Swimbait / Hardbait Refinement
We specialize in assisting our clients move from wood to resin production lures. Our capabilities also include refining existing resin baits for streamlined manufacturing. Below is a general process that we have found to be beneficial for our clients who are looking to take their products to the next level.
Please note: This process is geared towards already proven concepts where R&D has already been conducted. This is not for new concept development.
Phase 1: Assess
What Needs to Be Done?
What is the Client’s Manufacturing Scale / Capabilities?
Project Timeline / Product Time to Market
Simple Contract Outlining Project Details and Associated Costs
Phase 1 begins with assessing a prospective client’s design needs. Aside from discussing the overall design implementations surrounding the product itself. We also assess their manufacturing capabilities. Will this be a simple open pour silicone mold? Or will this be a larger complex mold for suited for a specific resin dispensing system? The end manufacturing process is kept in mind from the start.
Once the needs are assessed, we provide a quote. If a client wishes to proceed with the project, a simple contract outlining the project is supplied. At the time of signing the contract, a down payment is required to lock down the project on our schedule.
Phase 2: Dive In
3D Scanning
Workable 3D Model
Phase 2. Typically, a hand carved model does not have a supporting 3D model. In an effort to keep this hand carved bait looking like it’s original, we 3D scan the original master into our 3D modeling software.
Once a workable 3D model is generated, we’re able to locate the approximate centerline. From here the refinement process begins.
Phase 3: Refinement of 3d Model
Symmetry Correction
Geometric Correction
Cosmetic Correction / Reworking of Fine Details
Branding Implementation
3D Printed Prototype / 2D Drawing for Client Approval
Phase 3. Our main goal while refining a model is to keep it’s original identity without making it look like a blocky, mechanical CAD model. This is your bait, we’re just perfecting it.
Modifications include, but are not limited to:
Symmetry correction
Cosmetic clean-up
Geometrical correction (joint angles and cavities)
Hardware fitment
Reworking / addition of facial details
Increase / decrease in scale
Branding implementation
Once all modifications are complete, a rough 3D printed prototype along with a 2D drawing is supplied to the client for approval before production quality molds are developed.
* If major geometrical changes are made, the 3D printed prototype provides the client with the ability to conduct final R&D to insure the new bait will preform to their standards. *
Phase 4: Mold Development
Hardware Anchor Points for Over-molding
Offset Geometry / Parting Lines
Air Relief Vents
“Dummy Pins”
Phase 4. Upon approval, we begin to develop the production quality silicone molds. The benefit of us developing molds for our clients is that we’re able to streamline manufacturing via non-traditional mold making practices. The goal is to reduce manufacturing time, clean-up, and increase consistency.
Such features include:
Offset geometry / non-traditional parting lines (prolongs mold life)
Air relief vents that reduce trapped air during casting and allows for easy post casting clean-up
Anchor points for hardware implementation
Hardware over-molding
“Dummy pins” for creating joint pin holes
Minimal flashing
Phase 5: Final Steps
Mold Design Approval
Molds Tested In-House
Once the mold designs are approved, no further changes can be made and they are brought to life. All molds are tested in-house before being sent to the client.
Final Invoice is Paid
A Copy of 3D Model is Sent to Client
Files Kept in Secure Archive
Duplicates Molds can Be Ordered at Any Time
The remaining invoice is due before molds are handed off. A digital copy of the 3D model in various file formats is provided to the clients for their use and records. A copy is also kept in a secure archive incase the client wishes to revisit the project at a later date.
Duplicate molds can be ordered at any time for a fraction of the initial cost of development. Duplicate orders can be turned around extremely fast to meet your production needs.
Could this benifit your Brand’s Product?
