CAD/CAM


Learn how to use Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for jewelry making. Read these program reviews and practical guides.

CNC Milling vs. 3D Printing

For someone new to the jewelry industry, the sheer assortment of tools and equipment in the typical workshop can be...
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CAD/CAM: Jewelry Industry Benefits

CAD/CAM is a term that describes the two-part process of designing three-dimensional objects on a computer (CAD) and manufacturing them...
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CAD/CAM Systems for Metals and Jewelry

If you are involved with computers you know how rapidly things are changing, prices are sinking and capabilities increasing. Computer...
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CAD Modeling Prong Settings

CAD Modeling Prong Settings

If you're designing jewelry using CAD, understanding how the piece will be cast and then set and finished at the...
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CAD/CAM: The Basics

What if you could sit down at your computer, spend a little time manipulating the mouse, keyboard or electronic pencil...
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Preparing 3D Acrylic Photopolymer Patterns

Preparing 3D Acrylic Photopolymer Patterns

Editors Note: This article is excerpted from “A New Method for Preparing 3D Acrylic Photopolymer Patterns for Investment Casting,” a...
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Retracing Steps to Solve Casting Problems

Retracing Steps to Solve Casting Problems

A design riddled with undercuts and sharp little details just screams casting nightmare the moment the CAD file shows up....
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Joel Kahn’s Qbasic Jewelry Gallery

My day job used to be comptroller at a jewelry store. My hobby is computer graphics. These images are the...
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CAD 3D Mesh Models

CAD 3D Mesh Models

3D mesh models can add dimension and originality to your Matrix designs. Resources for finding and building 3D mesh models...
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CAD/CAM Techniques

CAD/CAM Techniques

The strength of Computer Aided Design &  Manufacturing is similar to that of any other tool on the bench:it is...
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Translating Line Art into 3D Models in Matrix

Translating Line Art into 3D Models in Matrix

Line art, such as logos, family crests, text or numbers, cartoon characters, and even sketches can be quickly and easily...
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Jewelry Design and Manufacturing Process

Jewelry Design and Manufacturing Process

At GLJW it iss not unusual to see the sales staff wearing jewelers aprons and optivisors at one of the...
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CAD/CAM Designer Tools

CAD/CAM Designer Tools

This segment from the 2017 MJSA Journal November issue is dedicated to metals, tools, software and more that aids jewelers...
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Melee Sizes for Better Layouts

Melee Sizes for Better Layouts

In modern-day fine jewelry, the most commonly used stone material is round brilliant-cut (RBC) diamond melee. Widely available in a...
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CAD Design Problems

CAD Design Problems

Making jewelry is the perfect confluence of art and science. It’s where aesthetic and inspiration meet application and practicality. Computer-aided...
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Metalsmith Suite iPhone App Test

Metalsmith Suite iPhone App Test

The jewelry industry today is not what it was 15 or 20 years ago. From CAD/CAM to inventory control software,...
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Virtual Engraving in Matrix

Virtual Engraving in Matrix

When using CAD/CAM products like Gemvision's Matrix, there are a number of "virtual" techniques to achieve renderings that more closely...
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Overcoming Lightweight Casting Challenges

Overcoming Lightweight Casting Challenges

It's no wonder that as precious metals prices have risen to new heights over the past few years, jewelry castings...
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Practical Approach to CAD/CAM

Once more the realm of engineers and number-crunchers, CAD over the years has become more user-friendly and artisan-intuitive. Similarly, small-shop,...
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Superfit’s Hinge and Latch System

Superfit’s Hinge and Latch System

Getting a superior fit on your next custom ring order could be just a few mouse clicks away. Superfit Inc.,...
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The CounterSketch Studio

The CounterSketch Studio

Matt Stuller and Jeff High first started talking seriously about the idea that would become CounterSketch Studio in 2008. The...
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Resolving Surface Irregularities in T-Splines

Resolving Surface Irregularities in T-Splines

T-splines, a plug-in for Rhinoceros CAD software and bundled with Matrix 7 and above, is a great modeling tool for...
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CAD Repair Programs for Unprintable Files

CAD Repair Programs for Unprintable Files

Using CAD repair programs to save unprintable files You spend hours creating a custom piece in CAD for one of...
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Michael’s Designs & ArtCAM

Michael’s Designs & ArtCAM

Michael Buckley from Michael's Designs describes himself as a jeweller who has come from a traditional hand crafted approach to...
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CAD/CAM: Creating a Class Ring – Part 1

CAD/CAM: Creating a Class Ring – Part 1

Advanced Jewelry Technologies (owned by this author) and Rio Grande are introducing a new CAD CAM system designed to make...
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Low-Cost Rapid Prototype Systems

Low-Cost Rapid Prototype Systems

Five years ago, if you wanted to buy an additive manufacturing machine to grow rapid prototype (RP) models in your...
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Bezel For Cabochon Using Rhino

Bezel For Cabochon Using Rhino

We have imported a cabochon 10x8 stone to make a bezel around it using Rhinoceros software.
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CAD/CAM: Passion and Innovation

CAD/CAM: Passion and Innovation

Greg Stopka and his wife Lee began JewelSmiths 18 years ago with a belief they could succeed by providing jewelry...
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Creative Freedom with Technology

Creative Freedom with Technology

The jewelry industry has seen a veritable flood of new technologies in recent years—from CAD/CAM and laser welders to new...
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CAD/CAM Wedding Set Finishing and Setting

CAD/CAM Wedding Set Finishing and Setting

Computer aided design (CAD) was used to develop three designs in multiple views to show the customer. After the design...
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Jesse Kaufman’s Career Comeback

Jesse Kaufman’s Career Comeback

Carpal tunnel syndrome nearly ended Jesse Kaufman's career as a bench jeweler and goldsmith. But CAD/CAM technology, [Orchid] a supportive...
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Eternity Band with Matrix@

Eternity Band with Matrix@

Using a builder tool we will make an eternity band. Then, we will alter it so the stones don't go...
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The New Interactive Jewelry Design Technology

The New Interactive Jewelry Design Technology

Take one 2.5 ct. cushion-cut peridot, add to it one very picky technical writer from a jewelry design software company,...
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The Power of CAD Selling

The Power of CAD Selling

As they say in the theological world, "necessity is the mother of invention" is just about how CAD or computer...
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Paul Klecka Joins the Digital Revolution

Paul Klecka Joins the Digital Revolution

Without a doubt, jewelry designer Paul Klecka has joined the digital jewelry design revolution. Evolving from a traditional business model...
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Digital Imaging

Digital Imaging

This segment from the 2017 MJSA Journal November issue is dedicated to metals, tools, software and more that aids jewelers...
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Extra Setting Material for CAD Files

Extra Setting Material for CAD Files

When setting gemstones into castings that started life as CAD files, jewelers often complain that they don't have quite enough...
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CAD/CAM: Modeling Project in JewelSpace

CAD/CAM: Modeling Project in JewelSpace

CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing) is bringing a new efficiency and profitability to the jewelry workplace. Who is better...
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Setting Trends with CAD-CAMs

Setting Trends with CAD-CAMs

In addition to reducing the labor required to move a design from the sketch stage to the actual model, CAD...
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Testing the CAD/CAM LMR Mold Compound

Testing the CAD/CAM LMR Mold Compound

The new Romanoff LMR is a clear silicone RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) liquid mold rubber compound with a platinum-containing catalyst,...
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CAD/CAM and Expertise of David Nytch

CAD/CAM and Expertise of David Nytch

David Nytch, proprietor of West ' Co. an independently owned jewelry store in Webster, NY is changing the way customers...
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Basic Four Prong Setting

Basic Four Prong Setting

Using Matrix software to make a 4 prong setting and alter on the fly!
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123WaxRing movie shows an easy way to create jewelry wax mod

123WaxRing movie shows an easy way to create jewelry wax mod

Jewelers use wax models to cast rings and other jewelry. CNC machining is a great way to create such wax...
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Cross-Sectional Critique

Cross-Sectional Critique

This article is a  Cross-Sectional Critique of applying clipping planes to model manufacturability written by Darla Alvarez of GIA Jewelry...
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CAD Craft In Ron Litolff’s Ring

CAD Craft In Ron Litolff’s Ring

To create a new ring to showcase the beauty of a customer's sentimental diamonds, Knoxville, Tennesseebased jeweler Ron Litolff of...
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ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Modelling in the 3D View

ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Modelling in the 3D View

Creaing a basic ring shank only using the 3D view in ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009
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Ryan Roberts’ First CAD Design

Ryan Roberts’ First CAD Design

When all sides of a dangle earring are beautiful, choosing the side to face front can be problematic. Ryan Roberts...
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Phillip Voetsch’s Jewelry Design Process

Phillip Voetsch’s Jewelry Design Process

Phillip Voetsch is an accomplished designer and master level bench jeweler, he began using 3D CAD/CAM technology 3 1/2 years...
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Reinventing Retail with CAD

Reinventing Retail with CAD

Greg Stopka of JewelSmiths in Pleasant Hill , California , has been in the jewelry business since he was eight...
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Modified CAD Design

Modified CAD Design

What do you do when you realize your virtual inventory is virtually impossible to manufacture? With so many jewelry designers...
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Battle Axe 2 sided milling, part3

Battle Axe 2 sided milling, part3

2 sided milling
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CAD render designs

CAD render designs

organic style
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custom necklace part 7,, the last part

custom necklace part 7,, the last part

Making of a custom 10 y gold Versace link necklace, polishing and finished piece,,thanks blingbling.ca
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From CAD to Jewelry

From CAD to Jewelry

Although jewelry design by goldsmiths and designers is characterized by unique pieces, unlike the industrial production of jewelry, ever greater...
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CAD/CAM: Choosing Desktop Mills

CAD/CAM technology is one of the biggest advances in the history of jewelry making. But how can we use this...
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Graffiti Fatcap Name Necklace

Graffiti Fatcap Name Necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61907383/graffiti-tag-personalised-sterling
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Skull Ring CNC project part 1

Skull Ring CNC project part 1

A custom cnc modelmaster mill and Artcam Jewelsmith project
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Revising Milled CAD/CAM Models

Revising Milled CAD/CAM Models

I have great respect for the capabilities of CAD/CAM technology, and Ive seen some absolutely amazing pieces generated by it....
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CAD/CAM: Creating a Class Ring – Part 2

CAD/CAM: Creating a Class Ring – Part 2

These step-by-step instruction manual guides the process (see procedure for making the class ring). With a core product to produce,...
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Discover the Benefits of CAD/CAM

Discover the Benefits of CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM is a term that describes the two-part process of designing three-dimensional objects on a computer (CAD) and manufacturing them...
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Webinar with Bathsheba Sculpture: using T-Splines to create

Webinar with Bathsheba Sculpture: using T-Splines to create

This is a recording of a March 30, 2010 webinar entitled "Using T-Splines to create products and sculptures." In the...
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Four Prong Gallery Head

Four Prong Gallery Head

A simple 4 prong gallery head made using Rhinoceros@ by McNeel and Associates and presented by www.thejewelrycadinstitute.com
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The Scorpion

The Scorpion

File produced and animated in Matrix 3D software.
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Skull Ring cnc project part 2

Skull Ring cnc project part 2

Skull Ring custom cnc project, artcam , modelmaster cnc
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Graffiti Style Pendant

Graffiti Style Pendant

Handstyle Grafitti Sterling Silver Pendant cut n spray is for a stencil battle prize over at cutnspray.com You can join...
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The Digital Tool Debate Continues

In approaching this article, I found there are many avenues to pursue in the exciting and controversial subject of digital...
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Matrix Version 7.0 Demonstration

Matrix Version 7.0 Demonstration

A demonstration of how to make a chocolate tahitian pearl ring using T-Splines within the Matrix 7.0 program
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Features and Benefits of 3Design

Features and Benefits of 3Design

Features and Benefits of 3Design
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Praying Panda Pendant

Praying Panda Pendant

Sterling silver panda pendant
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Matrix Render Pave Dome Ring

Matrix Render Pave Dome Ring

Using the rendering plugin for Matrix called V-Ray to render a pave dome ring.
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Conversations on Technology

Conversations on Technology

Conversations on Technology happened during a couple of cold winter evenings, Stanley Lechtzin and Michael Dunas examined ideas raised at...
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Zevs chanel Liquidated Art or Vandalism inspired pendant

Zevs chanel Liquidated Art or Vandalism inspired pendant

Zevs is a French artist,this pendant is inspired by his work. I like stencil/graffiti art,not all of it,but it seems...
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Virtual Training Made Easy

Virtual Training Made Easy

This is a description of how to work on a virtual pc to understand the world of CAD modeling
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Versace Necklace Part 1

Versace Necklace Part 1

Cnc on modelmaster and artcam jewelsmith
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ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Horse Sculpting

ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Horse Sculpting

Creation of a 3D horse using ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 sculpting and embossing tools
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Battle Axe pendent 2 sided milling part2

Battle Axe pendent 2 sided milling part2

a 2 sided milling project
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Battle Axe 2 sided milling ,part1

Battle Axe 2 sided milling ,part1

a two sided milling video
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Computer Engraving Silver Nameplate

Computer Engraving Silver Nameplate

Computer Engraving Silver Nameplate
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Versace necklace part 2

Versace necklace part 2

the making of a custom necklace
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Steve Abbott’s Knotwork Program

Steve Abbott’s Knotwork Program

A cool application to create a computer generated Celtic Knots Knots3D is written in Visual Basic 6. It comes...
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Why CAD

Why CAD

Why CAD
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Monogram Pendant

Monogram Pendant

Silver
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Mini Lady Gaga Pendant

Mini Lady Gaga Pendant

Collaboration with and artist @ deviantART MajorEmpress
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Trellis 4-prong head

Trellis 4-prong head

In this video I go over the designing of a 4 prong trellis type head using Matrix software.
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ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Image to Model

ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Image to Model

Creating a relief model form an image using very simple modelling tools in ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009
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ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Visulisation

ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Visulisation

Exporting a relief as a 3D pDF for customer aproval
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oh fortuna Silver Monogram

oh fortuna Silver Monogram

Close up monogram pendant
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Wedding Band-Outside Lettering

Wedding Band-Outside Lettering

Using Matrix software to create a channel type wedding band with lettering
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Matrix@4 prong gallery head

Matrix@4 prong gallery head

Creating a 4 prong gallery head using Matrix@ software. Easy import of stone and head builder technology to complete setting...
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Custom Necklace Part 5

Custom Necklace Part 5

The making of a custom necklace, artcam , modelmaster , casting, burn out , polishing,
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Versace Custom necklace part 3

Versace Custom necklace part 3

the building of a custom 10 k yellow gold necklace, artcam jewelsmith, and modelmaster cnc
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Bending Prongs in CAD-Method 1

Bending Prongs in CAD-Method 1

We show you how to bend the prongs over a one carat stone to make it look like it is...
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Custom Necklace Part 6

Custom Necklace Part 6

the casting polishing assembly of the 10 k yellow Versace custom necklace
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Bending Prongs in CAD-Version Two

Bending Prongs in CAD-Version Two

In this short video we will show you how to bend prongs over a stone in cad using Matrix 3D...
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Making a Silver Punk Rock nameplate

Making a Silver Punk Rock nameplate

I could find a Punk Rock font,so I designed my own using Sex Pistol gig posters. Here's the result. I...
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Custom Necklace part 4

Custom Necklace part 4

The building of a custom 10 k. yellow gold necklace,, artcam jewelsmith, modelmaster cnc, casting , burnout and stuff like...
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ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Whats New

ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009 – Whats New

Whats New in ArtCAM JewelSmith 2009.
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