**How We Create Our Tennis Jewellery**
Creating our tennis-inspired jewelry is a meticulous process that begins with selecting the right racquet and then capturing every detail of its design to ensure the final piece is both beautiful and authentic.
1. **Selecting the Racquet Model:**
The process starts by choosing the type of tennis racquet to base the design on. In our case, we use a **Head racquet**, one of the most popular brands among amateur players. This ensures that our design is inspired by a widely-recognized, high-quality model.
2. **Measuring the Racquet:**
Once the racquet is chosen, we take precise measurements of its key features:
- **Frame Dimensions**: We carefully measure the length, width, and shape of the frame.
- **Frame Profile**: The profile or edge of the racquet is essential, as it contributes to the strength and durability of the frame.
- **String Positions**: The exact placement and pattern of the strings are noted to replicate the racquet’s appearance accurately.
- **Handle and Throat**: The shape of the handle and the throat of the racquet (the part where the handle meets the frame) are also measured in great detail.
3. **Creating the 3D Model:**
All of these measurements are passed on to our skilled **3D CAD designer**. Using specialized software, the designer inputs the data to create a 3D model of the racquet. This model is then converted into an **STL file** (Stereolithography), which is a standard format used for 3D printing.
4. **Review and Refinement:**
The 3D file is carefully reviewed, and any areas that need refinement or adjustment are identified. In our case, the model is printed at a **1/4 scale** for an initial review, allowing us to examine it in detail before moving on to the final size. Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure the piece will look perfect when scaled down.
5. **Scaling Down to Necklace Size:**
Once the 1/4 scale model is perfected, the design is then **scaled down** to the final size for the jewelry. For our tennis jewelry, the dimensions are typically **12mm for the main pendant** and **6mm for the charm**. While some details may be less visible at this size, the design stays true to the original racquet's shape and essence.
6. **Wax Model Creation:**
Next, a **wax model** of the design is created using a 3D printer. This wax model is an essential step in the **lost wax casting** process, where the wax is used to form a mold for casting the final piece in metal. The wax version of the racquet looks very similar to the finished piece, though it’s typically gray rather than shiny and polished.
By following these steps, we ensure that each piece of our tennis jewelry is a precise, high-quality representation of a real tennis racquet, from its dimensions and design to the materials used for the final product.
Full size "Head" tennis raquet
3D printed "Head" raquet.
Aprox 6 inches (15cm) in size)
Picture taken from the STL video file showing the 3D image
Picture of the wax mould showing the wax on the right hand side
Video of wax mould being split in two to remove the wax of the tennis raquet
This is the 3D STL file, but you will need to download a viewer to access it.