Jewellery 3D printing explained: wax, resin and casting

By Ronak Rawal · 1 October 2026 · 2 min read

In most modern jewellery workshops, a CAD model is not cast directly. It is first printed as a physical model, which is then cast in metal using the lost-wax method. 3D printing is the bridge between the screen and the metal.

What gets printed

The printer makes a model out of castable resin or wax. These materials burn out cleanly in the mould, so the metal can take their place. Some printers also make resin models for fit checks and presentation only, which are not meant for casting.

What the printer needs from the file

• A closed, solid model with no gaps
• The correct scale in millimetres
• Features thick enough for the printer to reproduce, such as fine prongs
• Usually an .stl file exported at a suitable smoothness

Limits to know

• Very fine detail, such as small beads, may need to be checked with your printer first.
• Printed surfaces may need polishing after casting.
• Large flat areas and thin walls may need supports or a different orientation.

The advantage

Printing makes a CAD design physical in hours and lets you cast several copies at once. Combined with a model that has been checked before printing, it cuts waste and rework.