1. FILE CONVERSION TO .STL
Once the 3D file is correctly made, the piece requires the creation of polygonal meshes by a NURBS of surfaces or polysurfaces. A solid is the combination of vertexes and polygons defining the polyhedral shape of the object. Rhino creates triangles and quadrilaterals for the exportation to several types of file formats. The correct file is .stl.
2. THICKNESS / CLOSED PARTS
It is necessary that all the object's surfaces are closed. A surface can be designed without wall thickness, but, in order to be able to print the jewel, thicknesses are required. Many printing problems may arise when these fundamental steps are not performed, to obtain a correct file for printing. The walls must all be closed and have a minimum thickness.
3. MINIMUM THICKNESS / HOLLOW OBJECTS
SLM - minimal thickness (advantages: saving of precious metal / tailored weight)
4. CONTACT SURFACES
A jewel with many "solids", not only in contact, but interlinked. In such a way, the single solids are "soldered" together without the risk of breakage.
5. REMOVAL OF RESIDUAL POWDER
Create two holes of at least 1mm to let the residual powder come out at the end of the process.
