Heat Setting
Week 12
What is the technique?
Heat setting requires thermoplastics fabrics which by definition refers to the quality of a fiber whose molecular structure breaks down and becomes fluid at a certain temperature, making it possible to reshape the fabric by pleating, moulding or crushing. The fabric is “fixed” on cooling and cannot be altered unless heated to a temperature greater than the one at which it was reshaped.
Polyester belongs to the group of synthetic fibres. A synthetic fabric is a thermoplastic, that is it can be transformed through heat into new configurations, which on cooling are completely stable.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique?
- Saturated steam
- Boiling water
- Thermoplastic fabric
- Small rubber bands
- Aluminium foil
- Objects to wrap in the fabric (marbles, rocks etc.)
How to achieve the technique?
- Pleat, mould or crush the thermoplastic fabric
- If moulding with objects, tie the object in the fabric tightly with rubber bands
- Wrap the reshaped fabric with aluminium and secure it with rubber bands
- Submerge the aluminium ball into water and boil at low heat for at least 1 hour
- Take out the aluminium ball and let it cool before removing the rubber bands and aluminium.
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
- Light shades
- Dividers
- Cushions
- Garments
Photo
Examples of Heat Setting
Using Origami Folds as Mould
Result from Origami Folds
Objects I used for my Heat Setting
My Preparations for Heat Setting
Boiling the Aluminium Balls
Result from Boiling
Demonstration of Vacuum Forming
Reflection
I think heat setting would be one of my favourite techniques because of the 3D effect of the reshaped fabric. I am really amazed at the that almost anything can be used to mould the fabric so I am really interested at what other 3D objects I can use to shape the fabric. Furthermore the thermoplastic fabric needed in the technique has a really pretty sheer and gradient-like colour which further adds to the beauty of the product. I will definitely use this for my final product because I really like the outcome of my attempt.
Vacuum foaming also amazed me because I never knew that plastic can be shaped so easily that even I can use. I would definitely consider using it to make products for my Visual Communications projects in the future.