Thursday, June 14, 2012

Manufacturing Practice- Techniques

This list includes the techniques I use to create a desired effect on my metal (this has a relatively small scale negative impact) but some of these may need either alternate methods to ones generally used or have to be cut out completely.


     A.  Piercing- Includes saw frame and saw blades

B.Enameling- Glass enamel, glue, which is organic based gum and a kiln. The problem with kilns is they draw a heck load of electricity. 
      Alternative- Torch firing enamels, this just means there is less room for the various techniques of                      enameling. and that the backs of the pieces will burn slightly- adds to the effect i guess.

 C.Etching- To etch silver nitric acid is used.YUK. big NO NO. So i oust that completely.  
       Alternative- Find out if there is an eco alternative to get a similar effect. 

D.Chasing and Repousse- I make my own Chasing punches out of old tool steel, using old allen keys. Im not sure if using pitch is a problem or if i need to find alternatives. Ive worked on pine scraps, but detail is a problem as the plate needs to be held still. 

 E. Fly pressing- Uses a 20 ton hydrolic jack- second hand ones are easily available.

F.Casting- common lost wax casting technique for the entire process can include the necessity for , A valconizer, silicone, Pattern wax (aka injection wax), flasks, investment(terrible stuff), a de-bubblizer/casting machine and a kiln. 
     Alternative- Sand casting, or cuttle fish casting

G. Blackening- Liver of sulphur (also terrible stuff).
       Alternative- Boiled egg, re usable airtight container. 


      Im looking for other sustainable techniques that can create detail.Not really sure how to go about this just yet. I think a good place to start would be to look into primitive and ancient techniques and tools. By default they mostly made jewellery in a "sustainable" way because they had fewer resources and no mass production abilities. I would also have to look into cutting out certain techniques, like ones that include the use of toxic chemicals, and other un-essential, negative impact methods. 


   
   This post is to continuously be edited and added to.

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Daniela-Designed: Handmade Jewellery Art

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My intention is to make earth-friendly jewellery with nature as my primary reference.
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