Did You Know?
The NRL trophy is Metal Sprayed with phosphor bronze!
In 1999 sculptor Rodger Apte created this masterpiece. For more details and to view some of Rodger's other masterpieces, Click Here.
Vulcan
“Vulcan” the colossal statue overlooking Birmingham, Alabama, was designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti and cast from iron in 1904. The 56 foot high sculpture Vulcan is the Roman God of the Forge.
In 1999 the 50 ton statue was in desperate need of repair; in 2001 work began. After cleaning, the castings were lightly grit blasted and a thick layer of Zinc was applied using the Metal Spray process to both the interior and exterior surfaces of the statue. After being sprayed, the castings were stored outdoors without fear of corrosion and then brought into the shop for repairs.
After repairs another layer of Zinc was applied using the metal spray technique. This was followed by primer coat and polyurethane coating before being re-erected in June 2003.
Bronze Seed
- Figure 1: Three different seed segments were shaped by the artist in large blocks of white styrofoam. The individual segments are approximately three feet tall.
- Figure 2: Stainless steel skeletons were made for each of the three different shapes. These served as structural support for the outside shell and a base plate for anchoring.
- Figure 3: Copper mesh is shaped to the models; here, the back section is shown. The mesh is easily formed, often by hand, and can be cut and joined to accommodate any contour.
- Figure 4: The front half of the seed is metal sprayed with zinc to solidify the shape taken from the model. The openings in the mesh readily accept the sprayed zinc. The mesh becomes encapsulated when sprayed from both sides, lending great strength to the shell.
- Figure 5: The front and back sections are assembled and sprayed together on the skeleton. The seams will need minor grinding to disappear.
- Figure 6: The final shape is touched up and lightly grit blasted, then metal sprayed with silicon bronze. It is then highlighted by polishing.
- Figure 7: The three completed seed pods on site with a chemical patina finish.
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If you would like more information on Metal Spray equipment or consumables, call us on 07 3823 1004, or email us using our contact form.
