The acceptance of stereolithography to produce resin jewelry models is largely due to its versatility, being able to produce from simple to very complex designs. Until now, it has been used almost exclusively for lost-wax casting of metal components. For millennia, stones have been used to give jewelry objects more interest by adding color and shape. In the most sophisticated creations, the stones are carved in relief or full three-dimensional realistic or abstract shapes. Such stone carving is expensive, even when done using low-cost labor.This paper will introduce a photocurable ceramic resin with a wide range of possible colors and features very close to semi-precious gemstones. Because the product is cured by stereolithography, it can be mass-produced in very complex three-dimensional shapes, providing creative designers with new possibilities for adding color and shape to their designs. The physical characteristics of the cured material will be discussed, touching on hardness, wear resistance, ability to be polished and color fastness. Some application examples of items made from this material will be shown.

Author: Dr. Tsuneo Hagiwara