Material & Casting Lab
A space designed for casting, moulding and material exploration using liquid formed and additive technologies.
Casting & Mould-making.
The Lab is well equipped for liquid forming, additive forming and bending and pressing methods of casting and mould-making.
Materials such as plaster, clay slip, concrete and wax can be poured in their liquid states into moulds or formwork; different viscosities and material qualities affect the geometries and finishes of the resulting object. Bending and pressing processes, such as Mayku vacuum forming or glass slumping can be achieved using a combination of heat and gravity or pressure.
Clay 3D Printing.
Clay 3D printing is an additive technology in which a model is built up layer by layer by selectively depositing clay material through an extruder nozzle. This method is a composite of handmade and digital processes.
The Lab houses two Delta Wasp printers, allowing for precise and detailed porcelain printing. See further information here: Clay 3D Printing.
Material Processes.
The Material & Casting Lab is a space for material exploration, encouraging iterative working modes blending hand-built and digital methods. The space allows for the exploration of the aesthetic, practical, textural and sensory qualities of different materials in new contexts.
The Lab supports material investigation of biodegradable alternatives to synthetics, biological fabrication and conscious use of raw materials.
Our facilities.
The Materials & Casting Lab has a comprehensive range of traditional and digital tools and machines available for use following the appropriate inductions.
The lab also has a broad selection of materials available to purchase including clays, plaster and casting supplies.
Speak to our knowledgeable technical staff if you want to discuss any casting, mould-making or material processing techniques.
Accessing the Lab.
Plan ahead and come prepared.
Ensure you are wearing closed footwear, bring you USyd student card and any drawings or prototypes to help realise your project.