Here’s a video of some students pouring some molten aluminum when something goes very wrong.  While pouring, the aluminium makes a “popping” sound and goes flying all over the room (and even a bit on to the students).  Luckily no one was hurt.

The explanation in the video says it’s because the ingot mold was cold.  Although this can also happen if there was water present in the mold.

Not much has changed in the wooden ladder world in recent years.  But Barcelona based Company & Company have taken a new spin on the common ladder.  They’ve created a foldable, corner ladder. Visit their Vimeo page to see it in action.

This is a video showing how we create a set of marine propeller patterns. The patterns are used by a foundry to mold in sand and cast the finished propellers in stainless steel.

Vapor Polishing

Star Prototype has developed something they call vapor polishing.  It’s an interesting (and extremely dangerous) way to surface polish polycarbonate.  In the process they boil a solvent called Weldon 4 (the active ingredient being methylene chloride) and use a hose to “spray” the vapor onto the part.  After sanding the part to 1000 grit, the solvent basically melts the surface and quickly evaporates leaving a smooth, clear finish.

Watch the video inside

Vapor polishing doesn’t seem very practical in a production setting, but for prototypes this can be an easy way to get an injection molded-like part for testing.

Being that the process is so dangerous, I don’t expect us to be offering a vapor polishing service anytime soon.

Here’s a unique type of pattern used to cast tall cylinders.

Of course there’s a multitude of ways to make this cut, however this is one of the more clever (and faster) ways of doing it. If your piece is big enough, you can slip it around the bandsaw to cut the inside diameter.

Yes, we can even work in concrete.  We created some Fleur De Lis medallions for a heritage building in Vancouver.  The medallions were created from an existing piece.  A mold was taken from it, and new pieces were created.  Check inside for more pictures…

Here’s a small pattern we just finished.  It will be used to create hood ornaments on Firetrucks.  The pattern is split down the center and was supplied loose (rather than mounted on a matchplate).

Read the original post:
Printing, Steel & Solar directories have come online

No doubt you’ve heard the term ‘cloud computing’ over the past few months.  It basically means that your files are stored on a central server rather than your own computer.  You can then access the files on any device with an internet connection.  Autodesk has brought the idea of cloud computing to their AutoCAD software with AutoCAD WS.

The AutoCAD® WS web and mobile application for AutoCAD® software lets you view, edit, and share DWG™ drawings through a web browser or mobile device. Now you have the freedom to work anywhere and with anyone. Store AutoCAD drawings and project files in an easy-to-access online workspace. View and edit your designs online or on your Apple® iPad™, iPhone®, or iPod touch®. Share and collaborate easily with others; there’s no software required, and it’s free.

 

Seems like a very useful new idea.  This is definitley something we’ll be trying out.

AutoCAD WS