{"id":7652,"date":"2019-06-30T14:29:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-30T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ajakirimaja.ee\/kaiko-kivi-kasitoo-algoritm\/"},"modified":"2024-03-04T20:43:46","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T18:43:46","slug":"kaiko-kivi-the-algorithm-of-craftsmanship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajakirimaja.ee\/en\/kaiko-kivi-the-algorithm-of-craftsmanship\/","title":{"rendered":"The Algorithm of Craftsmanship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The use of program-controlled machinery in customised production.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When creating unique objects, one often needs to turn to customised production as standardised manufacturing does not always allow the necessary flexibility. Craftsmen mostly use various highly specific improvised means to simplify certain tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production makes use of equipment that performs universal operations under the master\u2019s supervision thus allowing to cut costs. In modern workshops, however, there are also numerous program-controlled machines run by codes. The universal example here is 3D printing but in case of natural materials there are more likely also various laser, water jet or plasma cutters, milling and bending machines and die cutters. Unfortunately, the given machines are mostly used for serial production as the code writing for customised products or special solutions is still quite expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where the code programmed by means of algorithms in the artisanal spirit comes in as a good old craftsman\u2019s tool. The creation of such means requires good knowledge of the material, work processes as well as the logic and constraints of CNC-machines. Many materials may be subject to various treatments in order to produce all sorts of details, however, considering the volume and budget, reasonable work processes and their logic must be considered. 3D milling as the most universal method is highly costly in terms of material and time, moulding is feasible only in case of large quantities, while CNC cutting is more economical when using machines of lower complexity etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The starting point for the featured projects has been the idea and a limited budget. As far as the design and materials are concerned, the authors were practically given complete freedom. The ambition was to create and materialise works that would remain unattainable with conventional design and work methods due to the high cost or volume of work. The design and realisation have traditionally included a myriad of so-called craftsman\u2019s algorithms \u2013 software segments custom-made for the given task. Then again, there have also been various operations left for later handiwork that cannot be manufactured or would not be feasible to complete with digital production. In all cases, the realization has been a combination of algorithms for modelling and program-controlled production with the final touches added by hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such collaboration has been highly intriguing in terms of the hybridity of the digital and handiwork as well as the digital solutions immersed in the logic of the material. The latter as well as the treatment process need to be digitalised and simulated up to a point \u2013 some of the work is run by machines followed by the more flexible and cognitive craftsmanship. If it cannot be done one way, it can always be done in some other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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