Make : shift friction-stir for patterned metals

Cóilín’s research looks at the intersection between traditional craft processes and new technologies. At Make:Shift he will present ongoing research into the use of friction-stir welding to produce unique patterned laminate sheet for jewellery and metalwork. He initiated the project as a means to develop new methods of making multi-alloy metalwork, building on research into patination techniques and knowledge of traditional mokume-gane production in Japan. The project is carried out in collaboration with Dr Hywel Jones from the Materials and Engineering Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam University, and Rotary Engineering UK, a Sheffield based engineering company. The research group is the first to produce this innovative new material internationally. They are currently pursuing the development of a spin-out company to produce and market the product.