sheet metal forming by hand.
The art of manual work
For more than a century, Arnold AG has stood for metalworking excellence - characterized by precision craftsmanship, technological progress and artistic standards. Sheet metal forming by hand is the highest form of this skill: a process that combines experience, sensitivity and a deep understanding of the material. Complex free forms, flawless surfaces and sophisticated geometries are created through targeted manual work - every detail noticeably and visibly perfected. From high-gloss polished to lacquered, we offer a variety of surface finishes that harmoniously combine function and aesthetics.
Clearly visible here: the different polishing stages based on large-scale sculptural components and the smallest details.
Sheet metal forming by hand - practiced craftsmanship for over 100 years
The delicate yet stable design enables material-efficient solutions and opens up new scope for design. In combination with modern technologies - such as additive metal additive manufacturing (WAAM) or cast parts - innovative hybrid solutions with a unique design language are created.
Every workpiece is developed and manufactured in Germany - by experienced, specially trained metalworkers who combine generations of knowledge with modern engineering skills. This turns craftsmanship into an unmistakable promise of quality.
Christoph Teuber, Arnold AG
"Every hand-formed component combines engineering precision with the individuality of genuine craftsmanship - and thus becomes an unmistakable one-off."
Support with the right tools: manual hand forming with the Eckold Kraftformer.
Advantages.
Hand forming.
Challenges.
Hand forming.
From the elaborate substructure to the perfect finish: the individual stages of Tarik Kiswansson's artwork "Nest".
From the vision to the finished sculpture
In manual 3D sheet metal forming, a polystyrene model serves as a true-to-scale master model of the planned sculpture or structural shape. This model forms the geometric basis for the subsequent transfer to metal. In the first step, the surface of the polystyrene is divided into meaningful segments - usually along the lines that best reflect the subsequent expansion and compression of the material.
These segments are then removed and transferred to the sheet metal with great precision. This creates templates that serve as the starting point for cutting the raw sheets to size. The cut sheet metal blanks are then shaped by hand - depending on the geometry, using a hammer, wooden mallet, sandbag or power former (flat and beading machine).
Where individual parts become a whole
The forming process takes place step by step and is always based on the polystyrene model, which serves as a haptic and visual reference. Once the shaping process is complete, the individual sheet metal segments are joined and welded with a precise fit. The weld seams are then ground flat and the surface is given the desired finish - from a fine satin finish to a high-gloss polish - in several grinding and polishing stages. If desired, the surface can be protected with transparent coating systems or decoratively textured using a handheld laser.
Especially in an increasingly digitalized manufacturing world, this manual shaping represents a special craft technique that has become rare. Each piece is the result of the precise manual work of experienced metalworkers, whose individual experience and dexterity give the components their own unique characteristics. These subtle differences, which result from pure manual work, make each object unique - with an expressiveness and depth of detail that differs significantly from industrially or automatically manufactured products.
3D metal printing
We use state-of-the-art additive technology to manufacture complex metal structures directly from digital data. This process enables high-precision components with the finest geometries, which conventional manufacturing methods are often no longer able to reproduce. Through targeted material application, substance is only created where it is needed for the design - efficiently, in a resource-saving and high-performance manner. In combination with our handcrafted finishing and surface refinement, we create functional and design components that combine technical innovation and aesthetic quality in a unique way.
Hand laser decoration
Decorative hand laser decoration is a precise and creative process in which bundled light energy carves the finest lines, structures or lettering into metal surfaces. Manual guidance and targeted control of the laser create unmistakable patterns - from elegant branding to individual textures. In combination with hand-formed 3D components, completely new design possibilities are opened up, in which function, design and material effect merge into a harmonious overall result. Each workpiece thus becomes an expression of the highest technical precision and craftsmanship signature.
Transparent coating systems
In one of the most modern paint booths in Europe, we are able to finish even complex 3D-shaped components under optimum conditions. We combine state-of-the-art process technology with precise process control to ensure perfect adhesion, gloss levels and transparency. On request, we develop individual, unique color shades for our customers - from subtle metallic nuances to expressive special colors. This results in surface solutions that combine technical excellence with aesthetic appeal and turn every product into an unmistakable quality feature.
Christoph Teuber
Key Account
Are you looking for innovative solutions in 3D hand forming?
Are you looking for innovative solutions in 3D hand forming?
Whether you need individual advice, a detailed technical question or a project inquiry - we will take time for your request.
Please contact us personally - together we will find the best solution for your surface, your component and your vision.
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