plastic model of rough diamond crystal

[Yuri]

We try to create models of rough diamonds for educational purposes. We find several technologies how to create plastic models on the base on 3D model of diamond. We have tested one technology that makes models with help of 3D printer, and surface quality and precision are good. But material (plastic) is nontransparent and has saturated green color, and our students are disappointed to work with these models because models do not resemble natural diamonds.

We have seen other diamond models made of transparent colorless or yellow plastic that look very natural, very close to real rough. But we don’t know where to find such a material and where to order such models.

We will be very appreciated for any help and any information about possibility to create diamond models with appearance close to real stones on the base of our 3D diamond models.

Regards,
Sergey & Yuri, MSU

 

[Egon]

Good evening Yuri. You should be able to find a rapid prototyping shop with stereolithography capabilities who can use a clear plastic. One material I found out there is named Waterclear and is a clear plastic that looks like polycarbonate. For example: http://www.stereolithography.com

Or could you perhaps have a CNC machine cut a mold of the shape you want? Then you should be able to cast the shape you want with any number of clear plastics.

Just a few thoughts.

Brian

 

[mdx]

Yuri
Some years back we had some beautiful models made for us by a manufacturer of fishing lures,
We gave him rough diamonds of different shapes that he used to make moulds from a casting rubber, He then cast the models using clear casting resin applying different color tints.This resin is similar to that used with fiber glass but is perfectly clear They where exact replicas in both shape and color

Wayne
Melbourne Diamond Exchange ltd (Australia)

 

[Yuri]

Thank you Brian,
Your link helps a lot, we have found Waterclear, now trying to contact.

Thank you Wayne,
How do you think: an experienced jeweler can do this work?
Can you provide more information about type of resin?
And approximately how much a production cost of one model was?

Thanks.

Yuri.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Actually our casting contract people in Melbourne could probably do that Yuri - It would be cost effective if there were a number of models made with each mold - but more expensive ?US$50? each if there was 1 only per mold, and probably <$4 each if more than 100 (guess only).

 

[mdx]

Hi Yuri
I reckon Gary’s got a good idea there. In am sure the mounds jewelers use to create the waxes for Jewellery casting should work well.
The resin is called clear casting polyester resin. Just ask a boat builder for the chemical company that supplies them.
Just something you may have to watch out for with rubber moulds and casting resin is the presence of free radicals that come to the surface. This causers the surface to stay wet and not fully cure. If you get this effect with the rubber you use, just wipe the mould with bees wax before casting this removes the surface free radicals
Hope that helps

Wayne
Melbourne Diamond Exchange ltd