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Prototyping

Triggertrap Redsnap Vacuum Cast Prototype

Triggertrap-Redsnap-Blog

Amalgam prototype modelmakers recently completed a set of prototypes for the Triggertrap Redsnap, an affordable timelapse and high-speed camera system funded through Kickstarter. Our vacuum cast prototype of the look-and-feel enclosure is one of many similar projects we have undertaken over the years, a list which includes the Gapgun, which we produce in batches as a fully functional production model. Our vacuum casting facility and hot new 3D printer enable us to offer a comprehensive prototyping service for a range of products, and our understanding of materials allows us to make these objects suitable for practical testing and ergonomics as much as look-and-feel display pieces. Our method combines the reliability and speed of 3D printing and additive manufacture with craftsman-level hand skills to turn a stepped rough build into a fine-tolerance, exquisitely finished casting master. We are then able to make batch casts of this object to replicate its form, texture…

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Come and talk Product Prototyping at Venturefest 2013

Venturefest 2013

Venturefest Bristol 2013 Is, once again, organised by Science City Bristol in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board.  This years event is taking place on Thursday 14th November 2013 at the UWE Conference Centre in Bristol.  Bristol prototyping and model making specialists Amalgam will be there,  offering free advice on Product Prototyping, general product development and a range of allied subjects, all relevant to inventors, innovators and designers looking to turn their good ideas into commercial realities.   The Venturefest show is in it's third year and promises to be better than ever. Our stand at the 2012 show drew a steady stream of visitors throughout the day asking a wide range of questions about Product Prototyping,  Product development, CAD, 3D printing and much more besides.  This year we are back, with a range of samples showing some of the processes we can offer for product prototyping, case studies of previous…

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Medical Product Design by Amalgam featured in Develop 3D magazine

This medical product design blog, originally published some time ago, was withdrawn at the request of the inventor while negotiations and licensing discussions between various parties were under way.  However, we can now republish in full as we are delighted to report that Tube Anchor is in production and receiving great feedback from the medical professionals using it.  Our thanks to Prof Andrew Levy, inventor of the device.  All at Caretechnica who managed the process of taking the prototype forward and last but not least to P3 Medical who are producing and distributing the final product. Tube Anchor is now a registered design: European Community Design Registration Number 002571026-0001 A medical product design developed at Amalgam features in the October issue of Develop 3D magazine.  The Tube Anchor is a deceptively simple device that addresses the issue of securing tubes used in various intravenous therapies in such a way as to…

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New Blades and Made in Brunel graduate showcases

Made-in-Brunel-Graduate-Showcase

This time of year sees the advent of two significant degree shows; the New Blades Modelmaking degree show and the Made in Brunel graduate showcase. Both are an opportunity for graduates to make invaluable contacts within their industries, to show off their work, skills and passions, and for seasoned professionals to meet young people with fresh eyes and good ideas. The New Blades took place at Holborn Studios and featured some truly outstanding work; the show guide is available for download at the 4D Modelshop website. It is also a chance to meet old friends and former colleagues as the bulk of the UK's model making companies and their representatives meet.       The Made in Brunel Graduate Showcase aims to draw the attention of the design industry to a pool of innovative aspiring designers and engineers. This year, former Amalgam intern Jeremy Ireland (https://madeinbrunel.com/) will be showcasing his…

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“If Only It Worked” Bath, May 10th

Rob Bakewell, our Casting Manager, was on hand recently at the IfOnly UX 'If Only It Worked' Product Design conference to offer advice and guidance relating to all areas of prototyping, specifically the vacuum casting process that we use to great effect in realising product designs, prototypes, innovations and much more besides. Amalgam Modelmakers are actively involved in events, conferences and shows such as this, and participate regularly as part of the Southwest's design community. The conference was held with the intention of exploring how user experiences influence design; consequently extensive research and prototyping is necessary to streamline and fashion an initial concept into a working production-ready product. Amalgam's prototyping and design services cover all ground between these two points, and we have a solid history of success stories from designers and inventors who have approached us with ideas that we have guided to market. The IfOnly UX Product Design Conference is just one of…

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Queen’s Awards for Enterprise success for Amalgam customer

Queen's Award for Enterprise

  A total of 24 companies in the South West have been honoured in this year's Queen's Awards for Enterprise. Amongst them is an award for innovation to Hydrate for Health.  Company founder Mark Moran had Amalgam design and prototype parts for his innovative Hydrant drinking system before approaching injection moulding suppliers and the NHS. Insider Media South West reported the success in their daily news letter alongside the 23 other companies recognised for their achievements, Amalgam clients BMT Defence Services and medical training products company, Limbs and Things. Our congratulations to them all but particularly to Mark who, to quote his website "Quit his job and bet his house on the idea".  It's good to see his faith and determination being recognised.

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Product Design Conference. “If Only It Worked” Bath, May 10th 2013

If Only It Worked Product Design Conference logo

The IfOnly UX Product Design conference is billed as "A conference for exploring how user experience can guide the future of product design".  Amalgam was approached while exhibiting at Venturefest Bristol in 2012 with a view to us setting up a manned display at the conference to provide practical help and advice about prototyping to delegates. The idea of If only it worked is to, via a smartphone app, allow  people, with usability issues around the home to make videos, which demonstrate the problems they face. This app then shares these videos with the wider world through YouTube. Product Design students are subsequently invited to create innovative design solutions that might solve the illustrated problems.  Bath University is hosting the IfOnly UX Product Design conference on May 10th where the winning design will be awarded £5,000.00 Amalgam is of course very happy to encourage Product Design students and others in any…

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Hydrate for Health inventor Mark Moran introduces Dr Philip Hammond to The Hydrant

Hydrate for Health inventor Mark Moran could be heard this morning in a radio interview with well-known TV & radio broadcaster and GP Dr Philip Hammond.  Since finding himself frustrated by not being able to reach a drink following a spinal operation Mark has dedicated his life to the solution, forming his own company Hydrate for Health to develop and promote his Hydrant idea.  It has been several years since Mark first approached Amalgam to help him design The Hydrant but we are still in contact and follow the progress of Hydrate for Health and The Hydrant in particular.  Our original case study can be read here. https://amalgam-models.co.uk/projects/the-hydrant-water-bottle. describing how we used a combination of 3D scanning to design the screw cap with its combined clip /handle  feature, which was followed by rapid prototyping of the design and resin vacuum casting to produce a batch of trial parts.  You can…

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Pourty Potty Review

The Pourty has been another of Amalgam's prototyping success stories. We developed the original working prototype with John & Lucy Rathbone, the designers of the product, and produced several colour variants as working prototypes and marketing tools. The Pourty potty won Best New Product to Market 2010/11 and is consistently rated 5/5 in potty reviews for quality, value for money and ease of use. It has gone on to be stocked world-wide by the vast majority of high street retailers. You can read a mother's review here: http://creativelycheapconstantlycrazy.blogspot.co.uk/.

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