Hydralic press research
A poetic yet manufactured expression – this is a study of using a hydraulic press to create prototypes and unique finished objects in non-ferrous metal. The purpose of this artistic development project is to create a compendium for design students to use a hydraulic press within non-ferrous metal. For this purpose I have created two research questions:
- How to develop understanding of material by investigating the simple use of plexi-glass to press-form copper (Cu), brass (Cu, Zn) and aluminium (Al) sheet?
- How can the hydraulic press be used on non-ferrous metal to create poetic expressions?
Working as a jeweller and an artist, I have developed extensive technical and sensory knowledge of metals and their inherent natures. Different ferrous metals have their own different molecular properties, structures and qualities; their characters and expressions also carry unique sensitive appearances and conceptual potentials. Metal is typically known to be hard and stubborn to work with, however it is also docile and with the right processing, one can apply the hydraulic press to achieve gentle, poetic expressions. Through this project, I have investigated ways that the hydraulic press can be used with both technical precision and instinct.
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