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Hydraulic Forming is a press-based technique enabling a wide variety of techniques from rapid making of one-off artworks to small series production.
The techniques introduced in this course are three-dimensional metal forming, making of acrylic “puffing” dies, metal clipping dies, embossing techniques, deep drawing and bracelet forming.
This is a hands-on introduction to an entry-level technology. Although familiarity with basic metal working is assumed, care will be taken to make all procedures accessible.
Once the principles are familiar, the system can be applied to both precious and non-precious metals in a range that includes blanking, stamping, repoussé, chenier and beyond.
All necessary materials and class notes will be supplied.
A list of recommended, common hand tools, will be sent to applicants on receipt of their fee. Due to space restrictions numbers are limited. Book early to ensure your place.
Due to space restrictions numbers are limited. All necessary materials and class notes will be supplied. A list of recommended, common hand tools will be sent to applicants on receipt of their fee.
For further information read ‘Hydraulic Die forming for Jewellers and Metalsmiths’ by Susan Kingsley
(3rd edition 1993) available from Apecs for $50.
Bracelets made by Cynthia Eide using Lee Marshall's
Hydraulic Die Forming Technique
The result of a movable force meeting a resistible object.
Hydraulic Forming is a press-based technique enabling a wide variety of techniques from rapid making of one-off artworks to small series production.
Titanium and gold bracelet, hydraulically formed,
by Ron Kogels.
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How It Happened And What's Happening Now
In May 2002 at the Santa Fe Symposium Phil Poirier gave a presentation of the use of the Bonny Doon hydraulic press for jewellery making.
October 2002 Lee Marshall came to Australia to give workshops and demonstrate the presses and ancillary tooling he, with Phil Poirier had developed for the raising and forming of precious metals.
Lee presented very successful workshops in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. I had seen Phil Poirier’s presentation of the capabilities of these small presses at the Santa Fe Symposium that year and invited Lee to present a workshop at Apecs when in Melbourne.
That workshop included 10 participants who all went away wanting more hands on experience.
Next workshop details.
As Apecs could only provide weekend facilities the teaching time was restricted to two full days with a further one day on a later weekend for technique practice.
Dominic Lowe who had been studying the system before Lee arrived, attended Lees workshop.
In March 2003 Dominic presented the first H.F. workshop at Apecs Investment Castings with 8 attendees, one coming from Queensland.
In May 2003 after attending the Santa Fe Symposium I went to Bonny Doon Engineering and observed two workshops running concurrently, one by Cynthia Eide, forming, embossing and ring making. The other by Phil Poirier, deep drawing of larger vessels.
In October Dominic presented the 2nd H.F. workshop at Apecs Investment Castings at which a further 8 students attended, one from Griffith NSW and one from Western Australia.
In the meantime people needed presses and other equipment.
Consequently Apecs has brought in several shipments of presses and tooling from Bonny Doon.
Lee realised the problem with the exchange rate and expressed the opinion the presses would need to be built in Australia to make them more affordable.
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