.
Design Resource
Aluminium Vessels
The Craft of Making Aluminium Vessels
by
Making Process
Making process involves several stages such as spinning and shaping, polishing and final washing. Initially circular metal disc/plate is taken to form cylindrical shape. The disc is fixed on spinning lathe and rotated at high speed. The craftsman then applies the pressure by pressing the metal sheet with the help of roller tool (an elongated thick metal rod). The desired shape is formed when the sheet is pressed against a tool called mandrel. Mandrel is a solid from inserted to the lathe machine to obtain the internal shape of the vessel. Different shapes of vessels can be achieved by inserting variety of mandrel forms. The cylindrical shaped vessel is completed in the first stage by using a particular type of lathe. Using a different type of spinning/turning lathe, the vessel is given its final shape as the upper part of the vessel is shaped out of the hollow like container with large opening which was the outcome of the first stage of processing. In the second stage iron weights or molds are placed inside the cylindrical vessel and fixed to the lathe machine. The vessel is now slightly bended using roller tool while it is turning on the machine. The edges at the opening of the vessel are removed by polishing and chiseling process. The properly shaped vessel is sent to the polishing process which is done using chemicals to give a shiny look. Finally the vessel is washed and dried under the sun.
