BRIEF
The task was to create a cover plate for a tap, designed by Axor. There were four processes, each student could be picked, in order to make the cover plate. For this project, I had chosen the process of 3D printing my cover plate mould and press forming the ceramic clay to the mould.
RESEARCH BOARDS
IDEATION SKETCHES
INITIAL CONCEPT SKETCHES
INITIAL MOCK UP
INITIAL COVER PLATE RENDERS
In my mood boards, my initial design approach was to create a braille-based Axor cover plate, with ripple designs, inspired by water. Receiving feedback from my lecturers, resulted in re-looking at my Axor cover plate design. This resulted in removing the braille, as the 3D printed mould and ceramic clay press forming process will cause issues with the braille. The design approach I had to adapt was incorporating a series of 3D geometric triangles.
FINAL CONCEPT SKETCHES
ENGINEERING DRAWINGS
FINAL RENDERS
MANUFACTURING PHASE
STOP MOTION VIDEO
FINAL OUTCOME
GIF
This cover plate is categrised under luxury due to to its simplicity and modern elegance which is most fitting considering Axor the company, itself values such characteristics towards their own designs.
REFLECTION
This project overall was a good learning experience with its triumphs and issues. The issue I faced with this project, was that in my 3D-printed mould, the base height of the plate was too thin, resulting in my plates cracking. I had to place and join layers of ceramic clay together, in order for the cover plate to not crack while it was drying and placed into the kiln. Fortunately, three out of the four plates had not cracked. Overall the chosen design had come through quite well on the plate.
