Digital Fabrication
The Artworks Foundry staff specializes in a suite of CAD and CAM software. We can help carry your ideas from start to completion, developing and optimizing your 3D models for FDM & SLA 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and CNC milling & machining.
Our in-house farm of large-format FDM 3D printers include the BigRep-One, Gigabot, and more. They will make quick work of any of your 3D printing design challenges. Printing materials include industry-standards such as PLA and ABS as well as exotics like Nylon, PET-G, NinjaFlex and more.
Enlargement
At Artworks Foundry, we like to take things a few steps further. Strategic partner alliances allow us to combine old world craftsmanship with cutting edge technology.
Each project begins by using an aerospace quality 3D optical scanner. Simply put, 3D scanning is a fast and accurate method of acquiring the physical measurements of an object in the computer. But a 3D scanner alone is not a solution and the devil is in the details.
Next, the high-resolution 3D file is sent on to a CNC machine that mills a perfect foam replica at the desired size. Length, width, height, feature size & location, etc. are all duplicated at the correct scale. After that, a thin layer of clay is placed over the foam to receive the artist’s final details and texture.
If the intent is for reduction, Artworks provides 3D printing services that can reproduce even the smallest detail with astounding accuracy.
Lost-Wax
Casting
Artworks Foundry is world-renowned for creating bronze castings using the “Lost Wax” technique. We have fine-tuned this millenium-old method to reproduce artwork of any size and complexity in bronze.
The term ‘Lost Wax method’ describes the following process: Create a mold of the original sculpture, cast a replica in wax, embed the wax in a resilient ceramic shell, heat the shell to 1,700° F to melt out the wax - here is where the process derives its name, and finally pour molten bronze into the resulting empty cavity.
Learn more about the process here.
Engineering
From first conception to final installation, Artworks Foundry can provide practical engineering solutions that guarantee the longevity and safety of our client’s artwork.
Structural engineering designed by our partnering engineers combined with our experienced welding team allows us to create complex internal structures to strengthen and support bronze sculptures, as well as a variety of external support and mounting systems.
We truly care that all the pieces cast here be protected from harsh climate and environmental issues, such as earthquakes, floods or wind.
Fabrication
No matter how challenging your fabrication project is, Artworks Foundry will use the latest technologies available to ensure the integrity, quality and longevity of each piece.
We offer a variety of fabrication services, such as plasma and laser cutting, metal fitting, welding and soldering. Our team has over a century of experience in welding metals of all shapes and sizes. We also construct sculpture bases, support systems and structures to serve our clients' needs.
Finishing
Once the components of a sculpture have been cast, they are welded together and seamlessly finished to create and preserve the desired textures for the piece.
Our welders and metal finishers will carefully reassemble the bronze pieces with artistic precision. Afterwards, the sculpture will be sand-blasted and polished to remove even the slightest marks or defects before receiving the final patina.
Patina
Patina is the application of oxidizing chemicals to bronze which react to the metal and achieves different colors and textures. Our patina department offers a wide list of colors, patterns and effects that can be applied to the sculptures, giving them a unique character.
We also encourage our clients to observe and consult with our patineurs while the patina is being created in order to achieve the perfect finish to their piece. Once the patina application is finished, the sculpture is carefully waxed to protect and enhance the newly-minted sculpture.
Please, click here to see our patina samples.
Installation
Artworks Foundry has decades of experience installing sculptures and architectural works nationally and internationally. We can arrange and provide local and long distance transportation to the sculpture site, including the handling of paperwork and logistics.
From the miniscule to the truly monumental, no installation is too complex for our team. Artworks Foundry designs and install water pumps and electrical systems and provides consultation on site-specific safety conditions and longevity variables when needed.
Restoration
Artworks Foundry specializes in the restoration, repair, and conservation and repair of bronze sculpture that have suffered damage from inclement weather, time exposure action or for any other reason.
Restoration services include patina treatment, new casting of damaged parts, protective coating and cleaning.
