Materials, techniques, and processes (ceramics, wood, metal, glass, etc.)

Materials

Understanding the properties of materials like ceramics, wood, metal, and glass is critical for 3D Design. This includes characteristics such as malleability, strength, flexibility, and temperature thresholds.
Materials like clay can be moulded when wet, with their shape then being made permanent through a firing process in a kiln.
Metals can be manipulated through techniques such as hammering, welding, or casting. Some metals (like pewter) have low melting points and can be melted at home and cast into molds.
Wood is an extremely versatile material that can be carved, joined, laminated, or altered using heat. It’s also conducive to a wide variety of finishes.
Glass is typically manipulated through processes like blowing, casting, or fusing. Small pieces can be combined and kiln-fired to create larger structures.

Techniques

Ceramics: Techniques include slab construction, coiling, throwing, and mould making. Surface treatments like burnishing, terracotta, slip-trailing, sgraffito, and glazing are also useful skills to explore.
Wood: Carving, turning, constructing (using joints), bending, marquetry, veneering, laminating, and finishing techniques (like staining, oiling, and lacquering) form part of the practice using wood.
Metal: Techniques such as annealing, hammering and shaping, piercing and riveting, soldering, casting, and forging are practiced in metalworking. Surface finishings like enameling, etching, and patination add valuable detailing.
Glass: Key techniques include blowing (both free blowing and mould blowing), casting, fusion, slumping, and laminating.

Processes

Ensure understanding of the planning process like choosing appropriate materials, deciding on techniques, scaling up, and preparing construction plans.
Step-by-step procedure knowledge is essential. Before working, remember to always consider safety measures, like wearing protective gear.
Understanding the steps for prep work, such as conditioning clay or sanding wood, is crucial.
Comprehend the importance of the finishing process, like how glaze can protect and enhance ceramics, or how a properly applied finish can extend the life and beauty of a wooden piece.
Don’t forget that certain processes require time for drying or setting before you can move on to the next step.
Finally, make sure to always clean up and properly care for tools and materials after use to keep them in good condition for future projects.