What is the technique
Thermoplastics
This method involves using a polymer or a fibre whose molecular structure beaks down and becomes fluid at a certain temperature, allowing the fabric to be reshaped through pleating or moulding. When cooled, the fabric remains in that permanent shape until it is reheated to the same or higher temperature.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique
100% Synthetic polyester such as organza
Pot
Water
Stove
Tongs
Objects for moulding
Baking paper for pleats
Small rubber bands
Aluminium Foil
How to achieve the technique
Select objects such as marbles or specially cut patterns from acrylic sheets and tie the organza around them using the rubber bands. Once secured, wrap the organza secured with aluminium foil then place the aluminium package into a pot of boiling water and make sure that it is fully submerged and close the lid. Always boil the organza outdoors in a well ventilated area to avoid breathing the toxic fumes. After 1-2 hours, remove the packages and let it cool down a bit before removing the aluminium foil. Once the organza has cooled down to room temperature, remove the objects and gently pat dry and air dry.
What are the uses and applications of the technique
Photos
Own personal reflections
Thermoplastic showed me that fabric in a way could be durable as it retain it’s shape after drying. It created really beautiful designs such as the one with marbles that resembles corals or grapes. It also made me rethink about what I was buying in my clothes which is mostly polyester and how many of us tend to throw away clothes really fast based on fashion trends. This method showed me that I could create textures very simply using moulds and heat instead of beaded embroidery which I am very used to. The colour of the organza does play a part as I feel that getting one that is quite colourful like mine, allows the light to reflect differently on the curves of the organza created by the mould, which enhances the form/shape of organza.
What is the technique
Vacuum forming
This method uses a heated plastic sheet that is stretched over a single surface mould and forced against the mould through the suction of the vacuum.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique
Plastic sheet for vacuum forming
Vacuum forming machine
Mould
How to achieve the technique
Select the mould I want to use then cut a piece of plastic sheet that is bigger that the mould. Place the sheet in between the frame of the vacuum forming machine and then start the heating process. Wait till the plastic sheet is heated till it does not have “waves” in it and is just a flat stretched sheet of plastic. Lift up the frame and quickly place the mould underneath then using the lever, push the frame onto the mould and switch on the vacuum. This will vacuum the plastic accurately onto the sides of the mould. When the plastic sheet cannot be vacuumed any longer, it is done and the sheet can now be removed from the machine. Gently pry off the mould from the moulded plastic sheet.
What are the uses and applications of the technique
Photos
Own personal reflections
I think vacuum forming allows is a really easy method because I can duplicate the same mould for many times without compromising the integrity of the original mould. It is also a really quick process and with the vacuum formed moulds, I can cast anything into the mould to create objects of the same appearance but of different materials. It is really interesting how vacuum forming can make a flat sheet of plastic look very fluid and very realistic. As seen from different people’s applications, vacuum forming is a very minimalistic appearance and is also uses very little material to create a 3D shape which means it is quite environmentally friendly.