Tools for tooling: Digital fabrication technology as the innovation enabler

Jorgensen, Tavs

Abstract

Abstract: This paper describes research concerning the creation of a novel sheet glass forming system based on the Reconfigurable Pin Tooling (RPT) principle. The paper will initially outline some of the theoretical and technical background for the research. These contexts particularly concern tools and innovation environments as well as a brief overview of the history of the RPT concept. A description of the development of the tooling systems through practice-based research is then provided followed by coverage of creative explorations with this new glass-forming method.Based on the results of the research, the author argues that digital fabrication technologies can provide the key toolsets for individual creative practitioners to successfully innovate through their own toolmaking projects. This argument is evidenced by artefacts (glass bowls) produced by the author using the RPT systems developed during the research; these glass bowls have been widely exhibited and received both critical as well as commercial acclaim. The article concludes with observations from this research and reflections on the findings.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jan 9, 2019
• Publication Date: Jan 9, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jan 31, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 31, 2019
• Journal: Arts
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/arts8010009
• Keywords: toolmaking, digital fabrication, reconfigurable pin tooling, glass slumping, user innovation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/854266
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/arts8010009
• Contract Date: Jan 31, 2019