From concept to production
Plastic parts in very small batchesWhat is it that never ceases to fascinate us about our work at Solidtec? It’s getting to know the exciting and creative projects and products to which we can contribute with our high-quality injection-moulded parts.
That’s exactly how we felt when we met designer Christoph Ulrich Seyferth and discovered his Knapsack. This innovatively crafted bag impresses with its high-quality materials and a cool look and feel.
Before production of the bag could begin, we advised Christoph Ulrich Seyferth both on the construction – in terms of function and tactile feel – and on the product design, choice of materials and manufacture of the required plastic parts. Find out how!
What is Knapsack?
The Knapsack’s unique feature lies in the details. The steel strip incorporated into the edge of the bag hugs the body, ensuring the bag stays closed even without a zip. This edge can also be folded over. This not only makes the bag more secure against theft when closed, but also allows you to easily reduce its size as required whilst carrying it by folding the edge over several times.
To ensure that folding back the bag’s edge can be done in the truest sense of the phrase ‘in the blink of an eye’, Christoph Ulrich Seyferth developed a smooth-running ball bearing, consisting of a metal hook and a bracket made from POM plastic.
We at Solidtec produced the plastic parts for this bracket using injection moulding within a few days. The advantage of rapid tooling over 3D printing is, quite literally, obvious here and lies in its durability, because: the bracket parts must be UV-resistant, robust, stable, colourfast and as smooth as possible to ensure the bag serves its purpose for many years to come.
Particular attention was paid to the interaction between the components to ensure that the edge of the bag folds over really smoothly. It was important that the metal hook could slide when closing the bag. Thanks to the interaction between the hook and the bracket we manufactured, this is possible within a very small space – the rucksack’s unique and effortless handling will function perfectly for years to come.
The bag itself is made by Christoph Ulrich Seyferth in small batches only and requires plastic parts in different colours depending on the fabric and design. Using Rapid Tooling , we produce these in small quantities and to the highest quality.
Do you need plastic parts in very small batches?
As you can see, even with ‘unconventional’ projects, we use rapid tooling to bridge the gap between 3D printing and high-volume production. In doing so, we meet our customers’ wishes and expectations precisely.
Would you like to know whether injection moulding is a viable option for your project? Get in touch!
