Industrial Craft

Industrial Craft is a material based project focused around utilising plastic waste streams associated with CNC fabrication. As a by-product after the milling process the lightweight polyurethane foam dust is left in abundant volumes. Given that this material is still regarded as a niche plastic, it’s only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill.

Through material exploration designer Charlotte Kidger developed a durable and versatile composite material that has the capabilities to be cast in diverse 3D forms of various scales.

Through a series of pots/vessels and two large sculptural tables the materials properties are highlighted as well as creating an alluring curiosity behind the materials origin. With the ability (once cast) to be cut, sanded, engraved and put back into CNC, the finish possibilities are endless.

Materials were sourced from Bakers Patterns, a CNC fabrication company based in Telford (fabricating 3D models from polyurethane and polystyrene foam). Working closely with the company a close relationship was built to find ways of reusing and utilising their waste stream.