Wax Mold

Once a Matrix design has been approved, the next step is generating a wax mold.

To do this, we use a technology known as the stereo lithography process. Here's how it works:

First, the Matrix model is turned into what's called a "mesh". This removes all of the excess data from the model and creates a "shell" that can be read by a multitude of software applications. The mesh file is run through another piece of software that slices the shell like a loaf of bread. However, the slices in our "loaf" are .002mm thick. That's two hundredths of a millimeter.

When all of the pieces have been sliced, yet another piece of software converts that slice data into usable "print" data for our stereo lithography machine. This machine uses wax as a material to print a full-size 3D wax model of the "mesh" file.

Two types of wax are used - the "build" wax and the "support" wax. The build wax forms the actual piece, while the support wax forms a frame around the build wax to keep it from caving-in during the process. Once the piece has been fully printed the support wax melts away with a solvent, leaving a perfectly-replicated wax mold. This process is referred to as "growing" - a typical grow batch (six rings) can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours.

To view the wax mold, a customer can either come in to our location in Bellevue or we can mail it to their home. The wax mold that a customer proofs is the very wax mold we will use in casting the final piece.