Historically, BOLTENSTERN has solely used polyamide for prototyping novel structures. As soon as the company started using polyamide, it became clear that the material's advantageous qualities made it appropriate for serial production as well. BOLTENSTERN intended to introduce earrings in a variety of sizes and hues to provide her clients the most options imaginable.
The layers from the printing process were visible on the pendants in the initial Laser Sintering technology (SLS) testing. Additionally, the parts' haptics weren't as good as the label's expectations for an end-use product, and the thin wall constructions readily broke.
The white polyamide powder, which necessitates the coloring of the pieces, presented a problem to BOLTENSTERN in terms of the desired color variation. Therefore, they were looking for a way to color the little, flexible plastic components. The objective is to provide distinct colors that reach every region of the earring and increase the haptics of the earrings while remaining repeatable and skin friendly.
The German 3D printing company FORMRISE, a longtime partner in manufacturing for DyeMansion, helped the jewelry producer find a solution to these problems. FORMRISE has long used our Print-to-Product workflow in-house at their production. Regardless of the part geometry, the automated cleaning, surface treatment, and coloring solutions are flexible enough to be used to all widely used 3D printing techniques for plastics. The group that includes Peter Spitzwieser and Robert Razavi is well knowledgeable about high-end consumer products and what is important for designer items. BOLTENSTERN receives advice from FORMRISE on how to improve their CAD models, place the parts correctly, and choose the best 3D printing method.
The FORMRISE Formiga P 110 from EOS is used to manufacture polyamide earrings. The DyeMansion Powershot C then automatically cleans the raw components. With PolyShot Surfacing, the Powershot S gives the components a better feel and a semi-glossy appearance (PSS). In contrast to tumbling, the mechanical process only lasts 10 minutes and does not remove any material. The DeepDye Coloring (DDC) procedure is then used in the DyeMansion DM60 to color the pendants. The procedure offers users color formulae that are ready to use down to the microgram. This makes it possible for an industrial process that is always repeatable and couldn't be simpler for the user.
The color cartridges, which are produced based on the base material, finish, and desired color, are what have the power. Four different cartridge sizes can be given depending on the volume of the parts. These have an RFID chip that transmits to the DM60 all process parameters in QM ready form.
Value Increase Through Finish & Color
The earrings cost 140€ when purchased from BOLTENSTERN together with sterling silver components. Only by utilizing the appropriate coloring and finishing technologies can 3D printing be used for something other than prototype.
Efficient Surfacing for End-Use Parts
Initially, the surface was treated by tumbling, which frequently led to the destruction of specific earring components. In direct contrast, the Powershot S's single application of the DyeMansion PolyShot Surfacing (PSS) technique results in a uniform, semi-glossy surface that is comfortable to wear against the skin. The procedure doesn't change the part's geometry and just takes ten minutes. As a result, this product does not require the dangerous tumbling process, which also results in lower prices. PSS causes the pores to shut. A much enhanced, homogenous surface is the end product. This is crucial for coloring the pieces, in particular. The dyes are taken up much more homogeneously from the base material.
Maximum Flexibility With 180 Possible Combinations
180 potential combinations can be created with the 20 available colors, 3 sizes, and 3 different ear studs. So, BOLTENSTERN may provide the highest level of originality to its clients. The earrings can be worn in a variety of ways depending on the situation, dress, and mood. The brand also provides tips on which outfits and styles go best together on their website. A entirely new way of thinking and producing goods is now possible thanks to the utilization of 3D printing technologies. Fine, flexible structures that could not be constructed by hand may now be produced without issues and in one piece thanks to the accuracy of a Formiga P 110. With the use of 3D printing and our Print-to-Product workflow, the label is able to release items with extraordinary diversity and speed.
Fast Reaction to Color Trends
It was critical for BOLTENSTERN to be able to respond rapidly to client demands and market developments from the start. The official Pantone Color of the Year for 2020, Classic Blue, is a prime illustration. The hue was rapidly generated for a limited edition in Pantone Classic Blue with the aid of our Color Matching service.
Source: https://dyemansion.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dyemansion_case_study_boltenstern_3d-printed_jewelry_en-2.pdf