Sinking (metalworking)

Sinking, also known as doming, dishing or dapping, is a metalworking technique whereby flat sheet metal is formed into a non-flat object by hammering it into a concave indentation. While sinking is a relatively fast method, it results in stretching and therefore thinning the metal, risking failure of the metal if it is "sunk" too far.

Steel doming block

Flat steel doming block

Sinking is used in the manufacture of many items, from jewellery to plate armour.

See also

• Planishing

References

• Rupert Finegold and William Seitz. Silversmithing. Krause; 1983. ISBN 0-8019-7232-9
• Price, Brian R. Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2000. ISBN 1-58160-098-4