When Art Meets Industry: CNC Milling in Art

Bakers Patterns | 21st September 2020

Marguerite Humeau Spassky-fischer

Art & Design

When it comes to the world of art and design, people are constantly looking for new ways to explore their creativity and unlock methods of designing amazing pieces. For as long as this society is around, we will strive for more. Technology has allowed us to go from strength to strength regarding our creative side, and we’re continuously making more beautiful, enigmatic, and legendary pieces. You just need to look at the likes of Echoes by Marguerite Humaue in order to get a feel of the results modern tech can provide. With regards to the technology and hardware involved, CNC milling has become a regular practice. Let’s have a little look at this in a little more detail:

CNC machines are very powerful when it comes to boosting your creativity. Whether you’re looking to design a prototype for metal sculptures, express yourself artistically, engineer things, or just try something new, these pieces of hardware can add extra dimensions to your work.

CNC is an acronym for ‘Computer Numerical Control.’ CNC machining is a practice that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. It’s a subtractive fabrication method, which starts with a solid block of material and uses a cutter to remove excess, therefore creating the design necessary. Simply put, the CNC machine would translate computer data into sequences of information for the cutting head to enact.

Common Types of Sculptures For CNC Milling And Machining

Foam Milling In the Creation of Sculptures

CNC foam milling has been utilized frequently and effectively with regards to creating beautiful sculptures. It’s commonly used by individuals and maquette companies alike to create a foam maquette which can then be modified and enlarged using further CAD software. Using foam as a sculpture prototype is a simple, easy, and cost-effective way of working.

Art Implemented in Everyday Objects

Cutlery, crockery, boxes, and other objects are often sculpted in the form of an animal or something entirely contrasting. This kind of practice is super common and is a great way of expressing one’s self. Those complex artistic forms make them hard to manufacture without CNC.

Engravings

The name speaks for itself. Engraving is easy to do with CNC machining because the pattern is easy to reach by the tool – it does need any complex movements or commands in order to achieve a smooth and attractive look. It’s one of the most common and simplest ways of utilizing this method of art and design.

The Final Finish

CNC milling has allowed artists to find new methods as well as exploring their own creativity, allowing them to design amazing art pieces. Interested in finding out more about CNC milling? Then get in touch and speak to a member of the Bakers Patterns team today on +44 01952 216165 or send us an email on info@bakerspatterns.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

Paul-Gong-Sculpture

Polyurethane Art & Design

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