Best resin 3d printer for jewelry

8 Best 3D Printers For Jewelry 2023 (Wax & Resin, and Every Price Range)

3D printing jewelry rarely means 3D printing actual wearable pieces made from filament or resin, but instead using a jewelry 3D printer to create high-resolution wax models of the eventual gold or platinum design, used to create a mold that is burned out and cast via investment casting or lost wax casting.

And, rather than having to pay $25+ for someone to 3D print it for you, buying your own wax 3D printer for jewelry saves you serious money (can cost $1-2 to print your own) — and gives you more control over your production.

So, we put together our list of the best wax 3D printers for jewelry, including resin and wax printers, and in every price range, to help you pick the best jewelry printer for you.

4.3

$699.99

Large Volume Pick

4.7

$959.99

Amazon here

Extremely High Resolution 3D Printer

4. 4

Name	Build volume (mm)	Price	Where to buy
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro	129 x 80 x 160	$250	Elegoo here
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K	165 x 72 x 180	$699	Phrozen here
Anycubic Photon M3 Plus	245 x 197 x 122	$699	Anycubic here
Anycubic Photon M3 Max	300 x 298 x 164	$1,049	Anycubic here
Peopoly Phenom	276 x 155 x 400	$1,999	Matterhackers here
Formlabs Form 3	145 x 145 x 185	$3,499	Dynamism Store here
Solidscape S325	6″ x 6″ x 4″	Quote	Get a quote
Flashforge WaxJet 300	289 x 218 x 150	~$50,000	Get a quote
EnvisionTEC D4K Jewelry	148 x 83 x 110	Quote	Get a quote

What are 3D printers for jewelry?

Resin 3D printers are considered the best 3D printers for jewelry. They use specialized castable wax resins, which rather than going from solid to liquid when heated, transition directly into a gas from their solid state.

FDM 3D printers are very rarely used as 3D printers for jewelry. They are not capable of the same resolutions, crisp surface finishes or accuracies required for intricate and delicate jewelry pieces. Jewelry is incredibly highly detailed — an inaccurate mold will create inaccurate and unimpressive jewelry.

Additionally, the better the jewelry 3D printer quality, the less finishing the resulting jewelry piece will need to perfect it.

What do jewelry 3D printers make?

Usually they 3D print wax jewelry molds, for example ring designs before any stones are set, or individual chain links.

However, they can also be used to create like-for-like “fitting pieces” for testing the fit of an as-yet unmade ring for a client’s finger. Though making the final ring would be expensive and take time, an exact replica can be made on a jewelry 3D printer in just minutes to test the sizing.

This saves the trouble of creating a piece just to find it doesn’t fit properly. Whereas for jewelry molds specialized castable resins are required, for these fitting pieces standard resins can be used.

3DSourced is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The Best 3D Printers for Jewelry

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro: Cheapest jewelry 3D printer

Jewelry 3D printer price: $250 — Available at Elegoo store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm

Printing on our Elegoo Mars 2 Pro – read our full review here.

Pros

Great value for great resolution.

Works at quick speeds.

Cons

Newer and high-spec models are available.

Featuring a 6-inch monochrome LCD screen offering HD 2K resolution, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro offers precise jewelry printing for the price. Rather than DLP or SLA, the Mars 2 Pro uses LCD printing to cure entire resin layers at once, quickening print speeds and able to print at 30-50mm/h.

Other 3D printers for jewelry on this list offer better quality, but for the price the Mars 2 Pro is a great option. It is sturdily built with its CNC-machined aluminum structure for better stability, and the mono LCD is upgraded for improved lifespan to save you money over the long term. It’s one of the best 3D printers for jewelry under $500.

This is the detail we achieved when using the Elegoo Mars 2 pro – enough for fine jewelry pieces.

The Elegoo Mars has Z-axis resolutions of up to 0.00125mm, XY-resolutions of 0.05mm, and weighs 6.2kg. It also supports 12 different languages, so if you’re not a native English speaker you can choose your own language.

The video below even shows, from start to finish, how accurately you can make wax models for gold jewelry using a standard Elegoo Mars. Even this standard version produces good quality wax models, and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro comes with several upgrades on the original.

However, new and better Elegoo printers have since come out, which can create even more precise and intricate jewelry features. If you have the budget, consider upgrading to the Elegoo Mars 3 or Mars 3 Pro for the best resolutions.

Elegoo Store here

Amazon here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K: Extremely high-quality 3D printer for casting

Price: Check latest price at Phrozen here
Build Volume: 165 x 72 x 180 mm
XY Resolution: 22 Microns
LCD Size: 7.1”
LCD Resolution: 8K
Material Compatibility: Resin

Pros

Unmatched resolution.

Ultra-stable dual linear rails ensure great stability.

User-friendly operation.

Cons

Small build volume for the price.

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is the latest entry to Phrozen’s well-respected line-up of resin 3D printers. Setting it apart from the rest of the Phrozen stable and many other manufacturers is an 8K LCD (7500 x 3240 px) combined with an XY resolution of 22 microns, positioning it as one of the most detailed consumer-grade printers around.

The machine effectively doubles the 4K resolution found on most printers released in the last year or two, offering unparalleled results to satisfy even the most demanding jewelry makers and designers.

This allows you to create feature-rich, highly detailed, intricate parts and models with superb surface finish. For jewelry making, the Sonic Mini 8K can print extremely intricate resin molds for rings, broaches, bracelets, earrings, and much more.

The quality is largely unsurpassed in this price range, and the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K should be at the top of the list of anyone serious about using 3D printing to create market-ready, production-grade jewelry casts from the first print onwards.

Further enhancing the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K’s printing abilities is an ultra-stable dual linear rails setup, which ensures superb stability, mitigating print errors, alongside a frosted, laser-cut build plate that promotes fantastic adhesion, even on small parts and models like jewelry.

Finally, the light array is what Phrozen calls a linear projection LED module. Cutting through the jargon, this simply means excellent light uniformity for sharper, more consistent results.

The 165 x 72 x 180 mm build volume is large enough to batch print several casts at once, though it may be a little small for larger businesses. However, it makes up for this with user-friendly operation, and, again, a level of quality unheard of even a few years ago.

We recommend pairing the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K with Phrozen’s own castable resin, notably the Phrozen Castable Resin W40, Phrozen Castable Resin W20, Phrozen Castable Dental & Jewelry Resin. The printer is compatible with third-party castable resins, but the quality does take a small hit, so it’s best to stick with Phrozen’s optimized resins for the best results.

Phrozen here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Anycubic Photon M3 Plus/Max

Price: $700-$1,000 — Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
Build Volume: 245 x 197 x 122 mm / 300 x 298 x 164 mm
XY Resolution: 34 Microns / 46 Microns
LCD Size: 9. 25″ / 13.6″
LCD Resolution: 6K / 7K
Material Compatibility: Resin

Pros

Large build volume.

Textured build plate offering superb print adhesion.

Fine details and features suitable for jewelry making.

Cons

The fans are very noisy.

With a 6K and 7K LCD resolution and 34 and 46 micron XY resolution respectively, the Anycubic Photon M3 Plus and Max produce high-quality prints stacked with fine details and features suitable for jewelry making.

However, the real benefit here is the large resin build volume compared to many similarly specced and priced 3D resin printers.

The Anycubic Photon M3 Plus boasts a 245 x 197 x 122 mm, while the Anycubic Photon M3 Max expands this to 300 x 298 x 164 mm – some of the largest in the budget resin market.

What this means for jewelry making, given that resin printers cure entire layers at once, is higher productivity: you can produce more jewelry at once, which is ideal for budding businesses looking for a cost-effective printer to kickstart a jewelry-making venture.

Both printers also come with several quality-of-life features that make these very easy to use and master. These include smart resin filing, a laser engraved build platform for superb adhesion, high-precision ball screw z-axis rails, and up to 60-100 mm/h print speeds, so you can prototype quickly and efficiently before committing to a production run.

Though the Anycubic M3 Plus and Max pair well with third-party filament, they work best with Anycubic DLP Craftsman Resin. It’s optimized for precise prints with intricate features, and a perfect resin for jewelry prototyping. It has the added benefit of reducing shrinkage, and has a shorter exposure time to cure than most other resins.

Large Volume Pick

Anycubic here

Amazon here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Peopoly Phenom: large-scale resin printer for batch printing jewelry molds

Jewelry 3D printer price: $1,999 — Available on Matterhackers here
Build volume: 276 x 155 x 400 mm

Pros

Large work area for the price.

Super fast bulk printing.

Cons

Loud fans.

The Peopoly Phenom offers truly enormous printing volumes, almost unheard of for a jewelry 3D printer. For jewelers looking to produce many rings or other pieces simultaneously, this larger volume provides space for dozens of wax jewelry models. If you’re in demand for jewelry and want to make as many as possible then this larger build volume is crucial.

With its 4K high resolution projection quality using MSLA technologies, the Phenom produces crisp, accurate and consistent jewelry molds. MSLA takes elements from both LED and LCD technologies, the result being fast, accurate and repeatable jewelry 3D printing.

The even larger version, the Peopoly Phenom L, is available here.
For faster print speeds, the premium Peopoly Noir is available here.

The Phenom uses Chitubox resin 3D slicer, useful if you’ve previously used it previously on another printer. Overall, it’s one of the best 3D printers for jewelry, and a great choice for people looking to make large numbers of castable wax jewelry models.

Formlabs Form 3

3D for jewelry price: $3,499 — Available on Dynamism here
Build volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm

The Form 4, and several jewelry wax models it 3D printed.

Pros

Extremely fine details and precision, ideal for jewelry.

The gold standard for professional resin printing.

Cons

Small build area.

Seen as the gold-standard in professional resin printing, the Form 3 is capable of fantastic precision, with its new custom Light Processing Unit (LPU) using lenses and mirrors to accurately print jewelry models.

For the price, the Form 3 offers 25-micron resolutions and very consistent and repeatable printing. For those looking for a 3D printer for jewelry able to produce the same design flawlessly again and again, or for producing custom intricate designs, the Form 3 can handle both without issue.

Formlabs make their own castable wax resins designed for jewelry with “crisp settings, sharp prongs and smooth shanks. ” Within the Formlabs workflow therefore is a complete jewelry production process for wax models, though the Form 3 also excels as a dental 3D printer and in other industries, too.

Extremely High Resolution 3D Printer

Dynamism here

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Solidscape S325: best 3D wax printer for jewelry

Price: Requires a quote
Build volume: 6” x 6” x 4”

Pros

Designed especially for jewelry making.

Accurate and precise.

Cons

No support for Mac users.

Soliscape make specially designed jewelry 3D printers, so any Solidscape printer you buy is optimized for jewelry printing. Whereas other printers like the Form 3 are designed to excel in a number of industries, the Solidscape S325 is designed with jewelry wholly in mind.

The S325 is the cheapest of Solidscape’s jewelry 3D printer range. It offers great accuracy, material jetting wax models for the precise and effective investment casting of precious metals. Solidscape stress that all their models are castable in gold and platinum, and do not expand or shrink during the investment casting process.

The S325 is capable of 0.001-inch layer thicknesses, with accuracies of 0.005 inches. Overall, as a specialized 3D printer for jewelry, Solidscape have a rich history in jewelry 3D printing and can be trusted to deliver high-quality and precise ring wax models, time and time again.

Flashforge WaxJet 400

Price: ~$50,000
Build Volume: 289 x 218 x 150 mm
Layer Thickness: 16 Microns
Resolution: 1200 x 1200 x 1600 dpi
Material Compatibility: Flashforge casting wax and dissolvable wax support material

Pros

Great for mass production with great quality.

fast print speeds.

Cons

Not particularly large.

Unlike most of the other printers on our list, the Flashforge WaxJet 400 is aimed at established businesses for mass production with flawless quality. It employs multi-jet 3D printing technology instead of SLA, vastly improving production speeds, saving time and money, and shortening the time to market.

The machine produces casting wax patterns, not the final end-product jewelry. These casts are used for the final casting process, usually in metals, followed by polishing, stone setting, and sandblasting.

Though the 289 x 218 x 150 mm build volume isn’t particularly large, the printer is designed to work tirelessly at faster print speeds, improving productivity, with the printer able to churn out hundreds of models per day.

As Flashforge notes, the printer can produce up to 10kg of wax patterns in a single month. This is all done at an astounding 16-micron minimum layer height, beating the quality found on SLA resin printers, with high precision, high accuracy, and high detail results.

Due to the use of multi-jet technology, the Flashforge WaxJet 400 is limited to Flashforge materials. But rather than a constraint, these are optimized to make the most of the device’s capabilities.

These include FFWJ1100 and FFWJ1200, both wax-based casting materials, and FFMS3100, a wax-based support material that dissolves easily after the printing process to simplify post-processing, allowing for steep overhangs and clean bridges, even on the smallest rings.

EnvisionTEC D4K Pro Jewelry 3D printer

Jewelry 3D printer price: Requires a quote
Build volume: 148 x 83 x 110 mm

Pros

High-resolution professional-grade desktop 3D printer.

User friendly.

Produces very detailed parts.

Cons

Small build volume.

Described by EnvisionTEC are the highest resolution professional-grade desktop 3D printer, as well as claiming to have the fastest speed, the D4K is well suited to jewelry 3D printing. Speed and accuracy are key to jewelry production, with the printer’s 4K UV DLP projector able to create crisp wax models at speed to be cast into stunning jewelry pieces.

EnvisionTEC are the originators of DLP 3D printing, having pioneered the process more than a decade ago. Now, their advanced D4K Pro can produce accuracies of up to 25 microns in the XY resolution, and 1 micron on the Z axis.

The jewelry 3D printer works well with EnvisionTEC’s WIC100 Series wax material, used to then burn out and investment cast precious jewelry. Though it’s an industrial 3D printer costing over $10,000, larger jewelers will find the D4K one of the best 3D jewelry mold printers.

Buying Guide – Things to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer for Making Jewelry

Resolution

Resolution measures the level of detail a 3D printer can produce, hugely important for jewelry production. A higher resolution 3D printer can produce more accurate models, finer details, better surface quality, and more intricate details – all essential where the final aesthetic quality is so important.

In terms of the casting process, higher accuracy models ensure few issues and errors during the casting process, saving costs on instanced prototyping and batch production for the market.

On an SLA resin printer, we would recommend at least a 6K resolution LCD, ideally 8K, while on a multi-jet printer, anything below 20 microns provides sufficient detail for high-quality casts.

Build Volume and Print Speed

A larger build volume allows for larger individual parts, though this particular usecase doesn’t matter in jewelry making, where parts are small.

However, for batch printing jewelry casts, it’s absolutely key. Larger build areas let jewelry businesses print multiple models at once, an important consideration if your plans include large and frequent production runs.

Resin printers cure entire layers at once, so whether you are printing one model or a dozen, the print times are the same. So, you can print faster because you can squeeze more models into a larger build surface without upping the production time.

Cost

For a decent 3D printer for jewelry making, you can expect to pay upwards of $700, with prices surging to well over $50,000 for professional-grade machines.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, so if you are comfortable with a smaller-scale operation (and slightly less precise models), a more affordable printer is a viable choice.

Otherwise, we strongly recommend considering a more professional 3D printer, because more expensive machines offer better overall print speeds, build volumes, workflows, and, therefore, better productivity.

Resin Compatibility

Always check whether a 3D printer is compatible with third-party materials, or tied to the manufacturer’s materials, before locking in your choice.

Most importantly, check it’s compatible with castable resins or wax suitable for jewelry. Not all are (especially cheaper resin printers), which could result in an expensive mistake.

Note that castable resin tends to be more expensive than typical 3D printing resin. But due to the size of the models produced in jewelry making, models are fairly cheap to print.

The Jewelry 3D Printing Process

CAD File: Either design your own jewelry piece on CAD software, pay someone to design your desired piece, or pay for an existing jewelry STL file online and download it.
Slice & Prepare: If not already an STL or other compatible file, export it as one. Then import it into your 3D slicer and slice it for printing.
Print the model: Use a castable wax resin designed for jewelry model 3D printing.
Molding: Pour your molding material over your wax jewelry model, and leave it to harden.
Melt the wax: Heat your new mold so that the original wax model melts and evaporates, leaving a hollow empty space inside with the exact dimensions of your planned jewelry piece.
Casting: Pour melted liquid metal e.g. gold, silver or platinum into the mold to cast it.

Can a 3D Printer Print Jewelry?

Yes, you can 3D print jewelry with a 3D printer using lost wax casting. The printer produced what is called a wax or castable resin pattern – a 3D model of the desired jewelry produced using a material that can melt away easily.

The pattern is then covered and surrounded in plaster. The block of plaster is then gently warmed to melt the wax/resin inside, creating a gap that matches the shape, size, and details of the jewelry.

The space is filled with melted metal like silver or gold. As the metal cools, it takes on the shape of the pattern, resulting in a finished piece of jewelry.

Can You Use 3D Printer Resin for Jewelry?

Yes, you can use 3D printer resin to produce jewelry, but only with more expensive castable resins, which are designed specifically for lost wax casting.

These differ from standard resin in that they are designed to melt away when heated up, much like wax, the material of choice for traditional jewelry casting. The idea here is that they are used to create plaster molds, melted, then replaced by molten metals to create jewelry.

What 3D Printers Do Jewelers Use?

Jewelers use 3D printers designed to print with castable resin, wax, or castable wax because these machines can print “patterns” – casts that are used in the lost wax casting process to create burnable molds.

When these molds are encased in plaster and then burnt away, liquid molten metal is poured in to create the final jewelry pieces.

How Much Is a Jewelry 3D Printer?

Jewelry 3D printers range from entry-level, consumer-grade machines from $700 to $1000, such as the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K and Anycubic Photon M3, all the way to industrial, professional-grade 3D printers costing tens of thousands of dollars, such as the Flashforge WaxJet 400.

How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print Jewelry

Assuming 1kg of castable resin costs $100, and a 2g average weight of a castable ring, you can print 500 of these rings with 1kg of resin. This calculates the average cost at $0.20 per jewelry print. However, this doesn’t factor in unused resin, failed prints, post-processing, etc.

Advantages of owning a jewelry 3D printer

Saves money long term: rather than paying a 3D printing service $20+ to print your mold for you, you can print your own wax jewelry molds for just a dollar each for lost wax casting.
Control your own jewelry production: with the ability to print jewelry in-house, you control your own workflow and apart from resin shortages, cannot be slowed down by supplier failures. Your order will always be top priority.
Fast: going from CAD model to a piece ready to be investment cast is quick, especially when you can print and cast everything in one place.
Very accurate: precise, smooth and intricate jewelry is not an issue for jewelry 3D printers, some able to print with below 10-micron accuracy to capture your ring’s most delicate and beautiful features.
Repeatable and scalable: 3D printers for jewelry can create potentially dozens of identical or customized ring molds at once, perfect for scalable jewelry production.

Further on the saving you money point, this is a video showing how a low-cost Elegoo 3D printer can print accurate enough jewelry wax molds to then cast in gold:

FAQs

Can You Make Gold Jewelry With a 3D Printer?

Though you can’t print gold directly on a consumer-grade 3D printer (some professional printers can, but the process is complex and expensive), standard 3D printers can produce wax or castable resin models that are then used to create plaster molds.

The wax is burnt out from the molds and replaced with molten gold to create gold jewelry. Though the process remains the same, it’s the creation of complex and bespoke molds that is now much easier thanks to 3D printing.

Can a 3D Printer Print Wax?

Yes, you can 3D print wax to create casts and molds to bring to lift complex and intricate parts during the casting process. But, nowadays, it’s more common to find hybrid materials like castable resin, which are a little more durable and tougher than wax, but burn off during the casting process just as well.

Which 3D printer is best for Jewellery?

For the highest quality detail and features, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is one of the best jewelry making 3D printers on the market today. For those looking to batch print larger quantities of jewelry, Anycubic’s M3 Plus and Max offer generously-sized build volumes while maintaining excellent detail and precision.

Related articles you may be interested in:

Best CAD software for jewelry design
3D printed jewelry projects
Best jewelry 3D scanners
The best 3D printers for miniatures

7 Best 3D Printers For Jewelry Making & Casting (2023 Update)

Last Updated: March 22, 2023
Pat Nathaniel

Whether you’re starting a new hobby or a new business, 3D printing jewelry is an exciting project to take on.

A few clicks and some resin, and you magically get a completely customized piece of fine jewelry – it’s like alchemy is finally real!

At this point you want to make your dream a reality. We’re going to take a dive into the different printers you have as options, and then we’ll get into some things you need to know about jewelry making so you’re well-equipped to print your first piece.

Elegoo Saturn 2 8K

Build volume: 219 x 123 x 250 mm

Get Discount Now

Check Latest Price

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

Build volume: 165 x 72 x 180 mm

Check Official Site

Check Latest Price

Peopoly Moai

Build volume: 130 x 130 x 180 mm

Check Latest Price

Table of Contents

Top 3D Printers For Jewelry At A Glance
- 1. Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K (Best Choice)
- 2. Formlabs Form 3+ (Best Print Quality)
- 3. Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K (Best Budget)
- 4. Elegoo Saturn 2 8K (Best Value)
- 5. Peopoly Moai (Premium Choice)
- 6. Creality Ender 3 Pro (Best FDM)
- 7. Solidscape S325 (Best Professional Choice)
How Does 3D Printing Jewelry Work?
Process of 3D Printing Jewelry
Available 3D Printing Processes
Should I Use FDM or SLA for Jewelry?
- FDM
- SLA
Why 3D Print Jewelry?
Conclusion

Top 3D Printers For Jewelry At A Glance

We’ve researched over 20 different 3D printers for jewelry making for our own business and below are our top 7.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K (Best Choice)
Formlabs Form 3+ (Best Print Quality)
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K (Best Budget)
Elegoo Saturn 2 8K (Best Value)
Peopoly Moai (Premium Choice)
Creality Ender 3 Pro (Best FDM)
Solidscape S325 (Best Professional Choice)

1.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K (Best Choice)

3D Printer Type: LCD | Materials: 405 nm Resin | Build Volume: 165 x 72 x 180 mm

Easily the best 3D printer out there for making jewelry at a consumer level is the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K. Phrozen shows up on this list a few times, and the only reason I can give for this is that their team is insanely good at making high-detail 3D printers.

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is built around its crown jewel: an 8K monochrome LCD screen. This part makes the machine capable of printing models with 8K pixel resolution, which means prints can have a ton of detail If this doesn’t spark your interest, then I don’t know what will; just look at the prints made by this machine:

Source: Youtube Adam Savage’s Tested

On top of the high LCD resolution of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K, the printer also brings a terrific X/Y printing resolution of just 22 µm, or 0.022 mm. This is about as precise as you can get today, and, for reference, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K has a precision of only 35 µm (not as good).

Sadly, the price you pay for this incredible print quality comes in the form of print space. Moreover, as indicated by the “Mini” in the name, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K has a relatively small build space of only 165 x 72 x 180 mm. While this limits you to printing only small models, it shouldn’t be a problem for making jewelry.

So, if you want an overall beast of a resin 3D printer that can make jewelry pieces more detailed than your wildest dreams, I strongly recommend the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K.

2.
Formlabs Form 3+ (Best Print Quality)

3D Printer Type: LFS | Materials: Resins | Build Volume: 145 x 145 x 170 mm
When it comes to print quality with SLA 3D printers, it’s hard not to think of Formlabs. Formlabs practically invented consumer-level resin 3D printing, and the Form 3+ is one of their latest innovations, bringing top-notch print quality to the field.
The Form 3+ replaced the Form 2, which used to be on our list until we realized the former is much more precise. Moreover, Form 3+ has an X/Y printing resolution of just 25 µm, almost the same as the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K. Additionally, the overall quality of prints made on the Form 3+ is immaculate, with high-detail prints coming out like this:
But my favorite part about the Formlabs Form 3+ isn’t even the crazy print quality, but its reliability. Formlabs goes above and beyond to make sure that their machines are the most reliable on the market, and they’ve done a terrific job with Form 3+. Loaded with sensors, the Form 3+ basically never fails, and if it does, it lets you know the exact issue!
Additionally, using the Form 3+ is a delight due to the full-color touchscreen display onboard the printer that runs a well-designed and easy-to-use interface. It’s also important to note the print size on Form 3+: a solid 145 x 145 x 185 mm. Not the biggest around, but certainly large enough to handle any and all jewelry prints.
Unfortunately, Formlabs Form 3+ has some issues when it comes to compatibility. For one, Formlabs makes it difficult to modify or upgrade the machine outside of their ecosystem. And through RFID chips in the resin tanks, they prevent you from using 3rd-party resins.

3.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K (Best Budget)

3D Printer Type: LFS | Materials: 405 nm UV Resin | Build Volume: 134 x 75 x 130 mm
If you want exceptional print quality without breaking the bank then the new and improved Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is for you.
Compared to other affordable resin 3D printers like the Anycubic Photon S and Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, we found the printing quality superior in the former. The XY layer resolution of the Mini 4K is 35 microns vs the 50 microns of those two printers.
As you know, in the world of television and mobile phones, 4K screens produce high-quality images. Similarly, thanks to the 4K LCD screen with the Mini 4K, you’ll get a better print resolution.
In all fairness, the differences between prints from the three printers weren’t pronounced. But in detail-packed jewelry, you’ll notice the power of the 4K LCD.
Source: Youtube Uncle Jessy
The Sonic Mini 4K also prints faster – one layer in 2 seconds fast (although the newer models of the Photon and Mars are keeping up).
If you want a beginner-friendly resin 3D printer for jewelry, then the Mini 4K is for you. It’s that easy to use. Just plug in, level, and start printing. The default settings in Chitubox work without any adjustments although you’ll have to tweak it for certain designs.
In terms of printer noise, the Sonic Mini 4K is a bit noisier than the original Sonic Mini. The noise mainly comes from Mini’s Z-axis stepper motor during the changing of layers.
All in all, for 3D printing jewelry and miniatures you can’t go wrong with the Sonic Mini 4K. It excels where print details are a must.

4.
Elegoo Saturn 2 8K (Best Value)

3D Printer Type: MSLA | Materials: 405 nm UV Resin | Build Volume: 219 x 123 x 250 mm
Another 8K printer on this list is the Elegoo Saturn 2 8K, which, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck when it comes to printing high-detail jewelry.
The Saturn 2 is made by Elegoo, one of the most popular manufacturers of budget-friendly resin 3D printers. And the Saturn 2 definitely is budget-friendly, offering 8K printing capabilities for less than $600!
As an 8K 3D printer, the Elegoo Saturn 2 uses an 8K pixel resolution LCD screen that allows for very high-detail prints. And parts are very precise because the Elegoo Saturn 2 has an X/Y resolution of 28.5 microns. This isn’t as good as the Formlabs Form 3+ or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K, but it’s still very precise and a great deal considering the price of the Saturn 2.
With the Saturn 2, you can make some super detailed 8k-resolution prints, like the one seen below:
Plus, the Saturn 2 gives you a decent amount of print space, totaling 219 x 123 250 mm. This is more than enough for typical jewelry prints and will allow you to print multiple rings or necklace pendants at once, no problem!
Another thing I love about the Elegoo Saturn 2 is the print speed: up to 70 mm/hour. This is very fast and means you can pump out more jewelry projects compared to other printers, which typically have a max speed of 40-60 mm/hour.
So, if you want to print large without sacrificing print quality or detail, the Elegoo Saturn 2 8K is the perfect option. And it won’t break the bank!

5.
Peopoly Moai (Premium Choice)

3D Printer Type: SLA | Materials: Any Resin Designed for SLA Printers | Build Volume: 130 x 130 x 180 mm
The logical next printer to look at on this list is the Peopoly Moai. Everything you love about SLA 3D printers at a more reasonable price.
This checks the same boxes as Form 2; it’s super accurate, quiet to operate, easy to use, and you can easily print using a resin bath. The difference is that this machine is a lot less expensive, and the resin is also less expensive. The other thing that’s great about the Moai is it allows 3rd party resin!
Source: Youtube Teaching Tech
This machine isn’t as polished or sophisticated as the Formlabs’ 3D printer, but it is no stick in the mud, either. It will deliver great accuracy and precision for a fair price. Peopoly’s Moai resin 3D printer is an excellent choice for beginners who have the cash. It’s also the perfect choice for people who like to experiment and tinker.
Since it’s open-source and allows 3rd party resins, you have a lot of room to test the boundaries of this printer.
We recommend the Moai as the best jewelry 3D printer for beginners and it’s equally friendly to limit-testers and experimenters.

6.
Creality Ender 3 Pro (Best FDM)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU & PETG | Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
For a couple of hundred bucks, you can start learning how to make custom jewelry. The Creality Ender 3 Pro is not the most polished or glamorous printer, but it’s a workhorse.
A lot of people consider it the best FDM 3D printer for jewelry in its price category, myself included. What you get are reasonably accurate and quality prints (for a non-resin 3D printer). You can start learning the process and experimenting without breaking the bank.
The 3D printer is also really sturdy and durable.
If you’re not comfortable investing thousands into a 3D printer, the Creality Ender 3 Pro gives you the option to start small and see how passionate you are about the space.
Unlike the rest of the 3D printers in this list, since this is an FDM 3D printer you’re not pigeonholed to just using resins. Sure, it’s not the best 3D printing tech for making jewelry, but it can do a ton of other stuff. You can enjoy the full range of freedom that comes with having an FDM printer.
That said, FDM 3D printers print quality is noticeably less smooth and accurate than their resin 3D printer counterparts.
Admittedly, sometimes I break things just so I can 3D print replacements – and that’s something you can’t do with an SLA 3D printer.

7.
Solidscape S325 (Best Professional Choice)

3D Printer Type: Material Jetting | Materials: Midas Castable Material & Melt Dissolvable Support | Build Volume: 152 × 152 × 101 mm
Our last option for you is the Solidscape S325. This printer is a bit more professional than the other options on this list. As such, it costs a good bit more, but it also offers a lot more print quality, reliability, and other benefits!
The S325 is a professional 3D printer that’s meant specifically for making jewelry molds. In fact, the S325 doesn’t actually use traditional SLA printing technology; instead, it uses material jetting, a different type of 3D printing.
With material jetting, the Solidscape S325 can print in wax materials, which traditional SLA 3D printers don’t work with. Being able to print wax is super useful for jewelry 3D printing because it makes the mold-making process a breeze.
And, despite the different technology, the Solidscape S325 still yields a ton of detail in 3D-printed jewelry pieces.
What I personally find most fascinating about this printer is its support abilities. Moreover, the Solidscape S325 prints support, generated by its proprietary 3D slicer software, using a material that dissolves post-printing. As such, you can print very intricate models, with overhangs, without worrying about supports hurting the visual quality of the model.
So, if you want to get into 3D printing jewelry professionally or make a business out of it, then you’ll need a printer like the Solidscape S325 to ensure high-quality prints in materials specifically meant for jewelry.

How Does 3D Printing Jewelry Work?
Just to clear things up, you’re not going to be printing custom gold jewelry right from the nozzle of your 3D printer. Instead, you’re going to be printing a high-detail mold that you can use to make your custom jewelry. Or, if you’re fine with a plastic piece, you’ll be printing high-detail resin jewelry.
If you’ve made jewelry the traditional way before, you know the low-tech method of making these molds. You start by hand-crafting or CNC machining a version of the ring or jewelry piece, and then you create a mold around the part. After that, you solidify the mold and pour in your molten silver or gold to make the final ring!
3D printing a ring or other jewelry piece relies on the same processes, but it utilizes the technology of the 21st century. Moreover, instead of milling or hand-carving, you’re using a 3D printer to make a more detailed and precise jewelry piece, so you can make a more detailed mold.
Basically, any 3D printer, including hobbyist options like the Ender 3, can work for making jewelry molds. However, for a more detailed mold and, thus, a more intricate final jewelry piece, you’ll want to use a higher-end resin 3D printer.

Process of 3D Printing Jewelry
In case you don’t know the process for 3D printing jewelry, let’s take a quick look at it.
First, you have to find a design for a jewelry piece or make a 3D model yourself. The latter method is better if you want a custom jewelry item and you can design your model in a CAD software, like Onshape or Blender.
Once you’ve got your ring 3D model, you’ll need to 3D print the part. No, we’re not making it out of gold, so you’ll need to print it in a plastic filament, resin, or special wax. Try to use a material that’s meant for high-detail printing, like Phrozen Aqua Grey 8K resin.
After you have the 3D printed version of your jewelry price, you’ll need to get it ready for casting in a more durable material like gold or silver. You can make a mold of your 3D printed model using wax!
Finally, pour your molten precious metal into that mold. After some time, the magic is done! You have a shiny ring!
But that whole process is really the easy part. The more challenging part is figuring out what 3D printer is right for you. Like a “choose your own adventure” book, you have some options to start you down your path.

Available 3D Printing Processes
When it comes to 3D printing a jewelry piece, there are a few different types of 3D printers you can use.
Most consumer-grade 3D printers are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machines. FDM 3D printers use a heating element known as the hot end to melt stringed plastic material and lay it out, layer-by-layer, into your 3D model.
However, the more popular type of 3D printer for making jewelry is Stereolithography, or SLA for short. Instead of a heating element and stringed plastic, SLA 3D printers use a special laser with liquid resin. The liquid plastic resin is poured into a tub called the VAT, and the laser is placed beneath a screen, which solidifies the resin, layer by layer, to form your desired 3D model.
SLA is a more favorable tech for jewelry because of its high-detail printing abilities, but FDM is the more universal printing technology.

Should I Use FDM or SLA for Jewelry?
Okay, now that the nerdy science talk is over, let’s take a look at the two main methods of 3D printing used to make jewelry. Below, I’ve discussed how both FDM and SLA 3D printers work as well as each of their benefits.
FDM
The big benefit of using an FDM printer for making jewelry is that the cost is really low. The upfront cost of the printer is lower, and the operating cost is much lower. Of course, there’s a downside to this.
The quality you get with an FDM printer isn’t close to the quality you get with an SLA printer – it’s a lot worse. Moreover, you can’t capture as much detail or small features in prints on an FDM 3D printer as you can with an SLA machine.
As such, if your jewelry doesn’t require a lot of fine detail or you want to save money, then an FDM printer will be perfect for you. Additionally, an FDM printer is the better option if you plan on printing a ton of non-jewelry projects because FDM parts are stronger than those made on an SLA printer.
SLA
On the other hand, SLA 3D printers are typically more expensive than FDM printers. While the cost of an SLA printer has dropped dramatically over the past few years, you also need other hardware, like a washing station and a UV curing light, to use an SLA machine. And these costs should be considered when looking at the price of an SLA machine.
But the extra money for an SLA 3D printer is definitely worth it if you’re looking to print high-detail models. For example, if you wanted to 3D print a jewelry piece that had a very intricate design, an SLA 3D printer would be best.
It’s actually insane how much detail SLA 3D printers yield in models. Most SLA 3D printers today use a 4K pixel resolution LCD screen, but some printers, like the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K, can print with 8K pixel resolution quality!
Sadly, there are some other problems with SLA 3D printers. For example, the resin is toxic and smells bad, making the printing process more dangerous. And, after a print is finished, you have to wash the part and cure it with a UV light.
But if you want to print high-detail models and are okay with spending a lil’ extra, then an SLA 3D printer is definitely for you!

Why 3D Print Jewelry?
Source: Youtube Slava TV
So we highlighted how to 3D print jewelry, and what goes into it. But are you totally convinced that you should even try it? Why 3D print jewelry?
Why 3D print anything? The answer is exactly the same.
You have complete freedom over the design. You can make highly customized pieces and serve a niche market. If you can operate 3D CAD, you can completely design your own pieces to print.
Pieces can be made that seem to defy physics. You can 3D print such intricate pieces with odd geometries. This is great for modern pieces of jewelry.
For some pieces, there is no alternative. Traditional methods cannot scratch the surface of what you can make with a 3D printer. Some of your physics-defying pieces simply cannot be made on a CNC mill, so there’s no other option.
Prototyping is so much faster. I’m from a manufacturing background so trust me when I say that nothing compares to the lifecycle speed of a project when you’re using a 3D printer.
The time between the initial concept, designing, and getting your first working prototype could be 8 hours with a 3D printer. Traditional manufacturing methods might take a week for the same amount of progress.
The cost is so low. Crazy low. You don’t need a staff of trained machinists, design engineers, and project managers. You are the entire team. You don’t need a $250,000 CNC milling machine; a printer that costs a couple of hundred dollars will suffice. You don’t need a $100 piece of raw material to prototype with, $5 is plenty. Finally, you don’t need to pay someone hourly to make it, you hit “go” and leave the room.
So why 3D print jewelry? It’s faster, cheaper, more customizable, and you can make any shape you want.

Conclusion
I hope you get as excited as I do when I hear about all the different ways to 3D print jewelry and start growing your business or just making fun pieces as gifts to family and friends.
The process isn’t so hard to learn when you get your hands on a printer.
Whether you go with an FDM printer, an SLA printer, a budget option, or a professional high-quality printer, you’re going to love the new world you unlock with your 3D printer.
As for what printer to use, if you want to make high-detail jewelry pieces, I strongly suggest the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K or Formlabs Form 3+. Both printers offer exceptional print quality, but the Sonic Mini 8K is probably better for those who don’t need as much print space.
And, if you’re on a budget, but still want to print high-detail models, then the Elegoo Saturn 2 8K should be your speed. It’s very budget-friendly, and has an 8K LCD screen for yielding high-quality prints.
On the FDM side, you have the Creality Ender 3 Pro which is perhaps the best option in this space. It’s budget-friendly and, as it’s an FDM 3D printer, the Ender 3 Pro is also a great machine for non-jewelry prints, so there’s a lot of opportunity for you!
Finally, if you’re ready to invest in your business and grow it, consider the top-of-the-line Solidscape S325 printer.
Enjoy your time with your new 3D printer! There’s a lot of learning and growing to be had!

Pat Nathaniel
Pat is the editor-in-chief at Printing Atoms. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and wants to spread the word on 3D printing. When he's not writing, he likes to tinker with his Ender 3 Pro, test filament brands, and scuba dive.

Choice of technology and 3D printer for jewelry making, pros and cons

Currently, there are many new technologies that are designed to simplify production in various industries. Progress does not stand still and, despite some opponents, 3D printing has its own niche in the production of jewelry.

3D printing can speed up and reduce the cost of jewelry production due to the low cost of consumables. With 3D printers, jewelers have the ability to quickly change the design of a product and make prototypes at least several times a day. For many jewelry industries, 3D printing is becoming a good alternative or addition to milling machines and other equipment.

Until now, some believe that handmade is a sign of craftsmanship, especially when it comes to creative work, and models made using 3D modeling and printing are amateurish. But many people forget that behind the computer is the same person who not only mechanically presses the buttons, but also puts his soul into his creation.

Benefits of 3D printing

In order to understand how justified the use of a 3D printer is, you need to know how jewelry is made. This is very painstaking work. No wonder the expression "jewelry work" appeared, denoting a very delicate and complex work.

Any decoration begins with a sketch. Usually several sketches are made in order to accurately determine the design and location of the inserts. Not only stones are used as decor, it can be elements made of wood, bone, precious metals, it all depends on the designer's imagination.

At the next stage, the product is drawn in a 3D editor. This allows not only to visualize the future product, but also to correct some errors and inaccuracies made at the design stage.

Ring model

Some craftsmen still carve "stencils" by hand. Such work requires certain skills and perseverance. Usually this is how products are made that will be cast in a single copy.

A finished 3D model can have several ways to be implemented in a physical version - this is milling or 3D printing.

Stencil milling

Currently, 3D printing is not much inferior in accuracy to a milling machine and often has a significant advantage in speed, despite the fact that after printing it is still necessary to separate the supports and clean up the points of contact with the model. Once a physical model has been obtained, it can be cast immediately if the material used is wax or a burnable polymer.

If it is necessary to cast a large batch of products, then a mold is made from the master model made with the help of special rubber for subsequent wax casting. There are many types of rubber that vary in hardness and curing temperature. Rubber is selected depending on the material from which the master model is made.

For pouring molds, a special machine is usually used - an injector. In some models, you can not only heat the wax, but also vacuum it or leave it under pressure. This helps to reduce the number and size of air bubbles for better pouring of the rubber mold.

In home workshops, silicone is used instead of special rubber. After all, a special machine is needed to vulcanize rubber. But rubber molds are too soft and short-lived for making a large batch of stencils.

After making the required number of stencils, they are collected in "Christmas trees". "Elks" are waxes soldered to a wax rod. To save space, the distance between them is very small and they resemble fluffy Christmas trees, hence the name. The finished Christmas tree is weighed to calculate the required amount of metal. In some places, stones are immediately inserted into the stencils, unless another mounting option is provided.

Stencil Christmas trees

Ready "Christmas trees" are placed in a special cylindrical "cassette" without a bottom, which is called a flask, and filled with a gypsum-based molding mass. The flask with uncured gypsum must be evacuated to get rid of unnecessary air bubbles that can lead to defects on the surface of the finished casting.

After hardening, the gypsum flask is sent to a muffle furnace to melt the wax.

The calcination mode is selected depending on the material of the wax. For wax or burnout polymer, different modes are needed in order for the material to be completely removed from the gypsum!!!!!!

When all the wax is melted, cavities are formed inside the gypsum, repeating the contours of the wax. Metal is poured into these voids. After casting, the flask is cooled and the gypsum mold mass is washed out under the pressure of water. The result is a metal Christmas tree.

Herringbone after casting

Finished castings are cut from the Christmas tree and washed, polished, if necessary, blackened by the master until the desired appearance is achieved.

3D printers for jewelers

There are several 3D printing technologies that may be suitable for the needs of jewelers. Each has its pros and cons. Some 3D printers are ideal for a large workshop, and some are ideal for a small workshop.

SLA

SLA or stereolithography is based on the principle of layer-by-layer solidification of a photopolymer resin under the action of a UV beam. The UV beam is focused by means of mirrors on the surface of the resin and illuminates the model in layers.

How the SLA Printer Works

SLA 3D printers were the first to be noticed by jewelers. SLA devices are compact, while they have high printing accuracy.

Pros and cons

pros

Minuses

Print examples

From prototype to finished product

Cast and printed ring

Rating of printers.

Leadership among the production of SLA 3D printers is held by Formlabs.

Formlabs Form 3

Formlabs Form 3

Specifications:

XY resolution: 25 µm

Laser spot size: 85 µm

Laser power: One 250mW laser

Working area size: 14.5×14.5×18.5cm

Layer thickness: 25 – 300 µm

A professional 3D printer that is popular with professional jewelers and dentists.

Formlabs Form 3L

Formlabs Form 3L

Specifications:

XY resolution: 25 µm

Laser spot size: 85 µm

Laser power: One 250mW laser

Working area size: 33. 5×20×30cm

Layer thickness: 25 – 300 µm

Form 3L differs from younger models in its large print area, which allows you to produce truly large products without losing quality and accuracy.

DLP/LCD

DLP is very similar to SLA, only as a source of UV radiation, to illuminate the photopolymer resin, not a directed beam of light is used, but a DLP projector. DLP printers illuminate the entire work area at once, so they greatly outperform SLA in print speed.

How a DLP Printer Works

Today it is one of the most affordable photopolymer 3D printing technologies. In terms of cost, LCD printers have caught up with the price level of amateur FDM. DLP printers are much more expensive due to the use of an expensive projector as a UV source.

The projector is of course more expensive, but more durable, on the other hand, the LCD display is not so expensive and can be easily seen, unlike the projector. What to choose each user decides for himself.

Pros and cons.

pros

Minuses

Print examples

Comparison between 3D printed master model and molded part

Burnout resin model and finished product

Demonstration of products cast with burnout resin

Rating of printers.

The print accuracy of LCD printers depends on the pixel size, so you should pay attention to this parameter when choosing a printer.

Anycubic Photon Mono

Anycubic Photon Mono

Specifications:

LCD display resolution: 2560x1620 (2K)

XY Positioning Accuracy: 0.051mm

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 130x80x165 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.15mm

The Anycubic Photon Mono is an inexpensive LCD machine ideal for hobby printing. The monochrome display allows you to reduce the exposure time and speed up printing.

Phrozen Sonic 4K

Phrozen Sonic 4K

Specifications:

LCD resolution: 6.1" 4K Mono LCD

XY positioning accuracy: 35 microns

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 134x75x200 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.30mm

Phrozen Sonic 4K is specifically designed for use in the dental and jewelry industry. Despite its compact size, the printer is not inferior to professional machines in accuracy, and the exposure time of one layer is only a few seconds.

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

Specifications:

LCD resolution: 9.3" 4K Mono LCD

XY positioning accuracy: 52 microns

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 200x125x220 mm

Layer thickness: 0. 01-0.3mm

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is a professional device with a large print area. This allows you to quickly produce small batches of models.

Phrozen Sonic XL 4K

Phrozen Sonic XL 4K

Specifications:

LCD resolution: 8.9" 4K Mono-LCD

XY positioning accuracy: 50 microns

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 190x120x200 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.3mm

The Phrozen Sonic XL 4K is a professional machine with a large print area and a high resolution monochrome LCD display. This allows you to quickly produce batches of products with high accuracy.

Peopoly Phenom XXL

Peopoly Phenom XXL

Specifications:

LCD display resolution: 3840x2160 (23.8", 16:9, UHD 4K)

XY positioning accuracy: 137 µm

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 527x296x550 mm

Layer thickness: 0. 01-0.3mm

The Peopoly Phenom XXL is a device with a huge build area, which is ideal for serial production of not only jewelry.

Phrozen Sonic MEGA 8K

Phrozen Sonic MEGA 8K

Specifications:

LCD resolution: 15" 8K Mono LCD

XY Positioning Accuracy: 43 µm

UV wavelength: 405 nm

Working area size: 330 x 185 x 400 mm

Layer thickness: 0.01-0.3mm

This is the first LCD printer with 8k monochrome matrix resolution, and a huge working area allows you to produce large batches of products in one print.

MJM/MJP

MJM (or similar PolyJet technology) is a technology for layering photopolymer or wax through many fine nozzles. Typically, the print head is located from 96 to 448, depending on the printer model.

If a photopolymer is used as a material, it is immediately cured by a UV lamp, which is located on the printer's head.

How the MJM printer works

In addition to photopolymer, MJM 3D printers can use wax as a material for printing.

MJM printers can print multiple materials at the same time. This allows you to print complex models with soluble or investment supports. This makes it possible to produce complex models with a smooth surface quickly and easily.

Pros and cons

pros

Ability to print multiple materials at the same time. This means that another, soluble material can be used as a support. This allows you to save a lot of time on removing the support from the finished model and cleaning up the places where the supports come into contact with the print.

Minuses

To install the printer, most likely, you will need a separate room. 3D printers based on MJM technology are quite bulky in their dimensions, this is not a device that can simply be placed on a desktop or nightstand.

Print examples

Seal of a lot of stencils

Ring printed with wax

Master models made on MJM printer

Lot of jewelry stencils for further casting

Printer rating

FlashForge WaxJet 410

FlashForge WaxJet 410

Specifications:

Materials: Wax, support material.

Resolution: 1200*1200*1600

Building area size: 289*218*150mm

Layer thickness: 16 microns

Accuracy: ±0.04mm / 20mm

The FlashForge WaxJet 410 is an industrial machine designed for serial printing of wax models, which will then be cast from metal. Machines of this class can be useful not only in jewelry production, but also in the dental industry, aerospace, mechanical engineering, prototyping, etc.

Totals

Photopolymer 3D printers are no longer inferior in detail to professional milling machines. The main advantage of a 3D printer is the ability to produce models of complex geometry with many internal cavities that are physically impossible to produce on a router.

Large firms will appreciate the flexibility that allows them to quickly adapt to customer requirements, as well as quickly produce large and small batches of products due to the shortening of the production chain.

And for a small workshop, a small photopolymer printer with a can of burn-out resin can be a good help, eliminating the need to purchase some expensive machines.

Top 5 Jewelry 3D Printers of 2022 (All Price Ranges!)

Jewelry 3D printing rarely means 3D printing actual wearable items in filament or resin, but instead a jewelry 3D printer is used to create high resolution wax models of the final design in gold or platinum, used to create a mold that is fired and cast by investment casting or lost wax casting.

In fact, many pieces of jewelry are now made in this way. There are entire factories of resin casting 3D printers that create models from wax resin, which are then cast and melted down to create high-end jewelry.

However, having your own jewelry 3D printer gives you more control over your production and saves you money compared to paying someone to print your own molds. Molds for rings and other jewelry can be made for as little as a dollar or two, while you can pay over $25 to have someone print them for you.

Contents

Jewelry 3D Printing Process

What are 3D Jewelry Printers?

Cut and prepare: If it's not already an STL or compatible file, export it. Then import it into a 3D slicer and slice it for printing.

Print Model: Use castable wax resin designed for 3D printing jewelry models.

Molding: Pour the molding material onto the wax model of the jewelry and let it set.

Melt the wax: Heat the new mold so that the original wax model melts and evaporates, leaving an empty space inside with the exact dimensions of the planned piece of jewelry.

Casting: Pour molten liquid metal such as gold, silver or platinum into a mold.

What are the types of 3D jewelry printers?

Resin 3D printers are considered the best 3D printers for jewelry. They are used with specialized casting wax resins that do not change from a solid to a liquid when heated, but immediately turn into a gas from a solid state.

FDM 3D printers, although common, are very rarely used as jewelry 3D printers. They are not capable of providing the same resolution, sharp surface finish and precision required for complex and delicate jewelry.

3D jewelry prints need to be incredibly detailed and precise - an inaccurate shape will create an inaccurate and featureless piece of jewelry.

In addition, the better the quality of the jewelry 3D printer, the less fine-tuning the jewelry needs to be.

What do jewelry 3D printers produce?

They usually print wax molds for jewelry, such as rings, before stones or individual chain links are set.

However, they can also be used to create similar "fitting pieces" to check that a ring that has not yet been made fits the customer's finger. Although it would be costly and time consuming to make the final ring, an exact copy can be made on a jewelry 3D printer in just a few minutes to check the size.

This eliminates the need to create a piece only to find it doesn't fit. While jewelry molds require special casting resins, standard resins can be used for these parts.

Best Jewelery 3D Printers

1 - Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Jewelery 3D Printer Price: $329

Assembly volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm

Featuring a 6-inch HD 2K monochrome LCD screen, the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro offers accurate jewelery printing for the price. Instead of DLP or SLA, Mars 2 Pro uses LCD printing to cure all layers of resin at once, which speeds up printing speed and allows you to print at speeds of 30-50mm/h.

The other jewelry 3D printers on this list offer better quality, but for the price, the Mars 2 Pro is a great option. It is durable with CNC-machined aluminum construction for better stability, and the monochrome LCD has been upgraded for longer life to save you money in the long run. This is one of the best 3D printers for jewelry under $500.

The Elegoo Mars has a Z resolution of up to 0.00125 mm, an XY resolution of 0.05 mm and weighs 6.2 kg. It also supports 12 different languages, so if you're not a native English speaker, you can choose your own language.

The video below even shows from start to finish just how accurate wax models for gold jewelry can be made with a standard Elegoo Mars. Even this standard version produces good quality wax models, and the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro has several improvements over the original.

2 - Peopoly Phenom

Jewelry 3D printer price: $1,999

Assembly volume: 276 x 155 x 400 mm

The Peopoly Phenom offers truly massive print volumes almost unheard of in a jewelry 3D printer. For jewelers who want to produce many rings or other items at the same time, this large volume provides room for dozens of jewelry wax models. If you are in demand for jewelry and want to make as many as possible, then this high build volume is critical.

With high resolution 4K projection quality using MSLA technology, Phenom produces clear, precise and consistent jewelry shapes. MSLA uses elements of LED and LCD technology to produce fast, accurate and reproducible 3D jewelry printing.

For higher print speeds, premium Peopoly Noir is available.

The Phenom uses a Chitubox resin 3D slicer, useful if you've used it before on another printer. Overall, this is one of the best 3D jewelry printers and a great choice for those who want to make a large number of castable wax models of jewelry.

3 - Formlabs Form 3

3D Jewelry Price: $3,499

Assembly volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm

Regarded as the gold standard for professional resin printing, the Form 3 is capable of fantastic precision, and its new custom light processing unit (LPU) uses lenses and mirrors to accurately print jewelry designs.

For the price, the Form 3 offers 25 micron resolution and very consistent and repeatable printing. Whether you're looking for a jewelry 3D printer capable of flawlessly printing the same design over and over again, or for custom complex designs, the Form 3 can handle both without a hitch.

Formlabs makes their own casting wax resins designed for jewelry with "clear settings, sharp teeth and smooth tangs". Therefore, the Formlabs workflow provides a complete wax-up jewelry manufacturing process, although the Form 3 is also great as a dental 3D printer in other industries.

Form 4 and several jewelery wax patterns printed on it.

4 - Solidscape S325

Price: Quote required

Assembly volume: 6″ x 6″ x 4″

Soliscape makes custom designed jewelry 3D printers, so any Solidscape printer you buy is optimized for jewelry printing. While other printers such as the Form 3 are designed to work in a variety of industries, the Solidscape S325 is designed exclusively for the jewelry industry. The

S325 is the cheapest of Solidscape's line of jewelry 3D printers. It provides high precision, inkjet wax patterns for accurate and efficient investment casting of precious metals. Solidscape emphasizes that all of their models are suitable for gold and platinum casting and will not expand or contract during the investment casting process.

The S325 is capable of producing 0.001 inch layers with 0.005 inch accuracy. All in all, as a dedicated jewelry 3D printer, Solidscape has a rich history in jewelry 3D printing and can be trusted to deliver high quality and accurate ring wax models time and time again.

5 - EnvisionTEC D4K Pro Jewelry 3D Printer

Build Volume: 148 x 83 x 110mm

Described by EnvisionTEC as the highest resolution, professional-grade desktop 3D printer, as well as claiming the fastest speed, D4K is well suited for jewelry 3D printing. Speed and precision are key in jewelry manufacturing, and the printer's 4K UV DLP projector is capable of quickly creating crisp wax patterns for casting into stunning jewelry.

EnvisionTEC pioneered DLP 3D printing over a decade ago. Now their upgraded D4K Pro can achieve accuracy down to 25 microns in XY and 1 micron in Z.

The 3D Jewelry Printer works well with EnvisionTEC's WIC100 series wax material, which is used for burning and investment casting of precious jewelry. Although it is an industrial 3D printer costing over $10,000, large jewelers will find the D4K one of the best casting jewelry 3D printers.

envisiontec d4k jewelry 3d printer

Benefits of owning a jewelry 3d printer

Long term money savings: instead of paying a 3d printing service for you, you can 3d print for you $20+ molds print your own wax molds for jewelry for just a dollar each.

Jewelry production control: By being able to print jewelry in your own production, you are in control of your workflow and, apart from resin shortages, cannot be slowed down by supplier failures.
Learn more

3D printing portraits

Impact of 3d printing on supply chain

Lockheed martin 3d printing

Desktop metal studio 3d printer price

3D printer connectors

Objet 30 scholar 3d printer

3D printers for architectural models

3D printers for small business

Sla 3d printer kit

3D printer prices australia

Good 3d printers under 300