Low-cost digital manufacturing technologies applied to the construction of large-format sculptures

Sculptural creation is usually an artistic task that involves manual techniques that are still worked in the traditional way by modelling sculptures with clay and converting them into durable materials by means of moulds. This technique involves sculptural skills and a large investment in materials, time and the help of machinery or other people. With the advent of three-dimensional technologies, these processes can be accelerated, made lighter and significantly cheaper, although expensive machinery is required. This proposal aims to combine low-cost technologies with traditional techniques to create large-format sculptures. First, the three-dimensional digitalization and 3D modelling of three statues, belonging to the Cycladic art, is carried out and the raw form is built by stacking foam plates cut with a milling machine. Then, the statuette is worked on until the final shape is achieved. Finally, three procedures are described that have been used to turn the sculptures into a definitive material. One sculpture is made by solid filling, another is filled in two halves to achieve a hollow work, and finally the cement is applied directly to the foam sheets, thus eliminating the need for a mould.