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Difficulty: Intermediate
Objective: Learn how to go about printing jewelry, specifically custom wedding rings, and hear my experience with doing so.


Why you should 3D print your wedding ring?


At first I didn't even consider 3D printing, however my wedding band shopping experience was so unsuccessful that it led me to 3D print a ring. I had looked at dozens of stores in person and online but could not find anything that I would want on my hand everyday, for the rest of my life. I wanted to have a ring that was unique, symbolic, simple, geometric, fit my style, and something I felt attachment towards. I found a store that did custom design and became interested in going that route. It was then that I realized that instead of paying someone else $600 to design a ring that they would 3D print, that I could do it myself.

So within about 30 minutes I had created a custom design ring using Blender, drove to a jewelry store, and it was ready to be 3D Printed and completed in a day. I saved $600 in design fees, have the ring of my dreams, and it is more special to me because I am the creator of it. Also I should mention that I still had not found a ring days before my wedding, so being able to complete the whole process in less than 24 hours was a huge plus. And most importantly, it is awesome. 

How to actually 3D print it?

Designing Your Ring

The first step is to come up with the 3D model, which can be done with free software such as Blender or Autodesk 123D Design. For most ring designs, anyone can quickly learn enough of these programs to create their dream ring. So I highly recommend looking into designing the ring yourself no matter what level or skills you have in 3D modeling. If you don't want to design the ring yourself, then you can hire someone else to design it for you (animator, engineer, industrial designer, etc. should have the capabilities). 

The next step is the harder one which is to make sure your model can be printed. Or in other words that it is manifold geometry. See these posts for more detailed information:

Finding a Printer

The last step will be finding a place to print your model. For most printing companies they will print your model in plastic first and then make another mold using that plastic part. This new mold will then be injected with the material, for example, gold will be melted down and ejected into the mold. Lastly the mold will harden and then be put in a tumbler/ polishing device in order to make the ring look good.

You will be surprised how many businesses nearby will be willing to do this. When I made mine I was in Reno so I choose http://www.bvwjewelers.com which I would highly recommend. But you could also find a company online such as Shapeways that you can email your design and have your ring mailed to you. 

How much does it cost to 3D print a wedding ring?

Design Cost

For me it was free (or 20 minutes of my time), otherwise this will depend on the designer. The store I went to charged $600 to design it, but as I mentioned earlier, I believe most people should and can design it themselves. 

Material Cost

The price here varies greatly. I love yellow gold and knew that was the only material that I wanted. So for me the material cost was about $650, however if I was to print the ring in Silver it would have been only $40. If I choose platinum then the cost would have easily been in the thousands.

3D Printing Cost

This will depend on the company, my cost to print the ring in plastic and make the mold was $125

Company Charges & Tax

There may be some other charges for service, polishing, and taxes which may add a couple hundred onto the cost. 

Total Cost

As many of these categories greatly vary, I believe the cost is anywhere from $150 to $2000, mine was about $900 due mostly to the cost of gold. 

What materials can I print in?

Gold, Platinum, Silver, Aluminum, Rubber, just about anything you would want. Here is a list of the materials shape ways uses: Materials

What I Learned and Would Recommend

  • Go to a store in person and try on various rings because what you want changes when its not just a picture and actually on your finger (Weight, Size, Color, Material, Thinkness, etc.). 
  • Make sure the 3D Printer can handle the detail. 
  • Most printers will charge the same cost to print 1 ring or 10 rings, so print as many as you can or perhaps different rings all at once to save money. Print cuff links, earrings, etc.
  • Look up ring design tips. For example, I knew I wanted a comfort fit so I beveled the edges of my ring. Don't make the ring too thin.

And, yes I just got married, hence why there hasn't been any recent posts.


Please leave your comments.

and as always thanks for visiting,
The 3D Printing Ninja

3DNinjaneer@gmail.com




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Previous:



What would you do to improve the logo? Please comment below on improvements.




Objective: See what topics and posts this blog contains about 3D Printing. Also see what posts are to come.



You can zoom and pan on the Prezi above. Or you can use the arrows as well. If there is a topic that isn't listed on here please leave a comment and I will consider adding it. Click here if the Prezi above isn't working:
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Please leave a comment.
And as always, thanks for visiting
3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com



Objective: Learn what Cool things can be 3D Printed.

Today is my birthday, so I decided to do a post that would be fun! When it comes to things I get, I tend to be practical. For example, when I buy souvenirs from a foreign country i buy things like clothes, because you can use them. The same goes for 3D printing, I like objects that are practical, not just some random object. So here are my favorite things that I have seen printed. These are based on my opinion of feasibility, beauty, and practicality.

Lamps

These are simply beautiful. A modern look, yet also naturally mimics life. They have inspired me to make a model that will go over a candle to produce shadows on the wall. Eventually when I have a house of my own I can guarantee these will be all over my place...





Dial Calipers

I am an engineer, I can't help but geek out over these.

As seen

Cases (iPhone, Ipad, etc)

These are clique, but I think they are amazing because they are so easy to make, yet can be so creative and unique.

Lego Case (as seen)



Gear Case (as seen)



Cookie cutters

Perhaps I like this one because it seems so random. I mean, who would have put 3D Printing and Cookie Cutters together. Its an idea I laugh at and then think, its genius! I am planning on making a kitchen tool that slices pineapples one day.

Mustache Cookie Cutter


Darth Vader Cookie Cutter



Jewelry

Take a guess how my wedding ring will be made? I will give you a hint, I'm definitely not spending thousands of $ on one. It will involve a wood-like material and a 3D printer...



Voronoi Bracelete (as seen)



Legos

Sometimes parents will bring their children into my classes to learn 3D printing and I am so jealous of these kids. I love Legos but my abilities were so limited compared to what they can do with 3D printing. I know what excuse I will bring up when I have kids...




Mugs

These have so much character to them. We can't all be this cool.




Coasters

If you enjoyed this list check out:

Please leave your comments.

And as always thanks for visiting,
The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com







         Like most people I had heard of “3D Printing,” a phrase thrown around often, yet I had no way to really conceptualize what this technology entailed. It wasn’t until I had left my job for an internship in Shanghai and was replaced, leaving me to find a new job. As luck proved, I was able to find a new job in 3D printing job in which I run, customize, and teach people about 3D printing. A position earned by my studliness and possible due to my knowledge of CAD Design.


         Since then (2013) I have spent about 15 hours at work as well as free time each week with 3d Printing and related topics. I work at the Harold B. Library, which is leading the way as one of the first places that allows public access to a 3D Printer. We print almost 24/7 and are on our way to get a second 3D printer. Here is the Library page which I keep updated during the school year: http://guides.lib.byu.edu/3Dprinting

I have become the well experienced in 3D Printing as I have assisted in hundreds of projects including blood cells, NASA model rockets, orthodontist retainer molds, architecture pieces, prototyping for business purposes, model train parts, to cookie cutters… And that is all I will say because I can’t promote myself. Hopefully the followers will be able to recommend me also as an expert. That is the goal.


         Each summer I seem to start something new probably due to the lack of work I am used to from engineering courses during the school year. This summer I am living in Moscow, Russia and have decided to start this blog. My intention behind this blog is for myself to have a regular habit as well as promote the idea of open source software and freedom of ideas and knowledge. More importantly, upon starting 3D printing I found it hard to find information, and so I hope this blog serves as that source of 3D printing information for those who are in a similar situation as I was. 

         Please follow my blog, comment, and I will do my best to help assist you in whatever aspect of 3D Printing you would like to know more in. Whether you are completely new to 3D Printing or have a good amount of experience, I hope I can help you learn something. Please provide me with feedback - positive or negative.


Cheers,
        




Overview: This post explains the purpose of the blog. In addition it explains how to best use this blog to help you learn what you want to.

How to use this Blog?


This blog emphasizes the use of free and open source software with low budget, commercial 3D printers. It covers all topics related to 3D printing; from computer design software to augmented reality. It is intended for people who are just starting to professionals. Therefore each post has a difficulty rating in the top left corner, followed by an overview. The levels are: noob, intermediate, and advanced. 

How to use Labels?


I have made pages that have sorted similar topics together on a page. Likewise you can find posts by their lable or in the search bar in the upper right hand side. For example if you are just starting, you can click on the lable "Noob" to see all the posts to help get you started. Labels are found when you hover the mouse on the upper right hand side of the page as seen in the picture above.

Please comment!


In America we say the first bird gets the worm. In some countries they say the first worm gets eaten by the bird. In my blog world, I go by the first bird gets the worm. So the first people who comment or ask me questions will get a post answering their question. Positive or negative feedback, tell me how much I helped or how I am wrong. Whatever you have to say please comment. Without your comments and questions I cannot read your mind to determine what posts I should do next. 

Original Purpose



The blog started out as a means to help those who are new to 3D printing become competent.

When I first started getting into 3D printing, I felt that there was a lack of resources, especially good resources, to answer my questions and guide me. I didnt want someone to have to go through what I had to, so I made a blog to help others. I also wanted a place where my clients from my job could access information without me needing to be there. I thought it would be healthy idea for me to do it as a hobby.

Evolved Purpose



To provide information and resources to assist people with 3D printing to beautify their environments, solve their problems, and most importantly to help reduce world poverty.

One day I realized that 3D printing was more than just my hobby, it is something I am passionate about. It is something I can devote my life to. I see infinite potential and excitement with 3D printing to the point that I can not imagine myself not being involved. It involves an combination of art, science, math, and engineering. All of which I enjoy and exceed at.

I know that small choices lead to grand endeavors. Perhaps I will inspire a couple to create a nostalgic anniversary gift to place in their home. Perhaps I will inspire someone to create a means to provide clean water for their village. Seen or unseen, seeming small or large, this is my compass to this blog.

Enjoy


Enjoy learning and feel free to take information from this blog. And if you could help me get this blog popular by sharing it, I would appreciate that. The best things in life are often free.

Please leave your comments.

and as always thanks for visiting,
The 3D Printing Ninja
3DNinjaneer@gmail.com



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