Get best of the week

Jewelery, Formlabs 3D Printer and Environmental Care


Source: formlabs.com

Jeweler Jocelyn DeSisto implements his ideas with 3D printers and printed materials from Formlabs . Last November, she participated in the New York jewelry fashion week - NYCJW 2019 (New York City Jewelry Week).

Jocelyn graduated from the College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, two years ago, received a bachelor's degree in jewelry design, and opened Lot28, a contemporary design studio in New York. Her vibrant “coral” jewelry is mainly printed from Formlabs Clear Resin photopolymer resin and decorated with hand-crafted silver.

During NYCJW, Jocelyn held several workshops at the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, where participants learned how to apply 3D printing, painting and traditional jewelry techniques to create designer jewelry. From there, she led an interactive pop-up show, in collaboration with artists Cassandra Morrison and Bernie Thompson, and then, during the completion of NYCJW on the Fashion Institute's campus, took part in a panel discussion on green packaging.

Jocelyn's work was also on display for a week at The Four Ring Circus, hosted by Icons at Play and SCAD's Design Innovation Popup in Industry West.

Where Jocelyn draws inspiration and how SLA uses 3D printing (laser stereolithography) not only for the sake of environmentally friendly jewelry production, but also to inform the public about the problem of coral bleaching - read on.

The jewelry industry - environmental solutions


After graduating from college, Jocelyn really wanted to work as a jeweler, but she was stunned by the fact that the industry does not pay attention to the environment. She decided that something needs to be done with this, and she began to take care of the environment. To begin with, Lot28 studio made “non-waste” reusable packaging.

The packaging of almost any product is usually discarded. In the jewelry industry, in particular when transporting jewelry, it is necessary to use bubble wrap and protective packaging so that the goods reach the final destination without damage, then all packaging material is discarded. Lot28 tried out several options, trying to extend the life of the package compared to the one-time industry standard, and finally, in the summer of 2019, they developed non-waste packaging.

The packaging consists of reusable items that protect jewelry during shipping and can then be reused. Instead of a cardboard box, business cards and synthetic foam, a reusable silicone bag was chosen in which you can safely store food, a recycled paper card with the inscription on the basis of soya, and a soft sponge, which makes a small pillow. The client who received the jewelry can use each piece of packaging.

The card is double-sided, with hand-written thanks on one side and 10 tips on how to take care of the environment on the other.

The studio seeks to optimize the workflow so as to extend the life of tools and materials. Instead of paper towels, woven ones are used, gloves are only biodegradable, and the production methods used by suppliers are monitored. For example, sterling silver (an alloy from 92.5% silver with the addition of other metals) is bought in Rio Grande precisely because since 2010 all the equipment in Rio Grande has been completely converted to solar power.


Source: formlabs.com

The role of SLA 3D printing in the work of a jeweler


Jocelyn admits that 3D printing has solved all the design challenges she faced. She has to create products of a repeating form, with many tiny details on the surface. Jocelyn began her career as an artist with a pen on paper, then she wanted to translate the drawings into three-dimensional forms, but could not reproduce hundreds of tiny details that were required by the project.

Digital production is the perfect solution. You can take your time to create 3D models, but then quickly print many identical products - this is not at all what to spend a lot of time on making each instance manually.

At the beginning of the project, Jocelyn examined the coral device under a microscope. The studio's goal in 2019 was to draw attention to the growing problem of discoloration. Jocelyn spotted corals almost at the cellular level, and translated them into 3D models. She breaks the coral branch into the main components and relies on them to create jewelry and interior decorations.

After creating 3D models, test prints are made on a Formlabs Form 2 3D printer . This printer allows you to quickly change the size, shape and proportion of products directly in the studio.


Source: lot28design.com

The introduction of SLA printing in the workflow led to the sustainable development of the company in 2019. Since printing is done by order, directly in the studio, you can store a minimum supply of materials, which leads to minimal waste. Previously, 3D printing was ordered by third-party organizations, so the production time of the products was increased, it was necessary to pay in advance for printing and incurring substantial transportation costs.

After 3D models are printed, painting is performed. Jocelyn says that she was always inspired by how the artist can take the material, transform it and turn it into something completely unique, personal. After the prints have been post-printed, a base coat of dye is applied, and then a textured textured surface is painted with opaque paint. What patterns will appear when stained depends on the texture.


Source: lot28design.com

After the painting is finished and protected by sealant, sterling silver frames are made for the products. The glossy finish completes the brilliance of 3D prints, so that they resemble Venetian glass.

You can see the workflow in more detail in the video below.



Interest in ecology in general and coral conservation in particular


Interest in the world we live in and care for the environment have always been a part of Jocelyn's life. She uses design to express her love of nature and share it with people. Oceans fascinate her - from bright colors to exotic outlines of coral reefs.

As an avid lover of the documentary series Blue Planet, Jocelyn learned of the growing problem of coral bleaching. She was struck that few people knew about such a global problem. Jocelyn started looking for information on this topic to learn more about the main causes of coral bleaching, became interested in them, and then included coral elements in her work.

Due to climate change over the past 30 years, more than 25% of living corals have died in the world. The United Nations predicts that by the middle of the century, humanity could lose its coral reef ecosystem in most countries of the world if immediate action is not taken to protect the oceans. If you want to learn more about the effects of coral bleaching, watch the movie Chasing Coral.

Since most people do not encounter coral reefs every day, and due to the fact that corals are under water, the problem remains outside the scope of society. Jocelyn, using her art, is trying to create a daily reminder of our environmental impact and the ability to fix something.


Coral before and after bleaching. Source: formlabs.com

Future Lot28


Lot28 has big plans for 2020. The year 2019 was their first - and successful - year, filled with achievements, challenges and inspiration. The company is currently planning a new set of activities, some of which will have a new environmental focus.

Read a detailed review of the Formlabs Form 3 3D printer SLA on the Top 3D Shop blog .

More articles:


All Articles