Titanium 3D print contest winner pictures

April 9, 2009

Remember our Metal 3D printing in titanium contest? We finally are shipping Yanying‘s titanium 3D printed Spiral Cage today and wanted to share some photographs of her model. We hope that you enjoy your prize Yanying!

What do you guys think of the titanium model? I think that Yanying’s design is beautiful as well as very illustrative of all the future possibilities in 3D printing.

This jewel measures 2.6 by 2.5 by 4.9cm. It is made of titanium and this coupled with the process makes it rare and expensive. It costs about as much as an entry-level MacBook. There is a lot of titanium in the world but very little 3D printed titanium. A lot of jewelry has already been made out of titanium so it should be a viable material. The process should add value since I would assume that rare=good in the jewelry business. I also personally believe that customized jewelry is a huge potential opportunity.

But..do you see yourself buying a 3D printed titanium jewel? Do you see yourself making your wedding ring on Shapeways? Or would you be more likely to buy/make a less expensive jewelry item?

In short: is there a market for high-end custom made 3D printed jewelry? And is this market dependent on the material (i.e. titanium is good because it is a recognized jewelry material) or dependent on the process (i.e. I’ve always wanted to make something nice and affordable for my wife)?