Modelling

Modelling at the Faculty of Art and Design covers a wide range of areas: from illustrative and functional models to technical modelling. Students design models and moulds for creative, artistic and technical projects. They explore various approaches to further develop their ideas.

Depending on the project, they use simple materials and tools or produce technically challenging objects with refined aesthetic forms. The workshop is part of the workshop complex for wood, synthetic materials and CAD/CAM/CNC milling. It combines traditional craft techniques with digital processes. Close collaboration with other workshops gives rise to projects that combine materials and production methods.

Work areas and equipment

The Modelling Workshop provides workstations and technical equipment for the development and production of models and moulds. 

The equipment includes:

• Workstations for manual model making
• Machines for working with wood and plastics
• Cutting and grinding equipment
• Drilling and milling tools
• Hand-held machines and tools
• CAD/CAM-supported work
• CNC milling
• 3D printing
• 3D scanning

Materials and Moulding Processes

Students use a variety of materials for model-making:

• Wood and wood-based materials
• Plastics (e.g. polystyrene and styrodur, polyurethane, etc.)
• Synthetic resins
• Composite materials
• Aluminium

Models and moulds form the basis for further stages of the process. They enable materials and manufacturing processes to be combined and designs to be transferred to different materials.

Applications and processes:

• Thermoforming and laminating of plastics
• Casting synthetic resins in moulds
• Models and moulds for clay and ceramic work
• Models and moulds for embossing sheet metal
• Model making for casting (e.g. aluminium)

Working in a study context

Work in the Modelling Workshop is tailored to the requirements of the respective project. Here, mock-ups are created for brainstorming, models for the development of moulds, and moulds for further production processes. Sculptural objects and artistic works are also created here.

Students can collaborate with external partners such as foundries to produce models and core boxes for sand moulding processes or for casting metal objects. In cooperation with glassblowing workshops, moulds for glassblowing are created.

Technical support

Matthias Henkelmann, a qualified designer and master craftsman in the Modelling Workshop, supports the work on site. He advises students on the planning and implementation of their projects, assists with technical queries and provides training in the safe use of machinery and tools.