Forget expensive diamonds, now you can PRINT engagement rings at home (but your partner may not be too impressed) 

  • 3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new, free iPhone app
  • It will allow anyone to design any object to the perfect size and shape
  • That design will then be sent wirelessly to a MakerBot 3D printer
  • This can include engagement rings, bracelets and household items
  • But unless you want a plastic ring, the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent

By Ellie Zolfagharifard

Published: 06:10 EST, 26 June 2014 | Updated: 06:16 EST, 26 June 2014

Peering at rows of engagement rings to find the perfect design may soon be a thing of the past.

3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape.

The Brooklyn-based company said the app is so simple to use, even people without technical knowledge can easily design jewellery in 3D.

That design will be sent wirelessly from the app to a MakerBot 3D printer, such as the Replicator Mini (pictured), which currently costs £999 ($1,700), according to a report by Pocket Lint

3D printing group, MakerBot, has released an app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape on any of its printers - including the Replicator Mini (pictured). The Brooklyn-based company said the app lets users without technical knowledge to design a ring in 3D

That design is then sent wirelessly to a MakerBot 3D printer, such as the £999 ($1,700) Replicator Mini, according to a report by Pocket Lint.

The 3D printer builds up the ring, or any design, using layers of material.

Like a traditional inkjet printer, the material - usually plastic - is laid down on a base. Further layers are printed on top, gradually revealing the end product.

The ring feature on the app prints a two-part ring that lets the users choose they you want on the top of the ring. Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size to fit their future fiancée perfectly

The design menu on the app (pictured) prints a two-part model - which can be an engagement ring or any other shape - that lets the users choose they you want on the top. Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size of rings to fit their future fiancée perfectly

HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK? 

3D printers allow objects of any shape to be created from just a digital file.

They work in an extremely simple way, by building up a 3D object from layers of material.

Like a traditional inkjet printer, material, usually plastic, is laid down on a base.

Further layers are simply printed on top, gradually revealing a 3D object.

The technology is used in a huge range of industries from construction to aerospace.

Shoes, jewellery and even dresses have been created, with designs often sold online.  

Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size to fit their future fiancée perfectly.

But unless you want to give your intended a plastic ring, the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent.

It’s the latest move by the 3D-printing community to make the technology, also known as rapid prototyping, available in the home.

Many believe it could even lead to 'mini factories' for living rooms allowing consumers to print anything they want - from a bracelet. to a replacement part for a broken household appliance.

As well as rings and other jewellery, the software lets users create hundreds of other objects from their own designs, or from designs created by other users.

Open-source software tool, Thingverse, for instance, can be used by designers to share their creations with anyone on the internet.

Makerbot said the app will be available via the iTunes stores in the near future.

3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement to the perfect size and shape. The Brooklyn-based company said the app allows users without technical knowledge of software to design the engagement ring in 3D

However, unless users want to give their intended a plastic ring (stock image pictured), the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent




Comments (9)

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I suggest anyone looking for any fine jewellery travels down to Boodles - home of the finest diamonds in the WORLD. Why any woman would accept plastic trash as opposed to a beautifully cut diamond on a ring from Boodles is beyond my thinking. Father bought my mother an engagement ring worth around £120,000 and even she regarded him has penny pinching back then. Nevertheless three wives later he has learned his lesson this time and went all out recently. It was absolutely stunning!

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As**

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Custom made for Barbie and Ken wannabe's!

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You can expect a 3D printed knuckleduster in return.

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I could see techies being impressed with this ring more than a diamond

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so what is the point?

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Diamonds are pretty much worthless. They are only expensive because all the mines in the world, the distribution and selling of them are controlled by one single company and they have very good marketing. It's a bit of polished carbon and one of the most abundant materials on this planet. Only suckers pay for them.

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Yes, but even worse - pearls are really polished oyster snot.

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There are plenty of diamonds in world. De beers is sitting on a massive stockpile to artificially keep the price high. Mugs and suckers pay those prices.

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