Creating beautiful rings from metal clay is an exciting and innovative endeavor, but it comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to determining the correct size. Metal clay has a propensity to shrink during firing, and calculating the precise size can be a complex task. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of working with metal clay for ring-making and offer some solutions to overcome sizing challenges.
The Challenge of Sizing Rings in Metal Clay
The Challenge of Sizing Rings in Metal Clay
Why do I have so much trouble getting my metal clay ring to be the right size?
Understanding Metal Clay Shrinkage
One of the fundamental challenges in working with metal clay is its shrinkage during the firing process. Unlike traditional metals, the shrinkage of metal clay is not easily predictable. It occurs within a range provided by the manufacturer and is influenced by various factors, including firing temperature, kiln variations, and the type of shelf used. This inherent variability can pose a significant hurdle, particularly when crafting three-dimensional rings.
Creating rings with metal clay requires precise calculations of the shrinkage, which can be a daunting task for the average metal clay user. Rings, being three-dimensional objects, demand accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit. Artists generally do a simple calculation to increase the finished size by the shrinkage percentage provided by the manufacturer. This simple calculation may be close, but it is not precise. In reality, the calculation to predict the shrinkage for a three dimensional object is quite complicated.
One common approach to address this challenge is to use an investment plug. An investment plug is a stopper placed inside the ring to limit the shrinkage to a specific size. While this method is more precise than relying solely on the inherent shrinkage range, it does have limitations. The use of an investment plug may prevent the metal particles from sintering as closely as they would without the plug, potentially affecting the band's strength.
To mitigate this, users employing investment plugs should consider making the ring band significantly larger than the plug, allowing the clay to shrink as much as possible before it's halted by the plug. This compromise helps strike a balance between precise sizing and maintaining the structural integrity of the ring.
Bending After Firing
Another approach to address sizing issues in metal clay rings is to create a flat band and then bend it to the desired size after firing. However, this method requires careful consideration. To prevent cracking during bending, it's essential to achieve a high sinter level during firing, ensuring that the metal particles fuse together effectively.
Moreover, bending a fired metal clay band can work harden the material, potentially causing some of the sintered metal particles to disconnect within the structure. This can lead to cracks and structural weaknesses in the ring.
Material selection is also a great concern. Using a sterling silver clay versus a fine silver clay will help with strength of your final piece.
A Better Practice
To achieve both the correct sizing and minimize the risk of cracking during bending, consider making the ring band in an open, round shape initially. Dry it in this form, fire it, and then bend it to the desired size. This method reduces the chances of structural issues while ensuring accurate sizing for your metal clay rings.
Crafting rings from metal clay is a creative and liberating process, but it comes with its share of challenges, especially in terms of sizing. Metal clay's unpredictable shrinkage can make precise calculations difficult, but with the right techniques and approaches, you can overcome these challenges. Whether using investment plugs or adopting the practice of creating open bands, there are methods to help you achieve the perfect metal clay ring size while maintaining the integrity of your creations.
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