Smooth Operator
Exploring the surface texture of 3-D printed patterns and what it means for casting
By Sarah Loveland, Vice-President & Joel Meltzer, Director of Manufacturing
Techform Advanced Casting Technology LLC
The majority of jewelry produced in the U.S. is now cast from digital patterns. A variety of 3-D printing technologies exist for this purpose, and all have unique attributes when it comes to output qualities. As printing technology and materials continue to evolve, bench jewelers and casters alike are constantly adapting to changes in surface texture, castability, and design capabilities.