REDESIGN OF A BOLT CUTTER
2018/2019 | 6 months | Squareone GmbH | Team-Project
VBW asked squareone to redesign their bolt and mat cutters. The aim was to create an outstanding bolt cutter design that distinguishes in an aesthetic and conceptual way from competitors in the industry.
MY RESPONSIBILITIES:
From the research phase to the conept developement we worked in a collective where my focus was more on the design then on the mechanical and technical part. Also in the further process, I was responsible for the design-ideation, while my teammate Philipp Raupach finilised the engineering of the 3D-model.
PRODUCT RESEARCH
_competitive analysis of tool manufacturer
_analysis of analogies & other cutting tools
_Trend-research at hardware fair in Cologne
_patent analysis for mechanics
USER RESEARCH
_product testing and user interviews
STATUS QUO
_Brand analysis of VBW
_Analysis of Bolt cutters from VBW
RESEARCH
CONCEPT CREATION
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT



TECHNICAL
RUGGED
INTEGRATIVE

Sketches & Designs made by Philipp Raupach, Max Schmitt & Ute Peppersack
After defining the conceptual directions we started to create three design-routes, did designbrainstormings and worked out the 2D-sketches based on the directions in CAD. Together with our customer we decided on the technical designdirection.


FINAL DESIGN
The new VBW LightCut Pro bolt cutter is specially designed for craftsmen working with reinforcement steel and wire mesh in concrete construction. In order to provide back-friendly and fatigue-free working, the two-component plastic-coated telescopic aluminum handles with soft grip zone were designed for safe and vibration-free working.

CAVITIES FOR LIGHTWEIGHT
EMBEDDED SCREWS
EMBEDDED SCREWS
CAVITIES FOR LIGHTWEIGHT
OVAL SHAPED TUBES
3-STEP TELESCOPE
KEYS FOR TELESCOPE
MOUNTING HOLE
The smooth-running kinematics and weight-optimized forged steel cutter head saves effort and supports precise cutting. The innovative design is trailblazing, and its optical appearance strongly differentiates it from existing products.
