Introduction
Over the past 25 years, we have been involved in laser cutting decorative art projects. These spread from local pieces that we see daily, to UK wide pieces as far north as Dundee (as far as we know!). We work closely with artists and councils, from sketches to technical drawings. AutoCAD software plays a key role in helping artistic sketches come to life and transform visions into reality.
While it may not be the biggest industry sector that we deal with, it is can sometimes be the most interesting. It offers a wide variety of different designing and cutting while adding a bit of interest to our everyday cutting.
If you have an upcoming project that you need help with, please read below to see how we can help.
Local Projects Around Dudley & Beyond
On the drive to work, it is easy to spot projects we’ve have had the pleasure of being involved with. We often work with Luke Perry, of Industrial Heritage Stronghold and Steve Field, of Dudley MBC with projects installed locally. There are pieces along the Dudley Canal, the Netherton sign complete with canal barge and the Abraham Darby monument.
We have also donated pieces for charities and local memorials including Eric. A soldier gifted by Midtherm Laser and Powder coating. With the hope of educating the younger generations to be more aware of the poppy significance.
From Artwork Sketches to Final Design
Steve Macaulay frequently works on the design work for artistic projects. Steve, who has worked for Midtherm Laser for 16 years, has gradually been more involved in the design stage. His experience and expertise helps him to advise and manipulate designs to work around laser cutting limitations. These include splitting larger parts to fit on the machine bed.
When designing, Steve ensures all parts are tagged together. This includes the centres of letters like O and D, so they don’t drop out. This can sometimes be challenging and time consuming when the designs are intricate or complicated but something he enjoys doing.
“We love helping to commemorate the industrial heritage of the Black Country. It’s great to be involved in creating monuments and celebrating events and key figures especially as a lot of the people who work here are local.” Steve Macaulay, Estimation Manager.
Clear sketches, AutoCAD drawings, samples or just ideas can be used. Steve will be happy to advise on any potential projects you may have.
Local Highlighted Projects
Some of the more recent stand out projects include:
Abraham Darby Monument:
We were chosen, alongside several other local businesses, to work with Dudley council and the local artist Steve Field in the supply of the laser cuts for the Abraham Darby monument. Abraham Darby who was born in Woodsetton in 1678. He developed a new method of producing pig iron in blast furnaces using coke instead of charcoal. This which was in short supply at the time. This new method of producing Pig Iron is widely credited with playing a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. This is depicted in the monument centered around Darby’s 1709 blast furnace.
https://councilnews.dudley.gov.uk/news/community-groups-commission-abraham-darby-tribute
Steve was also the designer of the NHS Covid Monument at Russell’s hall Hospital in which we did the laser cuts for. You can read the full article on that here.
Molineux Honved Monument:
We worked with local artist Luke Perry on the Honved Molineux Monument. Using our 10kW fiber laser, we helped to turn Luke’s sketches into a near life size Billy Wright from 10mm S275. The monument commemorating the 1954 match between Wolves and Budapest Honved, which helped shape European football, now stands at the Wolverhampton Wanderers ground. Where possible, we produced parts in the Black Country, and the Wolves fans here were excited to cut it and see it finished.
https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/features/20241216-a-permanent-honved-nod-at-molineux
Stour Bridge Monument:
We cut these panels on our 12kW laser from 4mm 5083 aluminum. They feature the Stourbridge crest, Charles II fleeing on his horse, and hiding in the oak tree at Boscobel House. The recently installed signage on the bridge now acts as a valuable reference point for individuals who may not be familiar with the route of the river Stour beneath. It’s great to see the finished sign powder coated and in place after we cut it in smaller panels.
Tom Hicks – You Are Here
We recently cut the panels for You Are Here, a newly unveiled piece of public art by Tom Hicks. The Black Country artist was commissioned by Ikon Gallery in partnership with Transport for West Midlands. You can read more about this here.
Personal Connections & Projects
The People of Walsall Wood
On a more personal note, in 2010, we took part in a project in Walsall. ‘The People of Walsall’ is part of a series of mining monuments by Luke Perry. These include a life-sized pit head and over 30 life sized figures of local people, including one of our own employees. Reuben Hannon, who was only 6 years old at the time, features in the monument as his grandad, Albert Freeman, was a miner there. Mark, Reuben’s dad (and our Director now), played a major role in the project and shared his connections to the theme with Luke. A 6 year old Reuben now stands with ‘The People Of Walsall’ with his story cut through the steel. In addition to this, fifteen years later, Reuben is working as a laser operator here and actively cuts parts for new projects.
https://www.ihsartworks.com/walsall-wood
The Importance of Collaboration in Precision Cutting
Laser cutting decorative art projects doesn’t have to just be for artists. In addition to large-scale monuments, a wide range of companies use our sub-contract laser cutting services to fabricate the laser cuts into finished products. This includes decorative yet functional signage for parks and points of interest and customer components for theme parks. Sometimes these can be instantly recognisable and makes it a bit more interesting to work on.
We do not offer fabrication services in-house, only laser cutting and forming. This allows our customers to take advantage of our high precision cutting and forming technology while handling the specific fabrication requirements in house.
Our fiber lasers work to a general tolerance of +/- 0.25mm. They can cut complex designs as well as large scale industrial parts, making them an ideal choice for all projects including intricate designs.
Conclusion
These examples of laser cut decorative projects have hopefully shown you some of the versatility of laser cutting, helping fabricators and artists to bring their designs to life. From decorative signage to large scale monuments and theme park rides, our technology ensures precision and quality in every piece.
If you would like any help or advice on an upcoming project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Here is what we would typically need to assist you efficiently:
*Design Files – Ideally in DXF, DWG, SLDPRT, IPT, STP, IGES formats, but we can also work from clear sketches or images.
*Material Requirements – Type and thickness of metal you need. For more information on this, please click below
*Project Size & Quantities – Whether it’s a one-off piece or a batch of parts.
*Any Special Considerations – Finishing requirements such as powder coating, splitting for larger parts, or fabrication needs.
If you have any photos of projects we have been involved with, we’d love to see them. Whether it’s a finished project or something unique that showcases our laser cuts, please send them over. We love seeing the final product.
Have a read here more information on our cutting capabilities.
Customer Feedback helps us Improve
We value customer feedback and appreciate all feedback, whether this is good, or bad. This helps us to make improvements and adjust our processes. We currently have a questionnaire for customers to leave feedback and make comments. If you can spare 5 minutes to give us some feedback, it would be greatly appreciated.
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