Abstract

Laser processing on titanium for contemporary

jewellery: a bridge between cultures

A thesis submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy
in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

2008

Sarah O’Hana

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

Abstract

The University of Manchester

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 Abstract

Sarah O’Hana
Doctor of Philosophy
Laser processing on titanium for contemporary jewellery:
a bridge between cultures
July 2008

The aim of this research is to investigate laser processes to generate innovative

solutions for the creative industries. It is partly carried out through the author’s creative
practice at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering and contributes
to the discourse of practice-based research within the academic framework.

A contextual review covers fundamental developments in the field of contemporary

jewellery as art form and of practitioners employing laser as in the production of
artwork. The study also focuses on interdisciplinary practices as illustrations of
successful collaborations between art and engineering or science. Observations are
made of the difference between the methodologies of art practice and scientific
method. Elements from both cultures are employed for this investigation that offer a
new vision of hybrid practice.

A series of resolved, jewellery related objects are created using two main systems: a
60 W CO2 10.6 µm laser and a 7 W Nd:YVO4 532 nm laser. The research
demonstrates how laser controlled oxide growth on Ti-6Al-4V under ambient conditions
can be used as an artistic tool by producing even, defined colours or by reproducing
freehand drawings on the titanium surface. The research is distinguished by the
incremental knowledge gained from the Laser Processing Research Centre, an
additive methodology resulting in the construction of artefacts that successfully retain
the author’s independent style whilst making new sense of how art can be used to
bridge cultures. In this way the research also contributes to knowledge by making new
connections between contemporary jewellery, engineering and scientific cultures, re
contextualising the notion of art-practice.

The research demonstrates how laser controlled oxide growth on titanium can be used
as an artistic tool by producing precisely defined colours. The overriding success of this
work, however, is the pathway that has been created from art practice into engineering
research, taking advantage of both methodologies and resulting in an improved
communication and understanding between disciplines.

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