CAD/CAM Is it art?

Part of the problem is that many jewelers do not come from
engineering backgrounds, and simply want to make a living by
expressing their artistic talents in precious materials. CAD/CAM
may be an integral part of the future of jewelry manufacturing,
but it may also play only a limited role in collectable art
jewelry. The rest is eventually scrapped out, anyway.

I must comment that the samples that I have seen done with the
Sanders machine and Jewel CAD look mostly like 1970’s cluster
rings and some boring derivative channel designs. I’d love to see
some innovative pieces that demand an SLA to produce. And a
serious discussion of the time it takes to develop pieces using
a 3D program, including learning how to draw the pieces. Start an
international award for CAD/CAM jewelry pieces, if you want some
serious recognition.

Rick,

My you have been busy, but in reply to your statement,

   I must comment that the samples that I have seen done with
the Sanders machine and Jewel CAD look mostly like 1970's
cluster  rings and some boring derivative channel designs.>> 

The Sanders is a machine that does what it’s told to do, it does
no more or less that what the input of data requires, the
outdated designs are a software and user/designer issue. What you
have seen from jewelcad are canned library parts, that are
merely there to give a starting point. However, I personally do
not use this software, but what I do use would certainly be an
eye opener for anyone.

  I'd love to see some innovative pieces that demand an SLA to
produce.

I am currently on vacation until the 14th of July, but when I am
back in the office I’d like to show you what it can really do.
Give me your address and I will send you samples that will blow
your socks off.

Best Regards.
Neil George.

Dear Neil, Blow my sox off also. I would love to see some of your
samples. I have worked with a Saunders rep three years ago and
was not impressed with the wax models the unit produced. I cast
two samples, finished one and set stones for photopgaphy. The
second was finished and molded for multiple injections. The
orange peel surface is really one of my mn aicomplaints. I’m not
sold on this process because of the initial expense, maintenance
cost, operator expense and expertise required to make it work.
What would you think of me if I told you I could teach you
everything you wanted to know about casting in three or four
days. My address is T.R. Hawkinson, Ltd P.O. Box 6553 St. Paul MN
55101. Regards, TR the Teacher & student

Todd,

If you have an opportunity vist Fred Betlach at 555 Nicollet
Mall, Minn, MN or call him at 612-339-6446 and find out why this
jeweler can’t live without Jewelvad and the ModelMaker.

It’s interesting that every process has hints to mmake it
better. This is also true with the Sanders ModelMaker. After
the part is built, dip it in mineral oil, pull a vacuum and then
blow off the excess oil. Cast it, I’m certain you’ll be
impressed.

Regards,
Rolf