01 intro

ArtCAM JewelSmith Projects To allow greater freedom and complex 3D design, ArtCAM JewelSmith adopts a unique process of model making, where by all associated files or components are cre

ArtCAM 1 Introduction

1 Introduction

Introduction

ArtCAM JewelSmith is a complete 3D design and manufacturing solution Based on the

ArtCAM Pro framework, JewelSmith provides further tools specifically for Jewellery

designers and manufacturers

With ArtCAM JewelSmith a wide range of complex 3D rings, pendants and other items of

jewellery can be generated These items can be machined rotary, flat or inside or by a

combination to produce the finished wax model They can be displayed in a variety of metals

with the gemstones to show the final piece

ArtCAM JewelSmith Projects

To allow greater freedom and complex 3D design, ArtCAM JewelSmith adopts a unique

process of model making, where by all associated files or components are created and stored

within a single Project folder When this project is initially created, a 3D master model file

(* 3DP) is also created The Master model file can be best described as a repository for all the

finished components Each component within this master model file can then be freely

positioned, combined and manipulated (e.g shaded, scaled) in 3D space

Each of these components is known as a 3D assembly (*3DA) and is created as a triangular

mesh replica from the conventional ArtCAM model (*.art)

Any number of these 3D assemblies can be contained within the 3D master model

The main advantage of using this system of creating and storing is that it allows assembly of

separate components For example, gems, settings and a ring shank can be created separately

but then assembled in the master model to create a finished piece This finished piece can then

be machined as a whole using the powerful Multi-Sided Machining Wizard

When a JewelSmith project is created, a new folder is

created on your computer

This folder contains the master model (called *.3DP) and

component folders for each part of the Master model

The component /assembly (*3DA) folders contains the actual ArtCAM model (*.art files)

1 Introduction ArtCAM

Design

ArtCAM Reliefs (3D Models) are created from 2D vectors or bitmaps These vectors (2D

artwork) and bitmaps (images) can be generated within ArtCAM or imported from other

systems ArtCAM can import 3D models and generate reliefs from them When dealing with

bitmaps and Reliefs it is important to understanding Resolution, which will influence the

overall surface detail of the relief and ultimately the final piece

Resolution

The dragon model shows the 2D view of the model broken up into a number of squares

(pixels) Each square is given a height in ArtCAM dependent upon the command used The first relief uses a low resolution, which means a loss of fine detail in the resulting 3D relief

If a higher resolution is chosen, the model is broken into many more pixels and therefore the fine detail can be shown in the relief

Note: The trade-off with having a high resolution can normally result in larger file sizes, calculation and machine cutting times

ArtCAM 1 Introduction

Manufacture

The final stage for most ArtCAM Projects is to manufacture the 3D relief as a real object

Currently there are two major routes to production: via CNC machining or Rapid

Prototyping JewelSmith can realise its models using either method

JewelSmith can calculate the toolpaths required to machine the individual relief or final

assembly The calculated toolpaths can be then sent directly to the machine (via

post-processing) ready for cutting

Most Rapid Prototyping machines require a specific type of 3D model These models are

made up of a small triangular mesh, which defines its whole surface shape This type of file is

commonly known as an STL, file format ArtCAM JewelSmith allows you to export the final

assembly or relief in the STL format, ready for manufacture