Roberta Cassese is an Italian designer who went from being a jewelry maker hobbyist to being the CEO of KOD Design, a 3D printed jewelry brand.
Her background is in architecture, as she graduated from Rome’s National Institute of Architecture with a Master in Digital Architecture and has since then worked as an interior designer, specialized in home furniture.
Nora Touré: Roberta, could you let us know about your background and your journey to Additive Manufacturing?
Roberta Cassese: It was in November 2018 that I purchased my first 3D printer: I had never used it before, I had only heard friends (men only) talk about the potential of this tool. I Immediately started experimenting and learning how to use the printer by myself. For a month, after my day job, I dedicated myself to learn about 3D printing with constancy and diligence.
I started drawing using Fusion360 and created my first jewelry collection with the 3D printer that I presented at the Digital Arts Festival in December of the same year. Simultaneously, with the development of the products, I gave a name to what I was doing: “KOD Artigianato Tecnologico”, consequently creating a logo and the packaging to be able to present them.
Nora Touré: So, what exactly is KOD Artigianato Tecnologico and what is the story behind it?
Roberta Cassese: I have always had a passion for jewelry, I always go in search of unique and original pieces, and for this reason I felt the need to create them by myself and the 3D printer was an excellent way to make this dream come true. Following this strong passion, KOD was born.
KOD (from Russian Код = code) is a project that encompasses the 3D printing process for the creation of PLA jewels (it is polyactic acid, a polymer derived from plants such as corn, wheat or beet, rich in sugar natural). The design of KOD products, characterized by geometric shapes, follows a well-defined style, always experimenting with new concepts and new shapes.
With my 3D jewels, I participated in various events and organized two “Experiences” related to music. A Limited KOD Collection is in fact inspired by the covers of some of the most famous records that have made the history of music. This is how 3D printing has become my main hobby!
Nora Touré: To date, what would you say is your greatest achievement in Additive Manufacturing?
Roberta Cassese: My biggest success is realizing my ideas: thanks to the use of the 3D printer I can create everything I have in mind by myself. The greatest satisfaction is knowing that there are many people who appreciate the design and thought behind a jewel designed and made by me.
Read more at Women in 3D Printing
