Wax casting could very well be the most ancient of manufacturing solutions to have been augmented by 3D stamping, and the innovations don’t seem to be to be slowing much, as 3D Systems has just declared the release of the VisiJet Wax Jewel Red Materials.
What’s VisiJet? Read on to know more.
Wax Casting
We’ve covered wax casting in this prior article, but simply by method of a reminder, the process consists of making a wax duplicate of that being created, which is then dipped into a refractory slurry. The slurryfied wax piece then dries, and the wax can be removed with temperature, leaving a precise negative of the wax part (and then the original piece) at a cavity in the mold. Molten metal is then poured into the dried slurry mold, and it requires the proper execution of the cavity. In old times, the wax pattern was often created by side, and was amazingly frustrating.
Naturally, 3D producing has reduced the labor involved with this process simply by producing a wax structure, perfectly emulating the design stated in the CAD software.
Casting with wax is a great way of creating complex parts with excellent surface finishes, and this is why it has been found in so many companies ranging from aerospace (for turbine blades) to dentistry to jewelry. And that’s where in fact the new VisiJet Wax Jewel Red materials comes in…
Wax can be considered a little bit weakened and can rest easily, in particular when being manhandled at various phases of a lost wax production process.
VisiJet Wax Jewel Red
The new VisiJet Wax Jewel Red materials from 3D Systems has been made with extra durability and flexibility in mind, which will undoubtedly be good news for jewelers who have already integrated AM into their workflows.
The brand new material is manufactured out of 100% wax, has increased sturdiness and overall flexibility, and comes in high compare red colorization for presence.
Since it is completely appropriate for existing wax casting workflows, the new VisiJet materials can be utilized without deviating from normal practices. Needless to say, you still need a 3D Systems printer capable of producing wax, like the MJP series of printers, but we digress…
The wax offers a clean burnout when getting rid of the wax, and leaves no ash in its place.
The better durability and overall flexibility enables a complete new amount of information in charms making, like the capacity to cast fine mesh and filigree design charms castings. Naturally, traditional jewellery designs remain possible, as are stone-in-place castings.
A stone-in-place casting is when the stones are placed into the wax, and are embedded in to the slurry when the wax is dipped. As the slurry dries, the stones are held set up, even though the wax is melted out. Once the molten metallic is poured in to the investment, it anchors onto the stones (or the rock fasteners) in order that they are embedded in to the jewelry. This technique can be utilized on a number of gems including cubic zirconia, sapphire, ruby, garnet and diamond (and much more).
You can view a good example of rocks embedded in the red wax in the picture below.
“Additive processing has made its draw on the charms industry – allowing artisans to press the restrictions and take their creativeness to new levels,” said Dr. Edwin Hortelano, mature vice chief executive, materials executive & development, 3D Systems.
“We created VisiJet Wax Jewel Red as the next phase inside our 100% wax casting portfolio, specifically to allow the unmatched quality of lost wax casting for earrings design styles with fine features. This addition helps artisans and casting properties deliver unique designs while bettering productivity and minimizing costs.”
If you want to know more about wax casting with AM habits, you can browse the free ebook from 3D Systems.