IEVA relies on all Protolabs services to create revolutionary smart jewellery.

Cyril Clappaz, Design Manager at Ieva, used Protolabs' 3D printing, CNC machining and injection-moulding services to develop and industrialise the various models in the Twin-C collection.

A complete service that has allowed us to resolve the many project constraints

Developing a product like TWIN-C, which is both a piece of jewellery and a technological device, multiplies the constraints. Each stage must reflect the aesthetic aim as well as the functional validity and manufacturability, given that the final product will combine craftsmanship with microelectronics.

The properties of the materials used, the finished quality of the items and the dimensional tolerances must be as close as possible to the initial prototypes. Both aesthetically and technically, performing under genuine test conditions.

The more the project progresses the more the final deadline becomes important; you cannot be late when organising a national launch event.

It is typically in this kind of development that the advice and delivery from Protolabs makes the difference. As Cyril Clappaz explains: "Protolabs provided us with the complete support and quick responsiveness we needed."

3D printing and machining for the casing prototypes

The very first prototypes of the jewellery casing were made in metal 3D printing and the validations were performed on machined parts.

Cyril Clappaz, who has been using Protolabs machining services for 5 years, commented: "Metal 3D printing has been a real plus that has helped us a lot in the early stages of development. The material used was very close to the final product, the rendering was very satisfactory and the precision 10% higher than I required. In three days we were able to obtain an object that allowed all project stakeholders to visualise what the jewellery would be like.

"For the machined parts, which were used for customer testing under real conditions and testing in extreme conditions, I did not ask for a particular finish. The sandblasted finish offered by Protolabs is perfectly demonstrable, even marketable. The prototypes we made were worn for several months without any deterioration in the mechanical quality or aesthetics."

3D printing and injection moulding for the technical part of the jewellery

The battery card and the multitude of sensors integrated into the Twin-C are encapsulated in a plastic structure to form a "smart sub-assembly", which recharges on a base which is also injection moulded. Technical parts that are mass produced by Protolabs.

Cyril Clappaz greatly appreciated the technical support he was given: "I consulted a lot with Mrs. Jakobowicz, Account Manager at Protolabs, and I think that allowed us to avoid any design mistakes; the 5 injection moulded parts all came out of the press well. I was also very well guided in the choice of material.

"The choice of plastics used was a study in its own right. We had to take into account the design constraints because these are aesthetic objects, as well as the technical constraints. The object measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so we needed a material that does not reject any compound that is being measured.

"I particularly appreciated the fact that the Protolabs expert is constantly looking for the best compromise between my expectations and the technical constraints of production; we had good discussions and the end result is convincing."

"With Protolabs, the service is truly comprehensive and transparent. I know that my moulds and parts are made in-house. And the deadlines are 3 times shorter than the standard subcontractors I consulted at the beginning of the project."