From pipe twisting machines to laser cutters and rotary welding machines, today I discovered satisfying factory machine tools.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm on the autistic spectrum, because I can watch videos like this for hours (and I'm being literal here!), there is something deeply satisfying about watching huge chunks of metal being spun like play dough.
Or even a machine cutting precise lengths of wire at blurring speeds. I don't know particularly why, but it stirs something deep within me, something almost . . . almost primal.
I guess only someone else who is also into industrial machine porn can ever really get it, however I urge you to give it a try it really is quite fantastic!
Anyway, I can't decide what my favourite machines are, so in no particular order (kind of), these are a few that grabbed my eye.
Six Of The Best
- The Large Acme Roller (6.00 mins V1) - As well as having the name Acme, which just reminds me of the coyote in the popular roadrunner cartoon series.
The Acme rolls out huge coils of what I think is steel into what looks like giant bolts. I have no idea if they are definitely bolts or what they're for, however they are truly mesmerising and I'd love to have this one as a screensaver!
The Metal Spinning machine (6.42 mins V1) - For some reason metal needs to be spun, I have watched this one a few times now and I have no idea what these things are for, all I know is I want to stare at this machine doing its thing.
If the Elma Cutting Machine (8.00 mins V1) had a sentient personality, it would be like a brusque and precise school ma'am, who took no nonsense from any of her students or staff, and always got the job done.
Watching this machine precisely cut thin metal disks before whisking them away for god knows what use, calms and pleases me all at the same time.
- Who doesn't love an Accurl Waterjet Cutting Machine? (8.48 mins V1) - I actually put this one in there because of the pretty patterns it cuts, and the fact it reminds me of @natureofbeing, who of course does this sort of thing beautifully by hand.
It made me wonder what she would make of such a machine, and would she ever use one, or would that somehow divorce her from her artistic processes?
The Seco Tool (1.59 mins V2) - I have no idea whatsoever what this machine makes, all I know is that it can precisely cut and machine a block of metal and there is something... I dunno, I want to say; delicious? about that.
Sometimes you need your pipes twisting, and the Ellsen pipe twisting machine (5.14 mins V2) is just the man for the job! Again, no idea what the pipes are for, but they look really nice as they are twisted out into precise shapes.
Special Mention - Ever wondered how barbed wire is made? (7.36 mins V1) Nope me neither, that doesn't stop me loving the machine that does though. Spiky and fun all at the same time!
V1
V2
ARE YOU INTO WATCHING INDUSTRIAL MACHINES? HAVE I JUST TURNED YOU ONTO A WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD? WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MACHINE?
AS EVER, LET ME KNOW BELOW!
Very cool! I've always been fascinated by these kinds of automated machines, especially ones that make/package food and beverages.
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Hi @cryptogee,
Ah yes, the wonderful and capable waterjet -
when I first learned of such a thing about 10 years ago I felt both excited and sort of threatened that it was a technology that would make my work obsolete and my many years of developing my art and craft meaningless. But what I've come to believe - at least for now - is that there is a time and place for super exacting fast hands-off technology that performs much more efficiently than a human can, and there's a time and place for handmade. We individually and as a society need to be smart enough to know the difference and why!
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Hey good to see you, Ruth!
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Those are very satisfying. Dont check out Boston Dynamics unless you have time to kill.
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Aha yes! I've already been down that rabbit hole, thanks for reminding me :-)
Cg
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@cryptogee,
It is mesmerizing. The invention of these tools is itself ... Art.
Quill
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