What Are the Best 3D Printers for Jewelry?

Before reaching a verdict, it is important to conduct a technical analysis of the various 3D printing technologies currently available on the market, as well as the consumable materials they use.

 

SLA Printers

The first widely adopted 3D printing technology was SLA (Stereolithography). In this process, objects are created using a UV laser that moves across an XY plane, solidifying photosensitive resin layer by layer. These layers, attached to a vertically moving build platform, form the 3D object. The Form 1+ by Formlabs was one of the first widely available SLA printers, making 3D printing accessible to a broader audience. SLA printers can print not only castable resins for jewelry but also other materials, such as resins for rubber mold production (used in jewelry and dentistry) or technical materials for engineering applications.

Alongside Formlabs, another brand that has made history in this technology is the Italian company DWS. Thanks to its rapid adoption in the jewelry market, resin manufacturers began developing castable resins with performance increasingly similar to wax used in casting.

 

Pros:

• Very smooth surfaces
• High dimensional accuracy
• Variety of materials available
•  Generous build volumes

 

Cons:

• Slow printing speed
• Maintenance costs
• High cost of consumables
• Need for printing supports

 

DLP Printers

Concurrently with the spread of SLA printers, DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printers also gained popularity. Instead of a laser, they use a UV projector to polymerize an entire resin layer at once, allowing for faster printing speeds compared to SLA printers. While generally more expensive, DLP printers offer greater productivity. Like SLA printers, they can use various types of resins and are widely used in sectors such as jewelry and dentistry. Notable brands include Asiga, Protospeed, and Solus.

 

Pros:

- High printing speed

- Ability to print various materials

- Dimensional accuracy

 

Cons:

- High cost

- Limited build volume

- High cost of consumables

- Need for printing supports

 

Wax Printers

Wax printers for jewelry appeared on the market in the early 2000s. Working with wax, they allow for the direct creation of models ready for lost wax casting. Another advantage is the ability to print without supports, thanks to the use of soluble support material. However, their high cost and limited printing speed have made this technology less accessible and appealing over time.

For years, wax printers were the most sought-after technology for creating jewelry. Over time, the mass adoption of SLA and DLP technologies, along with significant advancements in castable resins for LCD and SLA printers, has increasingly challenged the dominance of wax printing.

An additional drawback of wax printers is their slower printing speed, which remains inferior to competing technologies despite advancements. Another limitation is their exclusive use of wax as a printing material, which prevents the creation of models for rubber molding or printing very thin layers due to the material's fragility.

Due to their high costs, required investment, and the need for continuous production to prevent printhead clogging, this technology has been used almost exclusively by large jewelry manufacturers since its inception.

 

Pros:

• Highly castable wax models
• No need for supports

 

Cons:

• High cost
• Bulky size and maintenance
• Slow printing speed
• Limited material options

 

LCD Printers

The first LCD printers entered the market between 2017 and 2018, revolutionizing the industry by significantly reducing the initial investment cost. Today, high-quality machines are available for less than 500 euros. Among the most popular brands are Phrozen, Elegoo, and Anycubic.

The success of this type of printer was driven not only by its affordable price but also by its high print quality and good production speed, although DLP printers remain the fastest. Offering the same level of detail at about one-tenth the cost of SLA and DLP printers (not to mention wax ones), LCD printers quickly became the most widely used printing technology in the jewelry sector.

At the same time, research focused on developing increasingly efficient castable resins, which now rival the performance of wax-based printers.

 

Pros:

• High definition
• Low cost
• Good printing speed

 

Cons:

• Need for supports

 

Conclusions

There is no single answer to the question, "What is the best 3D printer for jewelry?" The choice depends on various factors such as budget, production volume, and specific needs. LCD printers, with their affordable cost and good performance, are becoming an increasingly attractive option. The ongoing evolution of castable resins is making this technology more competitive than ever.