Rapid Prototyping the Merrell Way
Our team of skilled CAD technicians use the most contemporary tools and techniques to kickstart your journey to a finished, three-dimensional product. Thanks to their training, the Merrell Casting team of rapid prototyping experts can modify existing designs, fashion a new model from your drawings or work with you to create something new and unexpected.
Our Rapid Prototyping Skills
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Our CAD technicians are confident using all leading software options to bring your concept to life.
Wax Carving
We can scan a hand-carved wax to produce an exact digital replica that’s ready to be modified or tested for design flaws.
Advanced Technology
The Merrell Casting team prides itself on access to and use of advanced technologies that make rapid prototyping efficient and cost-effective.
3D Scanning
Digitise a real-life object with our 3D scanning services and create a CAD file that’s ready for manipulation or casting.
Sketches & Photographs
Customers send us photographs, written instructions or hand-drawn sketches and our CAD technicians do the rest.
WedFit Rings
As the trademark holder and original creator of WedFit rings, we are the most trusted experts in making engagement rings, wedding bands and eternity rings that fit seamlessly together.
Why Choose Rapid Prototyping?
The Merrell Process
Our service includes an initial consultation, practical advice, CAD drawings, creation of a wax model, casting in precious metal, cleaning, polishing and stone setting if needed. In fact, the Merrell team can guide you every step of the way, from concept to completion.
Step One
Either send us your CAD file or allow us to create one for you from hand drawings, pictures or real-life objects. You will have the opportunity to review renders and tweak designs to suit your exact specifications. Our service covers one-off items and whole collections.
Step Two
We create prototypes in base metal, wax or silver so you can confirm your pieces, view them from every angle, and gather the opinions of your colleagues, customer or peers.
Step Three
Store your models for repeated use and turn to us when you need to initiate another production run or adapt a design to suit a bespoke order. Our master model service can be used to make a vulcanised rubber mould to produce any number of designs.
Step One
Either send us your CAD file or allow us to create one for you from hand drawings, pictures or real-life objects. You will have the opportunity to review renders and tweak designs to suit your exact specifications. Our service covers one-off items and whole collections.
Step Two
We create prototypes in base metal, wax or silver so you can confirm your pieces, view them from every angle, and gather the opinions of your colleagues, customer or peers.
Step Three
Store your models for repeated use and turn to us when you need to initiate another production run or adapt a design to suit a bespoke order. Our master model service can be used to make a vulcanised rubber mould to produce any number of designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CAD machines do you use to build from files?
We currently use Solidscape 3D printers and ProJet 3D printers. Speak to a member of our team to find out more about our rapid prototyping technologies.
How many 3D printers do you have?
Here at Merrell Casting, we have not one, but three, high-tech 3D printers in order to provide our customers shorter lead times on 3D printing projects. Get in touch for an estimate on your 3D printing project.
What do you need from me in order to create a jewellery CAD design?
Our team of specialist 3D designers work from all kinds of customer briefs – be it a real-life item, a quick sketch, a technical drawing, or a list of measurements and a reference image. In order to receive the truest representation of your design idea, it’s important to be clear on the measurements of any gemstones used in the piece and any ring sizes. Our team are always on hand to offer guidance and advice on the best way to manufacture your piece.
How can I produce multiples of a design?
Once your design has been 3D printed, we can make a rubber mould of your piece from your master sample, to enable multiple pieces to be easily reproduced in the future. We have a choice of different types of moulds available and our team can advise on the best type of mould for your design.
Can you make a mould of an existing piece of jewellery?
Yes, we can make a mould of almost anything! Send us your piece and our expert team will offer advice on the best type of mould for your piece.
Can you advise me on my rubber mould?
Yes, our team are experts in casting services and can advise you on which type of rubber mould is best for your design. We will give you information on shrinkage rates and the properties of each of our rubber moulds. Find out more about our rubber moulds here.
Our Promise
We are committed to rapid prototyping at the finest resolution and with utmost flexibility, allowing you to quickly access files, adapt them and/or alter them for fresh stone and finger sizes. Merrell Casting is ready to adapt to your requirements and project manage your jobs from design idea to finished product.
Get in Touch
Send us your questions or enquire about our services.