Revving Up the Burnout Process


The internet has put the world at our fingertips. In minutes or less you can start a video chat with a friend in Hong Kong, download a recipe and ingredient list for Pad Thai to your smartphone, or buy a new HDTV. So why shouldn't you expect the same immediate gratification when shopping for an engagement ring?.

2 Minute Read

By Tina Wojtkielo SnyderMore from this author

The internet has put the world at our fingertips. In minutes or less you can start a video chat with a friend in Hong Kong, download a recipe and ingredient list for Pad Thai to your smartphone, or buy a new HDTV. So why shouldn't you expect the same immediate gratification when shopping for an engagement ring?

Unique Settings of New York in Long Island City, New York, has centered its business model around the modern consumer's need for speed when making a fine jewelry purchase. The company is dedicated to delivering any item in its product line, in any metal and with any quality of diamonds, in three to five business days. Unique will also customize any existing product to meet a client's needs in that time frame. For example, if a consumer wants to remount their diamond in one of the company's popular halo engagement rings but the stone size doesn't fit, Unique will customize the design to suit. And if the consumer requires a new design from scratch, Unique promises to move from sketch to finished product in seven to 10 business days upon approval.

To meet those quick turnarounds, Unique has found a way to speed up the burnout process for its rapid prototype (RP) material. "One of our biggest challenges as a company that manufactures 1,200 to 1,300 special orders every week is speed," says Matthew Ego, director of operations for Unique. "All of our pieces can be customized, so when we get an order that requires tweaks to an existing design, we don't have time to grow a new RP model, mold it, and shoot a wax. We go straight from RP to casting — and we need to do so as quickly as possible."

After growing the model on the 3D Systems ProJet CP 3000, which uses VisiJet material for 3-D printing, Unique goes straight to investing with Doc Robinson's Miracle Casting Plaster from Precious Metals West/Fine Gold. "This investment features a unique property that actually starts the burnout process before the flask is even placed into the oven," says Ego. As Doc's investment cures, the binding agent heats up, eventually reaching a temperature of 120°F/49°C in open air.

"The investment actually starts to steam," says Ego. "After pouring the flasks and vacuuming for two minutes, we let them sit out for one hour elevated from the surface, and in that time most of the RP material [is evacuated]. We put the flasks into the oven at 1,250°F/677°C for 30 to 45 minutes, then leave them in the oven until it cools to 600°F/316°C to complete our burnout procedure. The total process from pouring the investment to casting the flasks takes three hours max as opposed to about eight hours using the traditional lost-wax investing and burnout schedule we used to follow."

This is a critical process improvement that helps Unique manufacture a high volume of bridal jewelry to order and ship it off to its customers in five business days or less. "To be this versatile, we have to use a system like this," says Ego. "Speed, combined with a quality product, is what sets us apart."

In association with

The award-winning Journal is published monthly by MJSA, the trade association for professional jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It offers design ideas, fabrication and production techniques, bench tips, business and marketing insights, and trend and technology updates—the information crucial for business success. “More than other publications, MJSA Journal is oriented toward people like me: those trying to earn a living by designing and making jewelry,” says Jim Binnion of James Binnion Metal Arts.

Click here to read our latest articles
Click here to get a FREE four-month trial subscription.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.


Tina Wojtkielo Snyder

The All-In-One Jewelry Making Solution At Your Fingertips

When you join the Ganoksin community, you get the tools you need to take your work to the next level.

Become a Member

Trusted Jewelry Making Information & Techniques

Sign up to receive the latest articles, techniques, and inspirations with our free newsletter.