Audi 2012 Annual Report Download - page 42

look. But it is only with the clay model
that sketches and plans take on true
three-dimensionality and the shapes,
proportions and eects of lighting
can be assessed realistically. “We give
the idea a physical form, we make it
tangible,” is how Müller describes the
special aspect of his work. He considers
himself a technical artist. “With sketch
modeling, in particular, you only have a
few sketches available to you initially.
You need a feel for shapes – and
imagination, of course.”
The initial work goes something like
this: A framework of wood panels is
mounted on a metal rack and covered
with polyurethane foam, which is
then shaped to resemble a car. Now
comes the first of two layers of clay,
which should not be more than
30 millimeters thick to prevent cracking.
Prior to application, the clay mixture
is heated in an oven to between 60 and
65 degrees Celsius, where it is most
pliable. After the second layer of clay
is applied – which is done by hand in
several hours of intensive labor – the
clay must then cool down to room
temperature. Only then does it have
the ideal consistency for the work of
the clay modelers.
The great advantage of the industrial
clay is that it is an organic material.
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