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

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.

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.

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.