“Symphoney in C” by Johannes Pannekoek

Harry models his maquettes out of foam, aluminium sheet and glue, then we start by 3D scanning it.

The scan is then loaded into #CySlice where we fit the free-form curves and surface. Because the maquette itself has kinks and bumps and gaps, we then tweak the control points, with Harry directing, to get everything perfectly smooth.

The point interpolation is our own algorithm that generates very natural sweeping curves. Its origins go right back to the late 80’s when we first developed it to fit curves to co-ordinate measuring machine data from jet engine turbine blades on a Rolls Royce Aerospace project.

The perfect surface is then loaded into UVLayout where we work out the flat pattern that’s sent out for laser cutting. Because these sculptures are large, they need to be cut into smaller pieces to fit the available sheet sizes (typically 1.5 by 3 meters). UVLayout is also used to generate the print-outs that Harry uses as a guide for the rolling of each piece, indicating radii and direction.

This is just one of dozens of sculptures we’ve worked on for Harry since 2013.