Tulip

Culture & Context

This sample is part of a series of flowers which were created by 3D printing very fine, small-scale flowers on the 3D printer. The opaque yet translucent nature of flower petals was used to inspire the testing, which led directly to the careful creation of a palette of colours and finishes that imitate the opacity of flower petals. From this, a new body of test pieces were created that imitated flower petals.

Process & Production

The model for this piece was made using 3D modelling to create a tulip, it was then 3D printed. The 3D print is used to measure the volume of the glass that is needed. The model is immersed in cold water and the amount of water it displaces tells me how much glass to use. The 3D printed model is then set on a table and mould investment is covered over the PLA model, the who model is covered in mould material. The PLA model is then burnt out of the mould in the kiln, the cavity left by the burnt out mould is then ready to be refired but this time with glass. A crucible is placed over the mould and glass cullet is added to the top, the mould and glass are then high fired to around 900 degrees Celsius, the glass flows into the cavity and fills up the mould. The cast is slowly cooled following an annealing schedule which is pre-programmed into the kiln.

Once the kiln has cooled to below 50 degree the door can be opened and the glass filled mould taken out. Once fully cooled for a further 24hrs the glass can be removed from the mould, by carefully breaking off the fired mould. The glass is then cleaned up with water and can then be cold worked, the over cast at the base which is where the glass flows into the mould needs to be cut off on the diamond saw, the base is then ground flat on the flat bed grinding wheel. The surface is then sand blasted all over to remove any flaws.

Recipe Details

Prepare the mould, measure equal parts of plaster and flint with water to create a mould mix which can then be used to cover the model. Carefully apply a thin spray of hairspray to the model, then apply a thin face coat (first coat) of the mould mix to the model, allow to dry. Continue to add layers of mould mix in a slightly thicker consistency to the model, continue into the mould has an equal thickness of around 6-8cm all over. Allow the mould to dry, flatten off the base and put into the drying cupboard overnight. Once the mould has dried it can be put into the kiln for burn out. Once the model has burnt out the mould is ready for casting.