Raising (metalwork)

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Anticlastic forged sterling bracelet.
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Anticlastic forged sterling bracelet.

Raising is a metalworking technique whereby a sheet of metal is formed into a bowl or other hollow object by repeated sequences of hammering and annealing of the metal, thereby stretching it into the desired shape. This technique was used in creating medieval armour, and is also used to create fine silverware.

In traditional raising, sometimes referred to as Synclastic raising, the dominant curves of the object being forged are at right angles and move in the same direction; as in a bowl. Anticlastic raising, on the other hand, refers to shaping an object where the dominant axes move in opposite directions; the simplest example of this is a potato chip

Raising should not be confused with the other common technique for forging three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional stock; sinking.

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