Synthetic Materials Workshop
Synthetic materials play a central role in contemporary art and design practice. As versatile, technologically interconnected materials, they offer a wide range of possibilities for design, experimentation and research. These possibilities are explored and developed in the Synthetic Materials Workshop.
Here, students work with synthetic materials in creative, artistic and experimental projects. The work combines technical material knowledge with craftsmanship and precision and an open, experimental attitude. Different types of plastics and processing methods create space for free artistic practice, design development and prototypical production.
Equipment and work opportunities
The workshop specialises in thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics. It offers workstations for manual and machine processing.
The machinery includes:
- Thermoforming machine
- Bending machine
- Lathes
- Disc sander
- Circular saw
- Band saw
- Stationary router
- Various hand-held machines
- Vacuum casting machine
- Resin 3D printer
- Drying cabinets
In addition, digital tools and processes from the fields of CAD, CAM, CNC and model making are used. The proximity to the wood workshop facilitates the implementation of complex projects. It enables precise planning, production and further processing of components and promotes the connection between analogue and digital manufacturing processes.
Technical support and exchange
Workshop manager Uwe Kirmse supervises the work in the plastics workshop. He advises on project planning, ensures that materials and processes are used correctly, and trains students in the safe use of machines. The workshop also serves as a place for exchange, learning and knowledge transfer. Here, students share experiences and develop new approaches together.
Insights into the Synthetic Materials Workshop
