News

CJS 3D Printing Performance Test – Open Call for Assistance

20 January, 2020

I have begun an interesting project for the new year, and I would like to ask help from you, my dear readers, in completing it.

Based on multiple questions from students and colleagues over the past few years, it occurs to me that a long time has passed since anyone performed a comparative performance test of the various 3D printing machines used for jewellery casting. While there are people out there testing the lower end FDM or plastic printers, nobody has done a comparative test for the finer 3D printers used for jewellery.

To rectify this, I’ve taken upon myself the task of running a performance comparison between the various 3D printers now commonly used for rapid prototyping jewellery.

CJS 3D Printing Performance Test – The Plan

I’m looking to run a test case on as many as possible of the machines currently used by jewellers for making castable parts. This includes but is not limited to:

3D Systems Project 1200
3D Systems Project 3510
Envisiontec Perfactory (any model)
Solidscape MAX2
Asiga Freeform (either Pico2 or Pro)
B9 Creator
Formlabs 1+
Reify Solus
Autodesk Ember

The test will involve getting a model 3D printed of each type, to be inspected in person before I send it off to be cast in silver. I have created a small tolerance test model for use in this exercise.

I’ll be looking to compare the following between the various 3D printers:

Time per print (pre production, print time, and post production, as well as whether adding multiple models affects the time).
Reliability (number of errors, possible ways in which the machine can go wrong)
Quality of the print straight off the machine
Strength/workability of printed material
Quality of casting

The goal of the test is to examine the resulting quality of the resin as well as a casting by producing the same exact models on each printer. From this information, as well as the feedback from the various printers, I should be able to create a nice comparative picture as to what to expect from each of the machines, showing the performance and relative value for money for each machine.

Where You Come In

It occurs to me this 3D printing performance test also presents an opportunity, a chance to connect with other CAD experts around the world, and share common knowledge and experience with 3D printing for jewellery. This is why, rather than simply just finding one of each machine, I’m now asking for all your help.

To all of you who run a 3D printer used for making models for jewellery casting, my question is this:

Would you be willing to print a test model for me and fill out some relevant information?

In exchange for your help, I will add a mention and link to your company and webpage in the article on this blog where the performance test results will be shown.

Please contact me or respond to this article if you are willing to help.