metalcraft

Metalcraft refers to the craft of shaping, joining, and finishing metal to create functional or decorative objects. It emphasizes skilled hands-on work and design, often combining traditional techniques with modern tools. Metalcraft is distinct from metallurgy, the science of extracting and studying metal properties; in practice, metalcraft draws on metallurgical knowledge to control material behavior. Practitioners include blacksmiths, metalworkers, jewelers, and fabricators who work in workshops or studios.

Historically, metalcraft has its roots in ancient metallurgy, with early civilizations producing tools, weapons, and ornaments from copper, bronze, and iron. The Bronze and Iron Ages saw advances in forging, casting, and alloying, followed by mechanization during the Industrial Revolution. In contemporary contexts, metalcraft coexists with industrial metalworking and fabrication, with artisans and designers applying craftsmanship to art, jewelry, and custom hardware, as well as small-batch production.

Common techniques include forging (hot and cold), casting (sand, investment), forming (rolling, extrusion, sheet metal work), machining (lathes, mills), welding and soldering, brazing, riveting, and joinery. Finishing encompasses filing, grinding, polishing, patination, plating, anodizing, and heat treating. Tools used in metalcraft range from hammers, anvils, and forges to furnaces, tongs, saws, lathes, mills, and presses.

Materials employed include ferrous and non-ferrous alloys such as steel, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, and titanium. The choice of technique depends on material, desired properties, and aesthetics.

Applications span functional hardware, architectural elements, sculpture and jewelry, tools, and other custom components. Safety, precision, and workmanship standards are central to practice, with emphasis on planning, prototyping, and measurement.