Automotive modelling clay extruding machine - GIF

[Jon]

Automotive modelling clay extruding machine.




Previously:

Clay teapot making process - GIF
River-powered clay pounders GIF
Scale model Ferrari 312PB - photo and video

[Frank S]

Nice thing about clay is if you keep the moisture content correct and don't fire it in a kiln you can reuse it indefinitely I like that extrusion machine

[Moldyjim]

Nice thing about clay is if you keep the moisture content correct and don't fire it in a kiln you can reuse it indefinitely I like that extrusion machine

I would expect it to be wax or oil based plasticine clay.
If kept clean, remelting the shavings doesn't hurt the clay.
Water based clay shrinks as it loses moisture and can be inconsistent in texture.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_plasticine

[hemmjo]

The clay used for sculpting models for artists and industry is plasticine modeling clay. There are various formulations using wax or various oils as binders rather than water. There is little or no shrinkage since the wax or oil does not evaporate.

It is correct that regular "potters clay" when kept at the correct moisture content can be reworked forever. It can also be reworked after it is completely dry. However the shrinkage of potters clay makes it unsuitable for the precision modeling industries require. The shrink rate is easily above 10%, depending on the beginning water content. Artists who sculpt in potters clay, for eventual firing, must use various methods to keep their project at a consistent moisture content as they work, to prevent shrinkage cracks. If necessary there are shrink rules, just like used in foundries, if finished size is critical.

The machine shown simply works the clay scraps back into a homogeneous mass, removing air and assuring consistency throughout the clay.

[KustomsbyKent]

Many years ago I bought some of that plasticine modeling clay, and it comes in a few different levels of hardness. It can be a pain to work with until you warm it some. It never dries out, some of it that I made into a statue has been sitting out in a storage shed for 10+ years, and it still looks like new, and can still be worked.

It would be interesting to see them taking the clay from that extruder, and then applying it to the car during the rough shaping part.