Aluminum Ashtray
Aluminum Ashtray was a simple design machined from a single block of aluminum and hand polished after. The design has a lot of subtle consideration in the curves to make sure light and reflection flow on the surface of the metal. Although the tray looks deceivingly shallow because of light and reflection, it can actually hold more ashes than it looks. The mirror finish gap in the middle provides various ways of resting the cigarettes.
The ashtray was originally designed for my parents, who both smoke, as a gift. I picked aluminum because I really want the finish of the piece to be nice and premium. The silver metal surface makes a pretty obvious contrast when there are ashes on it. I want to create a feeling that when people see it for the first time, they will not be clear what this piece actually does. And the top side of the tray resembles a non-smoking sign, which is kind of funny.
I did some really simple paper models to get the approximate dimension and the shape right and translated them all into CAD files in Solidworks to to some refined adjustment. Then the machined precisely milled out the shape of the design based on the file. The whole piece was hand polished and anodized after for a shiny and durable surface.
I have never worked with aluminum before and it is truly an remarkable material. This project allowed me to stay in touch with the material process including the machining, sanding and anodizing. I believe all industrial designers are required to study and know their material. For me, it is a step ahead.
