The University of Missouri-Rolla has received the gift of a major sculpture by the international artist, Edwina Sandys. The work comprises five pieces of rock carved from an initial set of three granite blocks weighing 100 tons. As completed the sculpture will be in two parts, an initial three part assembly forming an arch and two figures, standing separately. The two figures are carved from the vertical members of the three-part arch and are polished, while the outer surfaces of the original rock are left unfinished. The blocks for the assembly are trimmed using a high-pressure waterjet lance operated on a cutting table measuring 6m by 2.4m and able to cut to a depth of 2.4m. The figures themselves are then cut from the trimmed blocks, using the same table. The development of the technology for cutting the figures is described, as are the development and final cutting of the figures. An initial 1/12th scale model was first cut using an abrasive waterjet system on a smaller cutting table. This was followed by the cutting of a half-scale model before the final shapes were cut. Options for the different stages of the cutting are reviewed with an explanation as to the choices that were made for the different cutting operations. Problems, and their solutions, are described.
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