Casting new life into a classic artwork

In front of Wallenstams's headquarters in Stockholm stands the artwork "Two ants," created by the artist Torgny Larsson. When the real estate company - whose signature is a logo featuring an ant - wanted to create a smaller version of the artwork to place at a new property project, RISE was commissioned to cast the ants for the new sculpture.

"Since it is an artwork, aesthetics took precedence, but it was also important from a casting perspective to ensure the sculpture's durability and stability," says Andreas Lindberg Pruth, Research Technician at RISE.

In June 2024, the new six-meter-high artwork was installed outside of Mölnlycke Fabriker. The inauguration marked the end of a project where several experts from different fields collaborated. RISE's experience in sustainable casting became a central factor:

"Since the ants were cast in multiple parts, one challenge was designing the molds. The placement of the pouring and venting holes had to ensure that the metal flowed properly and filled the mold as well as possible. Additionally, the holes had to be positioned so that the artwork would look good after welding and painting. We examine every detail meticulously and have developed a special expertise in this over the years," says Andreas Lindberg Pruth.

Cast with recycled aluminium

The original sculpture consists of two ants cast in bronze, carrying two twelve-meter-high pine needles. The new artwork, which is half the size, is made from recycled aluminum for sustainability and cost reasons.

"The ants' bodies are solidly cast, which is a challenge to do in aluminum. It's crucial to maintain the correct casting temperature based on the size and ensure that the aluminum flows properly to avoid defects. We only had one attempt per mold, so we had to be on our toes during casting to save both time and money. We have extensive experience working with aluminum and are comfortable with the material, so everything went smoothly," says Jörgen Jernkrook, Research Technician at RISE.

At the testbed for cast materials and processes in Jönköping, Jörgen, Andreas, and their colleagues work on both research projects and assignments focused on the foundry industry.

"We specialize in cast metals and possess broad knowledge and expertise in multiple materials. Operating our fully equipped foundry, there's virtually no challenge in casting technology that we cannot tackle. Additionally, we support our clients in optimizing their casting processes, from initial designs to practical casting," explains Andreas Lindberg Pruth.

Helps the industry become more sustainable

The choice of recycled aluminum was important from a sustainability perspective.

"In this project, both we and the customer thought a lot about sustainability. It's a consideration we carry with us in everything we do, whether it's saving materials or casting as energy-efficiently as possible."

The work on the artwork lasted for just over eight months. There may be a possibility of creating more ants as Wallenstam could potentially use the sculpture as a signature in other property projects in the future.

"We are very happy and proud of how it turned out. We have worked on advanced projects before, but they are often early in a company's development process and subject to confidentiality agreements. Therefore, it's especially exciting that the ants will be exhibited and that people will see our work," says Jörgen Jernkrook.

And at Wallenstam, they are pleased with the result:

"We needed the best expertise to test, develop, and produce the ants in the right size, material, and appearance. We chose RISE, and they have solved this in an absolutely fantastic way with impressive dedication and knowledge," says Ulf Ek.