Let's talk about...Jewellery

Since I finally have photo of my laser engraved ring, I can finally talk about laser technology introductory tasks I had during the first week of the project. I won't talk about laser scanning, cause I don't have any pictures from that and laser welding - mainly because I haven't finished that task yet.

To start off - laser cutting is a technology allowing you to cut material - mainly sheets of plastics, wood, textiles and metals - according to your design. It allows fairly big precision, but there are some rules to remember. Laser recognizes lines depending on colour. Red is for cutting, black for raster and blue for engraving - at least that's how our school laser works. For that task we were to design Christmas decoration for cutting in clear perspex - either flat or 3D one. I decided straight away to design a snowflake in Rhino. Below, the last one on the right is my final file ready for cutting.

And below my lovely snowflake - it was good thing that I designed with consideration for hanging, as the slot for some reason came out too big. Thankfully, pretty blue ribbon sorted everything out!

 For laser sintering we were to design singular form in T-splines (which I like slightly better, but not enough to leave ArtCam). Direct metal sintering is slightly similar to printing, in how it works layer by layer - the difference is, you can work directly in metal, and instead of nozzle heating up plastic to layer up, here the machine spreads layer of powder (for example gold) and laser traces the shape of your design melting powder to form solid form. And it repeats and repeats until whole product is created - it's quite a long process, especially if the piece is large or complex. It allows you to create forms you couldn't do easily with casting, as well as make chains or bracelets as you can design links already joined - as long as you leave some space for the powder to be blown away, at least. The thing to remember is - the finish is not as good as with casting, so with more complex forms you might not be able to polish fully. The last 3 images from bottom right is my tiny model sintered in nylon by Digits 2 Widgets - London based company.

 Last but not least - laser engraving task was to design pattern for ring using Coral Draw, buy or make silver, flat ring and take it to laser engraving company - Geti (they are located in Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham). Laser engraving is pretty much engraving with laser - you can either engrave 3D form or 2D flat engraving which is what we were doing. My design was magpies - because they are one of my favourite birds. I'm very happy with my ring - the level of detail one can achieve with laser engraving is incredible!

Last week on Wednesday and Thursday in Birmingham annual TCT Show took place in the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). I was fortunate enough to go, and before I go deeper into my personal experience of it, a bit of background information. 
TCT Show, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year is an international event bringing forth new technologies, applications and innovations. There is a lot of focus on the additive manufacturing, 3D printing, prototyping, product development, software, scanning and digitising.



 It was fascinating to see how far technology moved forward - various 3D printing machines and products that I've seen on the show were truly amazing. Seeing how I'm studying Design for Industry, you might ask: What does it have to do with designing? Well, best designers are not only imaginative, creative people, designing products - they also know how the products would be produced. What's the point of designing product which you couldn't bring to market because it would be too difficult to produce? So knowing technologies available to you is vital in a design.

It's good to know that thanks to 3D printing you can create prototype of jewellery that can be easily cast afterwards - it saves you some time, unlike wax carving or making metal and milliput model, and adds more precision to model, because machine works directly from CAD design.
 To learn bit more about 3D printing - how it works and it's applications, watch video below:


It was also great to hear about possibility of scanning 3D objects and turning them into CAD models - it's interesting idea and gives you a lot of room to play with - the options for application are huge.

Watch video below to see how it works:


All in all, TCT Show was worth going to - technologies I saw were wonderful, products manufactured using these technologies - even more so. If you get a chance to go next year - go and see what's out there - you will be pleasantly surprised.
That's everything for today.

                                                          Stay golden!!!

With Goldsmiths' Fair up and running (there's just one week left, so if you haven't seen it already there is still some time!), I've decided to take a look at the Goldsmiths' Company, and their role in jewellery industry.
Goldsmiths' Company, which full name is actually the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths is one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Livery Companies are basically modern and ancient trade associations focused around specific trade or craft, and Goldsmiths' is no different.

Originally formed in 12th century and established as medieval guild for goldsmiths, bit further in time became responsible for silversmiths and jewellers as well.

Goldsmiths' Hall

 Interesting is the fact that term hallmarking originated from Goldsmiths' Hall - Headquarters of the Company. Back then, precious metals were checked and marked there.

Goldsmiths' Hall today

Today Company still plays a large role in its ancient trade by bringing all the tradesmen involved in goldsmithing and silversmithing together. It oversees the London Assay Office, checks validity of British coinage, organizes various events, exhibitions, competitions and fairs and was responsible for opening Goldsmiths' Centre in Clerkenwell (building which not only provides space for workshops and exhibitions, but also apprentice training).

Inside Goldsmiths' Hall

Goldsmiths' Company website is full of interesting information, worth checking out. Also make sure to check events and be on the lookout for the upcoming the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Competition for 2015/16.
That's all for today.
                               
                                     Stay golden!!!




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