Ignit
A Material & Manufacturing Exploration
5 Materials, 5 Manufacturing Methods
Visit https://blogs.uoregon.edu/5rings/ to view all rings and further details
"Ignit" features a design that combines the essence of a lit torch with the dynamic curves of a track field. The central element of the ring resembles a torch flame, which conveys movement and energy. Surrounding the flame, the band spirals in a continuous loop reminiscent of a running track. The combination of these elements creates a piece that pays homage to track and field sport.
Purpose:
To observe and analyze how various materials and methods of production affect the outcome of the final product
Color, durability, quality, product life expectancy, etc…
Materials & Methods of Production:
PLA / FDM Printer
Resin / SLA Printer
Ancient Bronze / Lost Wax Casting
Silver / Lost Wax Casting
Stainless Steel / Metal 3D Printer
Powder-Coating
Enameling
INSPIRATION
“Ignit” was inspired by the Olympics, as the ring was displayed during the 2024 Olympic Trial in Eugene, Oregon.
The design that combines the essence of a lit torch with the dynamic curves of a track field. The central element of the ring resembles a torch flame, which conveys movement and energy. Surrounding the flame, the band spirals in a continuous loop reminiscent of a running track. The combination of these elements creates a piece that pays homage to track and field sport.
I wanted to create a ring that was simple in form but upon closer inspection, incoorperates details inspired by the torch and track field.
PRODUCTION PROCESS
Ideation
Prototype
The initial prototypes were printed to assess the band thickness and finger sizing, aiming for an optimal fit for a size 9 finger without feeling brittle or too thin (top left image).
The subsequent step involved refining the details. The initial etching along the track line was too thin and required adjustment by one millimeter. Similarly, the grooves along the torch needed to be increased by one millimeter to enhance the visibility of the detail.
PLA Plastic
This ring was made using the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon and Bambu Lab A1-mini 3D printers. Both machines can interchange between 4 different filaments during a print. The colors used for the rings were blue, white, and semi-transparent.
If the various filaments in the multi-colored printer are not adequately purged, the colors may blend, resulting in inaccurate color output (as shown on the left).
SLA Resin
Other Alternatives:
SLA (Stereolithography) is a form of 3D printing process and is popular for its high-accuracy, isotropic, and watertight production.
SLA printing is made by a resin printer such as the Formlabs printer. Liquid resin filament is used to print parts accurately. The object(s) is then cured and cleaned with an isopropyl alcohol finish.
The rings were printed in both white (image above) and clear filament.
How color was added to certain parts of the ring:
Method 1: the details were printed separately, dipped in fabric dye, and glued onto the band.
Method 2: Elmer’s glue was coated on all parts except where color was to be added. The whole band was dipped into fabric dye. Once the ring dried, the glue was peeled off, revealing the original white coloring.
Interestingly, the PLA plastic could not be colored with the fabric dye, while the SLA resin absorbed color well.
Ancient Bronze
The investment powder and water ratio were accurately measured to the weight of the wax pieces. The cast was then dried for several hours and placed in the kiln overnight.
The ancient bronze ring was produced using the lost-wax casting method, with color incorporated through powder coating.
A wax-resin print of the ring was created using a resin printer. Sprues were added to ensure better metal flow into the detailed areas of the ring. A second casting was performed to achieve a more refined level of detail, with thicker sprues to facilitate improved molten metal flow.
A wax-resin print of the ring was created using a resin printer. Sprues were added to ensure better metal flow into the detailed areas of the ring. A second casting was performed to achieve a more refined level of detail, with thicker sprues to facilitate improved molten metal flow.
Sterling Silver
The process of casting the silver ring was similar to that of the ancient bronze ring. The primary difference lay in the method of incorporating color into the details. The sterling silver ring was enameled.
Enameling is the process of packing powdered glass on the surface of a metal object, which is melted and set by exposure to high temperature.
A side-to-side comparison of the first and second enamel attempts. The first attempt produced a green layer and the powder did not fully melt. The second application had a much cleaner finish. These photos were taken after pickling the surface debris but before re-polishing. One suggestion as to why the first enameling failed may be because I did not wait long enough for the powder to dry.
Stainless Steel
The stainless steel ring was manufactured with a third-party printing service company. The 3D file (stl.) was sent and the final product was mailed. A light tumbling was used to smoothen the surface. There was not much visible changes, as the print was already high-quality but the texture felt more smooth to touch.
Life Cycle Analysis
FINAL MODELS
Additional Information:
Why choose blue for color?
I selected blue as the primary color to represent the intensity of the flame. Ignit has a torch element with a lit flame on top. While red is commonly associated with fire, blue flames are the strongest and most intense. This parallels the strength and passion embodied in the Olympics, where the pursuit of excellence burns brightest.
RENDERS
Finished renderings of PLA plastic, ancient bronze, and sterling silver
Students collectively built a display case, presentation boards, and created the graphic designs for the exhibition. The “5 Rings” collection was featured at the 5th Street Public Market. Soon to be featured at the Greener Manufacturing Show and Dutch Design Week in Fall 2024.
OBSERVATIONS
Recap of mistakes learned throughout the project:
FDM: Too much blending
Ancient-Bronze casting: sprues are too narrow and long … solution: Add more wax
Silver: More sprues needed
SLA: first models were too thin… alternative way made pieces come out well and looks more dynamic in the end (draw the vision before and after)
Note:
Silver took less time to melt than bronze (lower melting point)
Printing time for SLA is mainly cause of purging
Interested in Purchasing?
Rings are available in bronze, sterling silver, and stainless steel. They are manufactured through a third-party company and shipped to desired address.
Colors on rings are not available.
Bronze: $45
Silver: $50
Stainless Steel: $45
Please get in touch with me via email - herinha16@gmail.com
