dan teboul reveals geometric patterns of the machining process

dan teboul reveals geometric patterns of the machining process
all images courtesy of dan teboul

computer controlled cutting (CNC) is used as a means to quickly and easily produce designs in an affordable way. after entering instructions into the necessary software, a motor drives a drill bit around a workspace table according to the specified code. although this reduces waste and increases productivity, at times, materials that have been manipulated can still show characteristics of the manufacturing process. as opposed to hiding and minimizing these imperfections in the final work, dan teboul intends to use them to an advantage in a series of experiments he calls ‘machine marks’.

‘my project starts by exploring the technology of incremental sheet forming (ISF). having a CNC machine allows me to play with the technology and explore it through a designers’ perspective. this technology doesn’t need a mold in the process, and the process is relatively easy and cheap to other technologies of sheet metal forming,’ says teboul. this method of making the objects and the dialogue with the router is critical and influences the morphology of the objects. by controlling the CAM software, geometric patterns of the machining process are revealed to create a tactile surface. the result is a series of  unique cars and masks milled out of steel and aluminum.

aluminum toy cars

each car displays a different surface manipulation

painted cars

the edges are emphasized in contrast with the color

smooth mask 

aluminum and painted versions

before and after the machining process

 designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.