The Torus (or Reverse Curve)

The Torus
In this week’s lesson, we were being assessed on shaping and forming metal sheet into a torus (otherwise known as a reverse curve). When we arrived in the design lab, we were presented with two different methods in sculpturing the metal sheet to form the reversed curve. We could choose which method we would engage when making our reverse curve. The two methods that were introduced to us where the following below:
Mallet & Stump
Daniel showed us the Mallet & Stump technique, which was the quicker way but wasn’t the best method in terms of the finish it produced.
English Wheel
Gabe showed us the English wheel technique, which was the slower but more accurate way of making our reverse curve. Gabe broke up the metal sheet into different sections and rolled each section through the English wheel until the reverse curve started to form.
Initially, I started on my reverse curve, I started off with the mallet and stump technique. However, by going straight into this method, my reverse curve didn’t get much curve on one side, forcing myself to start over. To rectify this, I got assistance from someone to curve my metal sheet all around the stump, whilst I hit it with a mallet the stump was constantly being moved around. By doing this, it provided a prominent curve on both angles of my torus.



Trying to create the shape of the Torus 
After the shaping of the torus was complete, it had been dented from the blows of the mallet. In order to rectify this and make it look presentable, I had to smoothen this out. I went to the English wheel to flatten and stretch the middle area out, so that it will take out all the little dents.
Once that was completed it, I worked on the fixing the sides so that curve was prominent. I got the hammer and steel edge which was clamped to the work bench, and started working on my sides in order of getting it that curve.
Front profile of the Torus (or Reverse Curve)

Side Profile of the Torus (or Reverse Curve)
Had dealt with many difficulties in regards to this exercise, as I had re-do this shape constantly as I wasn't getting enough of a reverse curve. However, advise from the lecturers and assistance from peers enabled myself to overcome this.
Looking forward to the next module.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Blister

Image
THE BLISTER Within this week’s lecture, we were being assessed on shaping and forming a blister from metal sheeting. When we presented ourselves within the design labs, we came were introduced by Russell who gave us a theoretical lesson on how to form and shape the blister. We were instructed that we will be forming our templates via CNC Machines which Edward had cut for us.  CNC Machine creating the templates One we had both of our templates, we had to cut the holes within the template, as our metal sheet would sandwich in between the two templates. We used screws to hold both plates together so it doesn’t shift when we are forming our blister with a nylon mallet and corking tool.  Using Corking Tool to hit the edges of the Sheet Metal When I had my templates and tools, I clamped the templates on both sides of the work bench. Initially, I used the nylon mallet to hit around the middle of my metal sheet so it can get some shape. Then to get the shape ar...
Read more

The Bowl

Image
THE BOWL This week we were required to create and shape a bowl to the best of my abilities with the limited time and resources that were given to me. Before we commenced our bowl, Russell taught us the theoretical aspects of shaping of the bowl from the piece of metal sheet. The fundamental aspect that I took from this exercise, is that when you want to add area to the sheet of metal, it must move somewhere meaning that strategic hits with the nylon mallet were required in shaping the bowl. We started off at the laser printer, as we were required to laser cut our bowl and female radius gauge template. Martin had used the machine by putting these template within the printer and focusing on the material and utilising as little waste when he instructs the machine to make the cut on the material. Once we obtained these preciously accurate templates from the laser printer, we received our sheet of metal and drawn concentric circles on the metal sheet so that this would act as a be...
Read more

Fuel Tank

Image
Fuel Tank - Major Assignment  To commence our major assignment, we were presented with two types of fuel tanks that as a group we were to replicate a 1:1 scale. As a group, we choose the peanut fuel tank that we were going to complete rather than the other fuel tank which required extra work with dips, curves and bends within the tank. As we opted for the peanut fuel tank, we started to measure the tank for actual dimensions, so that when we use Auto Desk Slicer to create the 3D model, we can get it to that 1:1 scale. Once we created the template on Auto Desk Slicer, we were required to use the laser cutting machine to cut the templates. Slowly, the laser cutter separated our fuel tank into 24 pieces, which we had to assemble carefully, however even though it was fully assembled, it still felt wobbly. To rectify this, we asked Gabe for access to the hot glue gun and started to spread it on the edges and corners of the template. After two minutes, the template began to become ...
Read more