CASTING REPORT furnaces from Japan and Germany, which then feed into a non-pollution exhaust system equipped with an advanced after-burner. New technologies surrounding ‘green’ or eco-friendly manufacturing processes is a major focus of local suppliers, with all making major investments in this area. The benefits of these improved processes – as well as steps like preventing packaging waste with biodegradable options, and reducing energy through solar power and more efficient machinery – are not only good for the planet, they also make economic sense. CAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Add Rapid to your Bench. There are two major developments in the casting sector. By far the biggest has been the increasing prominence of 3D printing, and by extension CAD/CAM. The Are you looking for a professional, reliable, fully trackable casting company? major driver has been the significant fall in cost, leading manufacturing jewellers to embrace them as part of the production process. Add Rapid to CHEMGOLD your Bench. Ben Farago, production manager Rapid Casting, says, “We have gone from jewellers staring wide-eyed at the mention of 3D printing to it being common to have a low cost 3D printer in relatively small workshops,” adding that it’s now a prevalent and sustainable part of the jewellery trade. “We have seen jewellers go from seeing 3D printing as almost a threat and something they needed to compete with, to being widely accepted.” Are you looking for a professional, reliable, fully trackable casting company? THE NITON XL2-100 USES XRF FOR METAL ANALYSIS. IMAGE: CHEMGOLD This presents a marked change from previous years and while some anticipated it would have a negative impact on printing volumes for casting houses, the opposite has proved true. The process of jewellery manufacture is now more integrated between jewellers and casting houses. Darren Sher, director Chemgold, explains: “The majority of jewellers that buy 3D printers use them to create a prototype to show their customer, or send the wax or resin to a reputable casting company such as Chemgold. Whilst the prices of 3D printers are becoming less, so are print fees and most of our customers prefer to leave the casting to us to ensure its at the absolute highest quality, and so they don’t have to worry about other fees such as courier costs. Emailing a file takes a few seconds compared to processing, packaging and sending!” “Previously I predicted the cost of 3D printers would be below $1,000 within ten years – it happened in seven,” says Botha. It’s not just jewellers that have embraced this new technology, with Farago noting, “A few years back, casting companies wouldn’t even accept third party castable Add Add Rapid to your Bench. Bench. Traditional and Digital Casting Professionals! www.rapidcasting.com.au C A D From CAD to Cast IN 3 DAYS Instant online quoting Overnight printing Overnight casting Fastest job turnaround in Australia Are you looking for a professional, reliable, fully trackable casting company? Are you looking for a professional, reliable, fully trackable casting company? Traditional and Digital Casting Professionals! www.rapidcasting.com.au kable casting and jewellery CAD/CAM services. Visit our website for instant quotes and ordering. +61 2 9557 9468 info@rapidcasting.com.au From CAD to Cast IN 3 DAYS Instant online quoting Overnight printing Overnight casting Fastest job turnaround in Australia Traditional and Digital Casting Professionals! www.rapidcasting.com.au ® Trackable casting and jewellery CAD/CAM services. Visit our website for instant quotes and ordering. C A D From CAD to Cast IN 3 DAYS Instant online quoting +61 2 9557 9468 info@rapidcasting.com.au ®
Tradition meets Technology. Palloys. Your partner in all things jewellery. Design. Printing. Casting. Finishing. Fabricated Metals. Findings. Refining. 1300 886 108 AUSTRALIA WIDE palloys.com