An armature is an internal support structure or device used to hold the heavy weight of moist clay, plastilina, and other sculpting material that will not support itself. This support structure is usually used when modeling figures and heads over 5 pounds in weight. The armature is much like the human body where the bone structure acts as the armature for the muscle and skin tissue that surrounds it. The most widely used material to make armatures is aluminum wire. Every armature will have a waterproof base board which holds the guts of the structure.

Most commercial armatures are made in three basic types: the Head and Head-Bust; Figure; and Animal (horse). These three are the principal shapes used in the sculpture field. The armature is secured with a backiron of sturdy steel onto a base of Formica on heavy gauge flakeboard or plywood.

Head armatures, which include the head and a portion of the neck, are available in different sizes: 13" (½-life size), 15"(5/8-life size), and 20" (life size). The smaller the size the less support is necessary in the base. Head-Bust armatures, the more widely used of this type, include the head and a portion of the shoulders (bust). They are fitted with a heavy duty backiron support for the Almaloy Wire and the cross bar that makes up the lower portion of the bust. It is available only in 24" life size.

Figure armatures are the most varied and the most popular armatures. They are available in 6, 8, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, and 36 inch heights. The 15, 18, and 24 inch models have adjustable back irons so the figure can be moved up and down on its back iron support. The others have fixed supports. Wrapping wire is added where necessary for adhesion of the clay.

Animal armatures have the shape of a horse; since most animals have this basic shape, it is the only animal armature available. These armatures are available in three sizes: 6, 8, and 10 inches. The 8 inch armature has an adjustable back iron, the 6 and 10 inch are fixed. If other forms such as birds or frogs are desired, they can be constructed using Almaloy Wire lengths, shaped as necessary.

Visit our online clay modeling  store to view our armatures, plastilinas, self-hardening modeling clays, and modeling stands and a wide variety of sculpting tools and accessories.