Development of a production method combining carbon fibres and glass

Abstract

During this project, the possibilities between carbon fibres and glass were explored. It appeared that no significant improvement in mechanical properties can be obtained by reinforcing the glass. Therefore other directions were explored in the kiln, with hot glass, with glue and with electric current, both aesthetic and functional. Eventually a method, in which a weave of carbon fibres is used as a mould to blow glass in, was chosen as most promising.

This method has many values and advantages: the possibility to create non-withdrawable designs without seams (a new method with different restrictions), digitalisation in glass processing by generating sewing patterns, a fast, cheap and easy method to create easily adaptable moulds and finally a new aesthetic value by having a textile texture and in that way ‘soft’ glass. Possibilities have been explored and optimised and user evaluation showed that the contrast between textured and untextured areas was appointed as the most aesthetically pleasing aspect.

These values and results have been verified, proven and showcased in two final designs. A digitally generated sewing pattern was used to create a soft squirrel out of glass and the contrast in texture was applied in a planter design for Van Tetterode’s own product line, following the trend of bringing the outside inside.