Can it ever make sense to talk about 'art' or 'craftsmanship' in the context of a computer-machined hunk of aluminium?
Yes!
for 若園精機 高い切削加工技術によって2種類の絵柄が重ね合わされた花器。 まずは幅1.8mmで深さが5mmの溝が一定の間隔で掘られ、その後、凸部に幅1.0mm、深さ2mmの柄が、さらに凹部にも幅1.8mm、深さ6mmの別の絵柄が削り出された。 このように、深さが異なる4つの層によって、真正面から見た場合と、目線を上下にずらして見た場合とでは絵柄が異なるという、単一素材でありながら2つの像を内包する花器が生まれた。 溝が深すぎると影が濃くなり過ぎて柄が見えなくなり、逆に浅いと柄が薄くなりすぎたり、2つの柄が同時に見えてしまうため、4つの層の幅と溝の深さの検証は繰り返し行われた。 製作には５軸切削加工機が使用されたが、溝の幅は最も狭い場所で1.8mm、端部の厚みは1mmと非常に薄いため、刃先のわずかなブレや、削りカスの目詰まりによって簡単に溝が欠けてしまう。 また、切削速度を上げすぎると接触部の温度が上昇し、金属の歪みを引き起こす。そのため、細かい箇所だと1mm径のドリルを使って0.5mmずつ時間をかけながら彫り込むなど、作業時間と切り込みの深さは細かく調節された。 はじめは約100kgあったアルミの塊に切削加工を施していき、約7カ月後に最終的に仕上がった花器は15kgであった。 for Wakazono A vase with two different overlapping patterns created using fine milling technology. Firstly, grooves of 5mm deep, 1.8mm width were carved in constant intervals on the vase's exterior, resulting in two different levels on the surface.
Designed by Nendo:
“Firstly, grooves of 5mm deep, 1.8mm width were carved in constant intervals on the vase’s exterior, resulting in two different levels on the surface. The first pattern was then carved 2mm deep from the external surface, while the second pattern was carved 6mm deep from the deeper immersed surface.
This calculated process results in the creation of a four-layer surface with different depths, allowing the patterns to appear visually according to the angle in which the vase is viewed. The dimensions and proportions of this process were carefully examined and tested due to the effects of deviations; if the initial grooves are too deep, the dark casted shadows will visually block the pattern, conversely if it is too shallow, the two patterns will blend together without a distinct separation.
By using multi axis machinery, some grooves were carved to 1.8mm in width, and only 1mm thickness at the edge. These narrow dimensions cause complications, as the grooves can easily break due to clogging of scraping material. Furthermore, if the cutting speed is too high, the temperature of the cutter rises, and can cause metal distortions. Accordingly, the production’s duration and dimensions were carefully adjusted, and milling was done gradually in 0.5 mm deep layers.
This delicate process originated from a 100kg block of aluminum, that after 7 months, resulted in a 15kg vase.”