to what type of 3D printer you need. If you are getting started with CAD, we would recommend using a 3rd party bureau to start with. There are plenty of them to choose from. Once you get some experience with the software, say 6-12 months from the start, you need to chose a 3D printer based on your work; one-off or a production range, and based on your weekly/monthly volume requirements. The good news is that the price of the technology is constantly being driven down with an increase on the number of manufacturers and obvious demand.
27, Aug 2013 | 3D Printers
Singapore high tech company Kevvox is aiming to simplify the design to print process with the launch of their high-performance, professional 3D printers for jewelers wanting to print high resolution CAD designs for casting.
The Kevvox 3D printers are stand-alone systems that fit comfortably into any jewelery shop or studio environment, and they were unveiled at the International Jewellery Show in Hong Kong, in March 2013.
The printers are aimed at the more expensive brands like DWS (Italy) and Envisiontec (Germany), but the Kevvox comes in with a much lower price-point starting at less than $23,000 (ex.gst).
Kevvox understand how critical quality is for jewelers using 3D printers. The K-studio software, was developed following research by Kevvox highlighting a lack of integrated software. It has now developed a sophisticated, easy to use programme that incorporates a simple, intuitive user interface. The software facilitates automatic or manual repair of STL files, and features advanced support generation.
Ong Eng Chuan Head of R&D at Kevvox, commented: “Before committing to producing the printers and software we undertook considerable research into the market. We discovered that a common pain point was the lack of integrated software that simplified the design to print process without increasing cost, while still producing excellent results. We’ve addressed this with our K-studio software…”
The new professional Kevvox 3D printers are based on DLP technology. There are two Kevvox SP Series models — the SP4300 and the SP6200. These offer 2 different build volumes, 56 x 35 x 100mm and 80 x 50 x 100mm respectively with a minimum Z layer height of 10 µm(10 microns). There is also a choice of Wax-like and ABS-like materials.
Notable breakthrough features:
- A colour LCD that allows the user to follow the entire printing job, as it progresses, from start to finish.
- Large internal memory that can store the entire job, with no requirement for the computer to be connected after the job is sent to the machine.
- A proprietary ‘Zero waste’ tray that lasts longer than comparable models and avoids wasted material..
- High-precision mechanical parts for maximum accuracy, with no user calibration required.
- Blue LED technology that can print for over 50,000 hours without changing the light source.
- Trays can rest on normal flat surfaces, unlike other printer trays that need extra care to prevent scratches underneath.
- Trays are stackable, and space-saving.
- Resins can be left overnight under cold temperatures without fear of it sticking permanently to the tray.
- Built-in heating element ensures cold resin is brought up to the required temperature, for efficient and error-free printing.
- Flip-up door for easy user access.
- Pause & Resume function on printer.
- Overnight printing with auto-off function.
- True desktop size, low noise and can be easily housed within a shop or studio environment.
Specifications:
Printer Model
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Kevvox SP4300
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Kevvox SP6200
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Build Envelope (LxWxH)
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56 x 35 X 100mm(2.20″ x 1.38″ x 3.94″)
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80 x 50 X 100mm (3.15″ x 1.97″ x 3.94″)
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Native Pixel Size (X,Y)
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43 micron (0.0017″)
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62 micron (0.0024″)
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Layer Resolution (Z)
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10 micron, 25 micron
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50 micron, 100 micron
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Integrated Software
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K-studio
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Technology
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DLP / LED
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Interface
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High-Speed USB 2.0
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Certifications
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FCC, CE-EMC, CE-LVD, RoHS
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Materials Available
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ABS-Like (ABS-LC100), Wax-Like (WAX-LC200)
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Dimensions:
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3D Printer (L x W x H)
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37.5 x 42.5 x 47.0 cm (14.8” x 16.7” x 18.5”)
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Box (L x W x H)
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55.0 x 55.0 x 60.0 cm (21.7” x 21.7” x 23.6”)
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Nett Weight
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(17.0 kg) 37.5 lb
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Total Weight
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(22.0 kg) 48.5 lb
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Electrical Req.
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110V (10A) / 230V (4.5A)
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WAX-LIKE MATERIAL
This extremely versatile material is predominantly used in mould-making. This resin is known to yield highest quality and crisp details along with standard burnout procedure. These properties are extremely useful when it comes to producing high quality parts for industries that deal with precise and intricate designs such as Jewellery.
You can safely use this for production capacity direct investment casting (lost wax casting).
Parts made using this material evaporate at moderate burn out temperatures with extremely low thermal expansion. The burn out process is ash free allowing for a casting that is free from porosity. This is a distinct advantage since most other polymer based material result in the ash residue when burning.
Please contact us for detailed pricing on the Kevox range of 3D printers.
