Cloud Factory’s 3D-Printed Silver Jewelry

3D printing allows for the creation of delicate and original jewelry designs. Cloud Factory is one of the leading players in this field. It’s a company made up of professionals from various sectors who work together to help artists and creators as well as brands and gamers to develop real jewelry through additive manufacturing. With just an idea the team takes care of the design, 3D modeling, sending samples, packaging of your jewelry ordered with your brand logo … all without the need for a minimum order, or inventory problems. We spoke with them about their company and how they produce unique silver jewelry.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and describe your connection to additive manufacturing?

We are a group of very diverse people who come together from many different backgrounds. Our founder Taavi has been working in the field of additive manufacturing for over a decade now – developing operating systems for FDM 3D printers and teaching students and fellow startups the benefits of 3D printing. Marek, co-founder has a PhD. He worked at TalTec University Tallinn as a scientist to resolve different problems with industrial 3-D printers before he got into the startup world. Kati, the sole female founder, worked as a marketing manager in one of the oldest and largest nightclubs in Baltics. She dealt with promoters and artists and kept the club updated on all things that interested them. Additionally, I have a degree as a creative entrepreneur with a focus on fashion design. Erik joined us from the worlds of affiliate marketing, investment gold, and cryptocurrency. Our growing business needed all aspects covered by us together. Taavi was particularly interested in additive manufacturing, and how it could be used for its benefits.

Cloud Factory team

3DN: When did the Cloud Factory adventure get started?

Taavi met a superstar from the United States who decided to retreat from the paparazzi and make a peaceful retreat in Estonia’s forests. Taavi was very excited to be able to create some metal jewelry items for him and, together with Marek, they got a government innovation grant and developed fast, high-quality parameters for the university’s industrial 3D printer. Then,  Taavi asked me to join the team to help with branding, marketing and design. I was immediately able to see the potential of this business beyond the star he met. From there, we began creating samples for artists performing at the nightclub that I managed and for other artists visiting Estonia. We used contacts I made while working in the entertainment sector. We quickly saw the amazement in the artists’ eyes when we presented them with necklaces and rings with their logos and design elements. This business model immediately won them over, so we decided to expand the business from having a product store to not having our own sales channels and becoming a “white label” manufacturing service for many artists, influencers and jewelry brands.

3DN: How to make 3D printed jewelry

We are currently limited to working with sterling silver of 925. Our partner buys scrap from around the globe and turns it into silver powder, which we then use to 3D print direct metal. To 3D-print jewelry made from 100% recycled silver, we use selective laser melting technology. Many have asked why this printing method was chosen. It is the most efficient printing technology because it eliminates many of the tedious manufacturing steps required for traditional methods. It automates all manufacturing processes, which ultimately allows us to save time, materials, and the environment. It’s the technology that best suits our grand vision to build a network worldwide of fully automated, sustainable jewelry printing centers. This will offer a unique, fast, and carbon-free service for brands, creators, and individuals.

Cloud Factory uses a metal 3-D printer to make silver jewelry

3D Printing Metal: What are the benefits and drawbacks?

Technology offers many advantages over the previously mentioned. This technology allows us to produce super-fast and flexible products, customize, limit runs, and new product launches in just days. It also helps us fully automate this labor-intensive sector. Complex 3D models are still difficult to create. This is the only problem at present. It can take several days to complete more complex designs in order to begin the sampling process. That’s why we are also working on development that can help us automate the part of product development that requires a lot of manual work: converting 2D designs into 3D. This would allow us to onboard new customers more quickly than ever before.

3DN: How do YOU see additive manufacturing’s future in the jewelry industry?

I think the process that Cloud Factory uses will definitely be a key element of the industry within a decade – relative to the increased restrictions within the industry to stop polluting actions, traditional manufacturers are looking for new ways to be more planet friendly and to meet the desires and of the next generation’s customers.

3DN: Last words for our readers?

Cloud Factory is leading the sustainable development of fine jewelry. The jewelry industry is a lucrative one, but its potential has been limited for centuries by the need for high production knowledge, upfront payments, and long development processes. We want to change the rules: we want the jewelry industry to be a welcoming place for future generations. It should be traditional, yet affordable, fun, affordable, and good for the planet. Cloud Factory is available on our website HERE.

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