How has CAD/CAM technology developed over the past three years?
CAD and CAM technology has evolved from a volume production tool to a fundamental production tool in any sized jewellery business. Only a few years ago, CAD required extensive training and practice. Now there are many more user-friendly, lower-cost options available for users. It has successfully moved into the consumer space.

There are even websites that offer users the opportunity to design their CAD files online or upload their CAD files for instant printing and casting quotations, like palloys.com

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) or Printing had also experienced considerable change. It is much more accessible and convenient for all users. We have seen advancement from Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to Digital Light Processing (DLP) printers, and now LCD printers are available, and more importantly, affordable.

More and more jewellers are experienced with the technology, it is fantastic seeing the industry progress digitally.

What are the latest CAD/CAM innovations at Palloys? 
The Design & Print team at Palloys has grown considerably at Palloys. The team is proficient in all major CAD applications, and we can work with your files created in MatrixGold, RhinoGold, 3Design and JewelCAD. We can work from a pdf, sketch, photo or logo for the most streamlined, efficient CAD service. Since the launch of palloys.com all correspondence is stored in your private My Palloys account, and you can speak directly with the Palloys Design team at any time through this platform. 

Be confident in what to quote your customers by using palloys.com to provide you with an accurate cost.

You can upload straight into the Palloys STL uploader for immediate pricing information straight from your CAD Design. An STL is the file format supported by most major CAD programmes. It is the universal CAD file industry-wide.

The Palloys Design team can also create renders of your designs as a sales feature for your customers. Bringing a life-like element to the design is an imminent part of the selling process. Rendering in the modern age is of such a quality, it could almost pass as life-like.

Has the percentage of jewellers using CAD/CAM increased since 2018? What percentage of the jewellery industry now uses CAD/CAM?
There has been a substantial increase in Jewellers using CAD and CAM technology since 2018.  We have seen a shift in our casting cycle, from approximately 30% CAD and 70% wax injections or customer-supplied material. Now, CAD is up to almost 45%. It’s incredible to see, and to see it happening so quickly.