REFLECTION

Taking the digital making course allows me to learn how to create different shapes by using aluminium sheet. A variety of tools such as mallet, sandbag, English Wheel and Hand Lever Shear are the tools to shape or cut the metal sheet. Moreover, I have learnt about how to shape a metal sheet by shrinking, stretching, bending and polishing.

From the projects I did before, I think the fuel tank was the most challenging task even it was a group project. To make the fuel tank template, we need to use the software Fusion 360 and Photogrammetry that we haven’t used before. I was really confused about how to use these software. Fortunately, my group members help a lots. Even the illustrator for laser cutting, I still have not used before. However, I have learned how to laser cut through this project. It is a very useful skill that I can use in the future. For example, I can use the laser cut to make the site model in my future design studio. It will take a shorter time and more accurate by using laser cutting.

At the beginning of making the fuel tank, I could not shape the metal successfully. I was assigned to do the middle part for the fuel tank but the skin that I made could not closely adhere to the surface of the template. The area of the metal sheet is quite big, so I had no idea how to create a radian on it. I just press the metal sheet on the cylinder stump and make a rough curve. After many attempts, I found it still does not work. Compare my work to other group members, their aluminium had a smoother surface and it closely adhere to the template. Therefore, I asked for the tutor assistance. Russel helped me to create a correct radian by using English Wheel. He used a flatter wheel to stretch the middle area and a curved wheel to stretch the side parts. Finally, the metal sheet is closely matched with the surface of the template.

Besides, I found that there have several methods can shape the edges. Firstly, I have tried to stretch the metal sheet on the Curved Steel Dolly and Curved Steel Dolly. This method could be used to stretch a deep curve. Secondly, I have used the Shrinker/Stretcher Tool to make the curve for the edge. This method allows the aluminium sheet tear easily but it will leave mark on the aluminium. Since I was not sure how to use the Shrinker/Stretcher Tool, I found a video on Youtube that introduce the metal shaping techniques to create a corner by Stretcher Tool and English Wheel. It is quite similar to the metal shaping that I need to do. Thirdly, I just stretch the edges on the template. The template was made of 6mm plywood so it is firm enough. The edge of the metal sheet could be form easily through these three methods.


The Youtube video that I found: