Shaping the future

Some of the earliest known instances of sculpture in the world are known to have come from the Indus Valley civilization (3300–1700 BC), found in sites at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa in modern-day Pakistan. However, some artefacts from China date back as early as 10,000 BC, but the bulk of what is recognised as sculpture start from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1050-771 BC) including the later Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and the spectacular Terracotta Army.

OK.... history lesson over. However, the desire for high quality sculpture remains as strong as ever and tools for working with these noble materials has moved onto the 21st century.

After being inspired by the works of the world's best sculptors, Odino PRETE began his training at the age of 15 in Venice before starting his own workshop in Puget-sur-Argens, South East France in 1969. For over 40 years, the PRETE company have been producing both architectural pieces and unique works of art with both father and son sharing the same passion for working with natural stones.

However, to cope with increasing demand and maintain the highest possible standards, the PRETE company have invested in the latest CNC machinery and CADCAM technology.

The company are now running 2 OMAG CNC machines each with a 10 meter x 3 meter machining envelope and a 4-axis turning centre - all being driven by VISI software.

Ludovic PRETE explains, "We purchased our first machine in 2001 as a direct response to the increase of complex geometry and the need to cut hardened materials that required this type of machinery. VISI arrived pre-installed on the machine supplied directly from the manufacturer".

Ludovic continues, "Using a 3D CADCAM system provides huge precision advantages which ultimately generates considerable cost savings. Pieces are like puzzles, that now fit perfectly together without any need to touch them up. Typically we work with cold materials that are hard to sculpt. With traditional tools, we certainly require more time and this dramatically affects the quality & price. Knowing that the final part will always be as designed, this allows us to offer reasonable prices in all areas - even the high end market".

Samples of their work can be found throughout the South of France, with clients placing orders for bathroom suites, kitchen work-tops, ornate swimming pool edging, banisters, doors & windows frames, water fountains and finally fireplaces.

Customers typically provide a 2D drawing that is either imported via DXF or DWG or re-constructed in VISI. The design is then converted into a 3D model using the solid & surface modelling tools provided with VISI. With the model complete, both roughing and finishing toolpaths are generated directly from the 3D data. The final toolpaths are post processed and run on the CNC machine with no manual editing.

Ludovic PRETE concludes, "The software has no limit. We can confidently design any shape and produce made to measure components with remarkable precision. As each individual part is different, there isn't a day when we are not working with VISI".

www.atelier-prete.com

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