ITI NYC now offers CAD/CAM Design & Print Services! CAD/CAM services in our industry are jewelry based designs that are drawn using a Computer program that is Aiding the Design process (CAD). This file must be created precisely so that it can to be ready for 3D printing by way of a Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) machine (3D Printer). It is a two-part technology process used to create precise 3D digital models of jewelry (CAD) and subsequently produce them using automated machinery (CAM). Designed right here in NYC, our CAD Designers are awaiting your next project! Here is a step by step guide on how this process works: Step 1: Design: To build a 3D model of a jewelry product, we need to know what it is you’d like to design. A simple drawing or photo will need to be submitted in order to get our design team and you, the customer, on the same page. This process can take anywhere from 5-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the project. Payment must be made up front to begin. Step 2: Render & Approval: The design process will provide you with a real life photo rendering of your project, a detailed STL file, as well as the approximate metal weight. Using this mockup and metal weight, a full quote can now be submitted. Step 3: 3D Print: Once the mockup is approved, the rendered file is then sent to a 3D printer where your product will be printed in wax. Step 4: Casting: The wax print is then casted into metal by way of encasing it into a mold and heating the mold material until the wax melts. This will leave a negative cavity inside the mold that is then filled with the molten version of the metal you desire. (Example: Sterling Silver, 14K Gold, 18K Gold, etc.) Step 5: Cleaning and Polishing: After the molten metal cools, the mold is removed and the raw metal piece is revealed. This piece will be rough and has a sprue that will need to be cleaned and polished. Step 6: Assembly & Shipping: Sometimes, products will need a bail, earring post, diamond setting, additional polishing, etc. It all depends on the project at hand. After this is completed, your Custom CAD project is done and ready to ship!
