Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has revolutionised the jewellery industry by allowing designers to create detailed and precise models of jewellery before production. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in jewellery design, understanding the terminology used in CAD is essential for effectively communicating design ideas, ensuring accuracy in production, and delivering quality craftsmanship. This glossary provides clear and concise definitions of key CAD jewellery design terms, from the initial design phase to final production.
3D Modelling:
The process of creating a digital three-dimensional representation of an object, used to visualise jewellery designs from all angles.
3D Printer:
A machine that uses digital 3D models to create physical objects by layering material, often used to produce prototypes of jewellery designs.
3D Scanner:
A device that captures the geometry of physical objects and converts them into digital 3D models, useful for replicating existing jewellery designs.
Boolean Operations:
A set of functions in 3D modelling that combines or subtracts shapes using operations like union, intersection, and difference to create complex jewellery designs.
Build Plate:
The flat surface in a 3D printer where the printed object is created. In jewellery design, this is where prototypes of rings, pendants, or other pieces are printed.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design):
The use of software to create, modify, and optimise jewellery designs. CAD allows designers to visualise and perfect their ideas before physical production.
CAD Software:
Specialised programs used to design and model jewellery, such as Rhino, MatrixGold, or JewelCAD, which offer tools tailored for the jewellery industry.
Chamfer:
A sloped or bevelled edge added to the design of a piece of jewellery for aesthetic or functional purposes, commonly created using CAD tools.
Curvature:
A measure of how curved a line or surface is in a 3D model, often used to define the shape and style of rings or other jewellery components.
Dual Extrusion:
A feature in 3D printers that allows the use of two different materials or colours simultaneously, offering more creative options in jewellery prototyping.
Extruder:
The part of a 3D printer responsible for depositing material layer by layer during the printing process, critical in forming precise jewellery prototypes.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling):
A 3D printing technology that builds jewellery prototypes layer by layer using melted thermoplastic material, popular for creating basic design prototypes.
File Format (STL, OBJ, 3DM):
Digital formats used to store 3D jewellery designs. STL is common for 3D printing, while 3DM is often used for detailed CAD design files in jewellery.
High-Resolution Rendering:
A detailed and realistic visualisation of a 3D jewellery design, often used to present designs to clients or for marketing before production begins.
Layer Height:
The thickness of each individual layer in a 3D print. A smaller layer height produces a smoother finish, ideal for fine jewellery prototypes.
Loft:
A CAD tool that creates a smooth transition between two or more shapes or profiles, often used to design flowing, organic jewellery forms.
Mesh:
A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that form the surface of a 3D model. Jewellery designers refine the mesh to achieve smooth and intricate details.
NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines):
A mathematical representation used in 3D modelling for creating smooth curves and surfaces. NURBS is essential for accurately designing jewellery shapes.
Parametric Design:
A CAD technique where the geometry of a jewellery design is defined by parameters, allowing designers to easily modify the design by changing these values.
Polygon Count:
The number of polygons that make up a 3D model. In jewellery design, a higher polygon count results in more detailed and smoother surfaces for the final model.
Post-Processing:
Additional steps taken after 3D printing a jewellery prototype, such as polishing or adding details, to improve the final appearance and quality of the piece.
Raft:
A flat base printed under a 3D model to improve stability during printing. Rafts are typically removed during post-processing in jewellery design.
Resolution:
The level of detail in a 3D model, which affects the smoothness of curves and the overall fidelity of the jewellery piece once printed.
Resin Printer:
A 3D printer that uses liquid resin and ultraviolet light to create highly detailed objects, often used in jewellery design for intricate prototypes.
SLA (Stereolithography):
A 3D printing technology that uses ultraviolet light to cure layers of liquid resin, producing high-detail jewellery prototypes with smooth finishes.
Slicing:
The process of dividing a 3D model into thin layers, preparing it for 3D printing. Slicing ensures accurate printing of detailed jewellery designs.
Support Structures:
Temporary structures added to a 3D model during printing to provide stability for overhanging or complex features, often used in intricate jewellery designs.
Sweep:
A CAD technique where a shape follows a path to create a 3D form, often used in jewellery design to create bands, bezels, or other continuous shapes.
T-Splines:
A modelling technique used in CAD that allows for the creation of complex, smooth organic shapes, particularly useful in designing custom jewellery.
Topology:
The structure of how a 3D model’s surfaces are connected, crucial for ensuring a clean and printable model in jewellery CAD designs.
UV Mapping:
A process that maps a 2D image or texture onto a 3D model. In jewellery design, this helps in visualising surface finishes like engravings or patterns.
Wireframe:
A visual representation of a 3D model showing only the lines and curves of the design. Wireframes help jewellery designers understand the structure of their piece.
