THE IDEAS STUDIO
From a sketch to something you can hold.
Great products start as ideas. We design them, model them in 3D and print physical samples in our own studio, so you can see and hold the product before a single unit is manufactured.
Stage 01
Initial idea
We start with reference samples or mock up images to help visualise how the final item will look, evaluate potential materials and work out the most suitable size for the budget.
SPECIFICATION
- Brief
- Mini rubber duck
- Size
- 25 x 25 x 20mm
- Material
- 1 colour plastic
- Finish
- 3 colour paint
Stage 02
3D design
For bespoke products we use 3D design to develop the idea and visualise the product from every angle. From the drawing file we produce dimensional drawings, rendered visuals and STL files ready for printing.
Stage 03
3D printing
Once you are happy with the design we print it in house. The file is prepared in Cura where resolution, wall thickness, speed and support structure are all adjusted, and the design can be scaled or duplicated before printing.
Stage 04
The sample in your hand
Your creation prints layer by layer on our Ultimaker using fused filament fabrication. PLA filament is fed into the extruder, heated and laid down one layer at a time on a heated platform. The finished model speeds up approval and helps the manufacturer understand a new idea before tooling begins.
Fifty-two passes, laid down from the platform up. That is what fused filament fabrication is, and it is why a sample can be in your hand in a day rather than after tooling.
A sample in your hand before anything is manufactured.