“Machines are very productive and save work, and they can also create something really nice,” explains Martin Jurek at the beginning. Upon his return, he began studying 3D printers and investigating what they could do. “Then I saw a hand-engraved picture somewhere and started to think. I had knowledge of 3D printers, and the engraving was also related to my field,” he says. During his studies, he learned a lot of things that he then applied to his emerging technology. ”My pictures and engraved items are even more beautiful.”
Martin Jurek has created more than a thousand pictures with various themes. “I engraved images of solar eruptions, galaxies, city maps, photos, and planets. Now I’m working on my designs,” he adds. He uses mainly light wood, ideally beech. “Hardwood contains a greater density of substances, such as resin and lignin, which plays a role in the final shade.”
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava provided him with the first funds for equipment; then Martin started to buy equipment at his own expense; now he is developing automated machines. “I want the machine to feed itself so that it works nonstop unchecked. It’s a natural development.” Martin Jurek no longer works alone but has other colleagues around him. “It’s not just about standing by an old machine, changing bases and pressing buttons. The major part of the human workforce then moves from stereotyped and simple work to creative activity with high added value,” he says. It is no longer just pictures – from next year, you will be able to buy backpacks, belts and other accessories. In spring, in cooperation with one company, he produced a new bench, which can be found at Ema Slag Heap.