[Jewelry making - Article 00132] - Re: [Orchid] CAD/CAM stuff

[Jeffrey Everett]

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    Rhino offers tremendous flexibility for design. 

    Matrix is a great program, and a real time saver. The guys at
    GemVision have done a LOT of work to write scripts in Rhino that
    automate certain functions. For more complex pieces that can't be
    done within Matrix, one simply calls the Rhino functions right within
    Matrix, as it's built on top of Rhino. 

    ArtCam includes great CAM , does great heightfield surfacing of
    domed and angled surfaces, but it weak in the modeling area. It's a
    different type of program than Rhino. 

    I haven't seen any impressive work with JewelCad, but that really
    doesn't mean anything other than I haven't seen any impressive
    work... :) 

    Jewelers also use several other programs. Some are CAD exclusive,
    and some have both CAD and CAM. I understand the newest version of
    Type3 is killer... Cimagraphi is a popular program. TrueSpace is used
    for jewelry too, as is SolidWorks, etc... 

    One really has to look at the type of jewelry they want to produce
    and purchase the program that can create it best. 

>         2 - Or does each have a specific application that it is best
>     at? 

    Yes, all are quite different. 

    Rhino is NURBS *surface* modeling at its best. I use it extensively
    and constantly to produce complex jewelry models. Matrix, as
    mentioned above, automates many complex routines to save you time. 

    ArtCam is a *heightfield* modeler and CAM program or great
    capability. It uses gradients invisibly to produce raised 3D surfaces
    from outlines, and has some basic other modeling capabilities. I
    haven't seen the latest release, but I understand it's improved
    considerably. It's quite capable in its own way, and I would love to
    own it, but it's quite expensive at about $7000. 

    I can't say much about JewelCad as I don't know anyone who uses it,
    nor have I seen any impressive work from it, which doesn't mean much
    :) 

>         3 -What has the support been like from each of these software
>     developers? 

    Rhino support A+ Matrix support A+ I don't know about the others... 

>         4 - In terms of producing an actual model, can a 4 axis
>     milling machine produce similar pieces to other RP machines such as
>     SolidScape's T66 or other types of RP machines? 

    Depends on the model, and on the capability of the CAM program to
    use 5 axis indexing for 4th axis milling. Sorry for the complexity. 4
    axis milling has several levels of sophistication, and only the most
    expensive CAM programs make full use of the 4th axis milling machine
    capabilities. Just the same, 3D printing can produce most *any*
    pattern, and 4th axis milling just simply cannot. The problem is the
    cutting tool geometry, and accessibility of the area to be cut. 

>         5 - Has anyone had any experience with Gemvision's Revo540
>     milling machine? 

    I haven't physically used on, but I can tell you it's probably one
    of the very finest 4 axis desktop machines available. 

>         6 - Those with both a CAD and CAM system in-house, has your
>     work been primarily for your own use, or do you operate as a
>     service bureau? 

    My own use, and an occasional job for jewelry stores. 

>         7 - Those that send CAD files to a service bureau, do you have
>     long lead times? Is there a shortage of service bureaus? 

    Depends on the service bureau, period. You can get two day service,
    or 2 month service, depending on who you use. 

No problem, good luck!
Jeffrey Everett


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