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Architect wanting to learn as much as possible about bending and forming alluminum sheets for new project
grahamsimm -
Monday, August 6, 2007 - 11:53am
alluminum | bending | forming | sheets I am an architect that is working on a project where I would turn a sheet of alluminum into an architectural element. To do this I need to learn how I can fasten them, how I can bend the sheets, and any other application that i could use to form a mobile kiosk out of alluminum sheets. the total project needs to be no more then a total 400sq. ft. Any direction, suggestions, or comments would be greatly apprecitated. thanks for all the help.  Aluminum can be worked in
Gene Olson -
Monday, August 6, 2007 - 1:24pm
Aluminum can be worked in many ways. 400 sq ft? ~ 40'x10' Is this some sort of storefront curtain wall? Gene Olson » reply  Hire a professional. No,
Ries -
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 - 10:51am
Hire a professional. No, really- what would you think, if I said " I am an artist who has decided to design a 40 story skyscraper- I need to know everything you can tell me, in a few sentances online, about engineering, structures, floor layout, curtain walls, materials, the history of big buildings, and design". The answer, of course, is that people spend years, usually at least 5, just to get to the point they can work as a flunky in an architecture firm, and then 10 to 20 years of practice before they get really decent at it. Why should the design and execution of architectural metalwork be any different? Even excluding all other metals, I would expect about a 2 year learning curve, including hands on time with tools, before you could competently design and spec aluminum building exteriors. Not that architects dont do it all the time with no experience, but it shows in the results. So sure, you should study up on basic fab techniques- but really, you need a decent sheet metal professional to help you design what you want. Here are a couple of basic sheet metal technique books I would recommend, to help you understand the basics of alloys, fastening and welding, bending and cutting, and so on- Sheet Metal Shop Practice- Leo Meyer-ATP books Fabricators Handbook- Ron Fournier- HP Books Both are available cheaply used from ABEBOOKS.com » reply  Don't candy coat it
Bill Roberts (not verified) -
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 - 1:40pm
Don't candy coat it kid......tell em like it is LOL » reply ;-)
Gene Olson -
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 - 3:51pm
Heh heh heh! Too true Ries. It is so easy to draw the unbuildable, or perhaps specify some detail that if Involving (and paying) someone with experience in the sort of shaping you wish to do would be a "good thing." (insider trade secret courtesy of Martha) Gene Olson Sculptor Elk River, MN » reply |
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ArtMetal
Hi grahamsimm, aluminum can
Hi grahamsimm,
aluminum can be welded or mechanically attached. Depending on the size, there are different ways to "bend" it. But a roller will work for nice smooth curves.
I work with aluminum all the time......the more specific the question, makes answering easier. Like......what size material are you working with .......what specifically do you want to do with it? Photos and drawings work well.
Bill