Design Phase:
Use professional design software (e.g., Rhino, Matrix, ZBrush) to create 3D models, ensuring the designs align with market trends and customer preferences.
Consider the characteristics of rubber mold production, such as draft angles and detail clarity, during the design process.
Prototype Creation:
Produce prototypes using 3D printing (e.g., resin or wax) or hand-carving.
Refine the prototypes to ensure they meet design expectations.
Material Selection:
Use high-temperature-resistant and durable silicone to create rubber molds, ensuring they can be reused multiple times while maintaining detail precision.
Mold Production Process:
Secure the prototype in a mold box and pour liquid silicone into it, allowing it to cure.
Once cured, cut open the rubber mold and remove the prototype, leaving a cavity.
Inspect the mold for detail accuracy and make adjustments if necessary.
Mold Lifespan Management:
Rubber molds can typically be reused hundreds of times but should be regularly inspected for wear and replaced as needed.
Eco-Friendly Material Selection:
Copper: Choose lead-free and environmentally compliant copper alloys.
Stainless Steel: Use 304 or 316L stainless steel for its corrosion resistance and eco-friendliness.
Silver: Opt for 925 sterling silver or eco-friendly silver alloys.
Gemstone or Decorative Materials:
If required by the design, use synthetic gemstones (e.g., cubic zirconia) or eco-friendly glass to reduce costs and align with sustainability goals.
Wax Injection:
Inject melted wax into the rubber mold, then cool and remove the wax model.
Inspect the wax model for completeness and detail, making adjustments if necessary.
Wax Tree Assembly:
Attach multiple wax models to a wax tree to create a structure suitable for mass production.
Plaster Casting:
Place the wax tree into a casting flask and pour plaster slurry into it, allowing it to set.
Heat the flask to melt the wax, leaving a cavity in the plaster.
Metal Casting:
Pour molten eco-friendly copper, stainless steel, or silver into the plaster mold, then cool and remove the metal tree.
Cut the metal tree into individual jewelry components.
Stone Setting:
If the design requires gemstones or decorative elements, use specialized tools for manual or semi-automated setting.
Ensure the stones are secure and accurately positioned.
Assembly:
Assemble multiple components (e.g., chains, clasps) into complete jewelry pieces.
Use eco-friendly solder for welding to ensure strong connections.
Polishing:
Use polishing machines or hand tools to smooth and shine the jewelry surface.
Plating:
Apply eco-friendly plating solutions (e.g., gold or rhodium plating) for desired finishes.
Ensure the plating is even and adheres well.
Anti-Tarnish Treatment:
Apply anti-tarnish coatings to silver jewelry to extend its lifespan.
Visual Inspection:
Check for surface defects such as scratches, bubbles, or deformities.
Dimensional Inspection:
Use calipers or projectors to measure dimensions, ensuring they match design specifications.
Functional Testing:
Test movable parts (e.g., clasps, chains) for smooth operation.
Stone Security Testing:
Perform vibration tests on pieces with gemstones to ensure they remain secure.
Packaging Design:
Use eco-friendly packaging materials (e.g., recycled paper, biodegradable plastics).
Ensure the packaging reflects the brand image and highlights the jewelry’s appeal.
Shipping Preparation:
Sort and pack orders according to customer requirements.
Ensure the jewelry is protected from damage during transit.
Automated Equipment:
Introduce automated polishing and plating machines to increase production efficiency.
Process Optimization:
Use data analysis to optimize production processes, reducing material waste and time costs.
Mold Management:
Maintain records of mold usage and replace worn molds promptly to ensure consistent quality.
Material Recycling:
Recycle production waste (e.g., metal scraps, excess wax) for reuse.
Wastewater Treatment:
Treat wastewater from plating and polishing processes to prevent environmental contamination.
Energy Conservation:
Use energy-efficient equipment to reduce energy consumption during production.
Market Research:
Regularly analyze market trends to adjust designs and production plans.
Sales Channels:
Sell through multiple channels, including e-commerce platforms, social media, and physical stores.
Brand Promotion:
Emphasize eco-friendly practices and trendy designs to attract target customers.
Customer Support:
Provide jewelry care guides and repair services to enhance customer satisfaction.
Feedback Collection:
Gather customer feedback to improve product design and production processes.