2023
Exam: Materials Technology for Design, second year in ISIA Desig Firenze.
In this project, I was responsible for handling the modeling, design, and engineering aspects of the prototypes we developed. I handled the sketching, laser cutting, 3D printing, and prototyping phases of the project.
Sketches
This project was conceived with the purpose of merging both rigid and flexible materials. Initially, we intended to employ 3D printing for its rigidity. However, after a visit to the Bianco Bianchi artisans and a thorough analysis, we made the decision to utilize PLA as the structural component to house the scagliola.
Our innovation hinges on the utilization of digital manufacturing, facilitated by CAD systems and 3D printing, to establish novel connections and embellishments. We specifically chose the domain of fashion accessories as the focal application area, harnessing scagliola for ornamental purposes while seamlessly integrating the joints through 3D printing.
Ring
Bag
Belt
Necklace
Technical measures
In this team work, we study the PLA, a rigid material; we harnessed its structural properties to enhance the strength of scagliola, a delicate gemstone.
PLA replaces manual stone carving by employing 3D modeling to shape the stone, thereby streamlining production and expanding design options through digital software.
This fusion of PLA and scagliola unites contrasting materials, merging traditional craftsmanship with digital manufacturing.
Necklace
Belt
Volpi tannery in Ponte a Egola
Bianco Bianchi samples
Our first try for the ring
Laser cut pattern on plexiglass
Bending plexiglass with an hot air gun
Coconut fiber weaving on the plexiglass
Buckle
Buckle mechanism
Bag closure
Bag closure mechanism
Buckle n. 1: zodiac sign Cancer shape
Buckle n. 2: zodiac sign Aries shape
Buckle n. 3: S shape
Buckle n. 4: L shape
Necklace closure
Necklace
Necklace pieces
Bracelet closure n. 1
Bracelet closure pieces
Bracelet closure n. 2
Ring n. 1
Rings
Ring n. 2
Ring n. 1, 3d model mechanism
Ring n. 2, 3d model mechanism
Presentation poster at the artisans' institute of Florence
A special thanks for this project goes to:
My teamwork mates: Bianca Benedetti, Marta Maya Lionetti, Sophie Niccolai
Our supervisor: Sabrina Sguanci
The two artisan businesses who help us throught the process: Alessandro Bianchi and his son Leonardo Bianchi (masters of Scagliola in Florence) and Leonardo and Giuseppe Volpi (of Volpi tannery in Ponte a Egola)
My teamwork mates: Bianca Benedetti, Marta Maya Lionetti, Sophie Niccolai
Our supervisor: Sabrina Sguanci
The two artisan businesses who help us throught the process: Alessandro Bianchi and his son Leonardo Bianchi (masters of Scagliola in Florence) and Leonardo and Giuseppe Volpi (of Volpi tannery in Ponte a Egola)