The S3Duo at Ballantyne Jewelers
Sami Tekin, Ballantyne Jewelers
Jewelry has always been more than an accessory at Ballantyne Jewelers—it is a symbol of love, celebration, and artistry that demands nothing short of perfection. Over the years, our business has grown on the strength of our ability to adapt, to listen to what our clients want, and to invest in the tools that help us deliver at the highest level. When it came time to embrace digital technology, we searched for a solution that would respect our tradition of artisanal quality while also giving us the efficiency and flexibility to meet modern demand. That search led us to the Solidscape S3Duo wax 3D printer—and it has truly transformed the way we manufacture fine jewelry.
For decades, hand-carving waxes was the backbone of our design process. While we valued the artistry involved, the process was time-consuming and often limited what we could achieve. Introducing CAD/CAM design allowed us to expand our creative reach, offering clients intricate, personalized designs that we could refine digitally with precision. But it wasn’t until we paired CAD with Solidscape’s S3Duo that we unlocked the full potential of digital jewelry design.
“The S3Duo has been a game changer
in every sense.”
Sami Tekin, Ballantyne Jewelers
The S3Duo has been a game changer in every sense. First and foremost, the casting results are consistently flawless. The wax models it produces burn out cleanly, leaving no ash or residue, which means trouble-free castings every time. For jewelers, this is critical. Precious metals are expensive, and clients entrust us with milestones in their lives. To be able to cast with absolute confidence gives us both peace of mind and a stronger reputation for reliability.
The level of detail definition the S3Duo achieves is unmatched. Every fine texture, every delicate prong, every curve comes through in perfect fidelity. What we see in the CAD file is exactly what we hold in our hands in wax. That kind of precision ensures that the jewelry we deliver lives up to the vision we present to our clients. Beyond accuracy, the surface smoothness of the waxes reduces the amount of finishing required after casting, which not only saves us time but also preserves the integrity of those intricate details.
Another advantage is the simplicity of the workflow. The S3Duo integrates seamlessly into our existing process. From CAD file to printed wax, the transition is straightforward, allowing our team to focus on design and craftsmanship rather than troubleshooting equipment. The dual-material system—support and model wax—means supports are easy to remove and models are simple to clean, streamlining the process even further.
This technology has done more than just improve efficiency; it has revolutionized our business model. We can take on more custom commissions, deliver them faster, and offer clients design options that would have been impractical or impossible with traditional methods. The combination of CAD design and Solidscape wax 3D printing empowers us to say “yes” more often and with greater confidence.
At Ballantyne Jewelers, the Solidscape S3Duo isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. It allows us to honor the artistry of fine jewelry while embracing the future of manufacturing. With it, we are able to give our clients exactly what they dream of: timeless jewelry, crafted with unmatched precision and care.
Share:
