Why hasn’t Mass Customization become mainstream yet?
Customization technology like 3D printers and laser cutters are robust.
Useful design software is a challenge, but the Spore Creature Creator shows that you can build tools to help a person with taste, but little training create something nice.
The major difficulty is skillfully combining hardware, software and design skills to produce a compelling offering. Few designers are even aware of the possibilities of mass customization technology. A select few are putting these tools to use in impressive ways.
The Alternative Jewelry Shop in Nicholasville KY is doing amazing customization work with CAD, CNC mills, and traditional jewelry manufacturing processes. They haven’t put the “Mass” in front of customization yet, but they have certainly demonstrated the artistry and capabilities of custom manufacturing tools in the hands of creative individuals.
The photo below illustrates the process they employ to make one of a kind jewelry. Designs start in CAD form, are modeled in wax, cast in metal, and ultimately polished to a nice finish.
The best thing about the Alternative Jewelry Shop is the way they document the process of creating their work. Almost every project is photographed from wax model to polished design.
Step 1 – Machined Wax Positives
CAD data is transferred to a computer numerically controlled mill or 3D printer where the model is carved from a block of wax.
In this case the wax was milled. A cutting edge removed wax until the jewelry design was complete. CNC mills are capable of extremely detailed carvings.
Step 2 – Investment Casting
The wax design is cast in a ceramic shell and then subjected to high heats in order to remove the wax. This leaves a negative space in the ceramic that molten metal can be poured into.
Step 3 – Cast Metal
Cast metalscome out of the ceramic mold. The metal is still slightly rough and requires a lot of polishing and finishing to create the final piece.
Step 4 -Finishing
In this case the part is polished up and given a treatment to add some darkness to the nooks and crannies to make the image pop off the locket.
Check out the Alternative Jewelry Shop to see what the future of manufacturing has to offer.
