New York City, NY
Toni Ann Hoffman
Blooming Bowl
Class: Materials & Manufacturing Process
School Year: Sophomore, Fall Semester
Exploring the process of steam bending, the prompt was to create a design first that measured out the curves to allow the veneer and wood to bend.
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The process included soaking the wood for long hours in steam, and applying it onto a mold before vacuum sealing it to keep its shape.
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I was inspired by a floral fruit bowl to explore this new process.
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Sketches​
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I explored various forms that would test the bend of plywood and veneer.
I wanted to go for a floral design and made sure the curves would not exceed the bend limit needed for the veneer to bend. This ensures the structure is sturdy and secure. The petals would come together in the middle as individual pieces bent individually.
Boning Mold
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Using the MDF board I created a boning structure to ensure that the mold won't collapse during the vacuum molding that includes a lot of pressure.
Layover Mold​
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I then stapled a thin sheet of wood over the entire boned structure for the layered veneer to layover during the vacuum sealing process.
Marking Up
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For many manufacturing processes,' it is ideal to have dimensions and exact ratios to be able to have a smooth idea from designer to manufacturer.
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Attaching
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For many manufacturing processes,' it is ideal to have dimensions and exact ratios to be able to have a smooth idea from design
Final Product
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The final form is created by steam bending individual petals into a circular path that all holds in the center.
Final Design
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The layout resembles a flower that bends inwards towards the middle. The tips of the petals bend towards the ground, allowing the body to stay upwards and still.