Editor’s Note
This article explores how Cloud Factory leverages 3D printing to transform creative ideas into detailed jewelry, offering a full-service journey from design to final product.
Introduction to Cloud Factory
You would be surprised by the quantity of original and detailed jewelry that it is now possible to create thanks to 3D printing! One of the players who has bet on 3D technologies for this purpose is Cloud Factory, a company formed by professionals from different sectors who come together to help artists, creators, and brands develop real jewelry through additive manufacturing. All you need is an idea, and the team takes care of the design, 3D modeling, sending samples, packaging your ordered jewelry with your brand’s logo… all without needing a minimum order quantity or dealing with inventory problems. We interviewed them to learn more about their company and their sustainable production of unique silver jewelry.
Team Background and Connection to Additive Manufacturing
“We are a team of very different people coming from very different fields. Our founder, Taavi, has been working in the field of additive manufacturing for over ten years now – he develops operating systems for FDM 3D printers and teaches the advantages of 3D printing to students and other startups. Marek, the co-founder, holds a PhD in powder metallurgy and, before diving into the startup world, worked as a scientist at TalTec University in Tallinn solving various problems related to industrial 3D printers. Me, Kati, the only female founder, I worked in one of the largest and oldest nightclubs in the Baltics as a marketing manager, dealing with different artist agents and promoters and keeping up with everything the young people in the club like and are interested in. I also hold a degree in creative entrepreneurship specializing in fashion creation. And Erik joined us from the world of cryptocurrencies and affiliate marketing. Together, we perfectly covered all the aspects that our growing company desperately needed. Taavi was the most intrigued by additive manufacturing and the ways it could be used to highlight the advantages of this technology.”
How the Cloud Factory Adventure Began
“Taavi accidentally met a global superstar who escaped from the United States for a quiet retreat in the forests of Estonia, away from the paparazzi. Taavi was very enthusiastic about the possibility of creating metal jewelry for him and, with Marek, they obtained a government innovation grant and developed fast, high-quality parameters for the university’s industrial 3D printer. Taavi then asked me to join the team to help with brand strategy, marketing, and design. From there, we started making samples for artists who came to perform at the nightclub where I worked, as well as for other artists visiting Estonia, using the contacts I had established while working in the entertainment industry. We quickly saw the astonishment in the artists’ eyes when we presented them with necklaces and rings featuring their logos and design elements. This business model immediately appealed to them, so we decided to develop the business by moving from a product shop to having no sales channels of our own and becoming a ‘white-label’ manufacturing service for many artists, influencers, and jewelry brands.”
How Cloud Factory Manufactures 3D Printed Jewelry
“Currently, we only work with 925 silver. We have a partner who buys scrap silver from around the world and refines it into silver powder that we use for metal 3D printing. We use a laser melting technology to directly 3D print jewelry from 100% recycled silver. Many have asked us why we chose this printing technology. The answer is simple: it is the most resource-efficient, as it avoids most of the complicated manufacturing steps that are essential when using traditional methods. It allows us to automate all our manufacturing processes and, ultimately, save time, materials, human resources, and the planet. It is the technology that best fits our grand vision: to build a network of fully automated and sustainable jewelry printing centers worldwide, offering a unique, fast, and carbon-free service to brands, creators, and individuals.”
Advantages and Limitations of Metal 3D Printing
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