Box and Dice

Blackdot Paperweight

Miracles — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:21:49 +0000

The production of the paperweights was in celebration of Blackdots 10th anniversary. Each piece was personalized and presented to the employees. The project required a production of 18 paperweights. The delicate shape of the paperweight was wire cut then the connecting bridge was milled and the edges were sandblasted. To finish the part, the face of the paperweight was brushed, and finally employee’s initials were laser etched.

Client: Blackdot
Design: Blackdot and Box and Dice

Product: Engraved aluminium Paperweight

Wiggles Big Red Car

Miracles — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:03:53 +0000

Over the years we’ve been involved in a number of displays for the Powerhouse Museum but probably none as shiny as these miniature Big Red Cars in commemoration of 20 years of The Wiggles. The exhibition, running from Sept 2011 until 2012 consists of a huge variety of installations and activities for children and adults.

Our involvement was sizeably small in comparison but we were pretty happy with the shiny result. Moulding just under a dozen little red cars, the process is more labour intensive than you may think. To glimpse a progression of the different stages, make sure to check the behind-the-scenes images on our Flickr page.

These bright red beauties fit delicately into the palm of your hand. The thick coat of polyurethane paint is nothing more than a safe guard against the unforgiving strength of kids under 5.

We took the project from concept to production. Starting with an image of the real Big Red Car (above), we measured and computer modelled until it looked just right. Having a CAD model meant we could tweak the dimensions to suit the particular requirements of the display – ours being a more streamlined version. The car was then 3D printed, hand finished and prepped for moulding. We used a single cavity silicone tool and produced multiple iterations of the car in rigid polyurethane with the runner being over-moulded for stability.

Client: Powerhouse Museum
Design: The Wiggles
Product: Little Big Red Cars

Check out the step-by-step process photos…

iiNet BoB Models

Ilana — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 05:50:37 +0000

Much of our model making involves commisions that are soley for marketing photography. While virtual, 3D rendering has come a long way, sometimes it’s more economical to start with a real product and then do minimal tweaking in Photoshop. One such project was the BoB models for iiNet and Tiller Design.

With a new product on the market, iiNet needed high-end images to show off the sleek new design of their BoB2 before production had begun. Starting with an SLS rapid prototyped body, the block model was sanded, primed and painted in polyurethane paint to glossy perfection. Artwork was applied by using rub-down transfers and a delicate hand.

Client: iiNet
Design: iiNet Labs & Tiller Design
Product: BoB Lite & BoB2 Models

Have a look at how we take raw SLS parts and turn them into high-gloss marketing models…

For more information on iiNet and images of the BoB2, check out the iiNet website…

3D Computer Modelling, CAD Modelling: Box and Dice

Ilana — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:11:04 +0000

We are proud to offer Computer Aided Design (CAD) services utilising the latest in parametric 3D modeling software.

We work off anything from a napkin sketch to a well gesticulated description with facial expressions to create a 3D CAD representation of what it is you would like to build. This 3D CAD model will be suitable for production of prototypes, patent applications and marketing/investment proposals. We provide incremental control drawings along the way to maintain clarity and make sure everyone is on par.

We offer computer rendered images, engineering drawings and 3D files in a variety of formats. We ask that you note – the more explicit your initial brief is, the more economical your 3D modeling quote will be. If your project is not exactly suited to our services we have a network of design consultancies and independent industrial designers that we can recommend.

So, whatever your project, we pride ourselves on always having a solution, a recommendation, or advice to help direct you on your design journey.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

All the best,
Demetre

Community Projects

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:43:09 +0000

We are involved in a variety of community projects for Australian charities, national events and young designers. Most of our community projects recur annually and are produced as a donation by Box and Dice and our network of generous suppliers.

If you are a supplier/sub-contractor and would like to help by donating your services, please email us for more information.

Mother’s Day Classic Awards

Ilana — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:44:03 +0000

Since 2010 Box and Dice has been proud to participate in designing and producing the Mother’s Day Classic Awards. The awards are produced with the generous help of our local suppliers and in-house skills. Every year 10 awards are given out to the largest corporate groups participating in the charity fun run for most of the participating cities.

If you are interested please visit the MDC website for more info.

Client: Women in Super
Design: Box and Dice

Projects: Mother’s Day Classic Awards

Go to our Flickr page for more…

Cochlear Insertion Models: Medical

Ilana — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:11:00 +0000

The Cochlear Electrode Insertion Bone Model simulates the anatomy and the orientation of the head during surgery and provides surgeons with a sophisticated training apparatus to practice implanting the delicate Cochlear electrode. Previously, if a surgeon wanted to practice the technique of inserting a Cochlear implant, their options were limited.

The Electrode Insertion Bone Model mimics the cochlea cavity within the human skull while allowing the surgeon to view and record the insertion technique through an acrylic window, using a digital microscope. The ability to assess the technique after each insertion attempt allows for increased feedback and subsequently more rapid progress in surgical skill and technique. The most important result is that Cochlear patients continue to receive the world’s leading hearing solutions through innovation and accurate training.

Box and Dice worked with Cochlear to develop and manufacture this new surgical training tool. Multiple prototypes were trialled and developed before the first production run.

We now manage the entire production and manufacture of the Electrode Insertion Bone Models. Most of the work is done in-house but we use all local suppliers where outsourcing is required. Our close involvement with the prototype means we can provide better troubleshooting for any manufacturing hurdles and more accurate quality control procedures before the kit is packed and dispatched to clinics and surgical trainers around the world.

Client: Cochlear
Design: Cochlear and Box and Dice
Products: Cochlear Electrode Insertion Bone Model

All images courtesy of Cochlear Limited 2010

NBCF Pink Circle Award

Ilana — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:44:03 +0000

In 2008 Box and Dice was again commissioned by the National Breast Cancer Foundation to design a new award for their most recent accolade. The Pink Circle Award is bestowed upon the foundation’s most generous donors and also to the research scientists who are awarded these funds to continue their important work.

Each award is inset with a prestigious pink crystal, all donated by Swarovski. Multiple crystals are inset for companies who raise multiple millions. Box and Dice produces anywhere from 6-10 Pink Circle Awards each year.

Client: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Design: Box & Design
Product: NBCF Pink Circle Award

Photography by Richard Gates Photography

NBCF Patron’s Awards

Ilana — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:23:39 +0000

Box and Dice was pleased to design and fabricate these trophies for the National Breast Cancer Foundation to thank their patrons for their support. Several designs were presented to the Foundation and this was selected as the final design. Box and Dice has been producing these awards annually since 2005.

The awards bring together laser cutting, metal folding, anodising, pad printing, engraving and spraying, all simple and readily available technologies to create a highly customised solution.

Client: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Design: Box & Design
Product: NBCF Patron’s Awards

Photography by Richard Gates Photography

Cochlear Support Products

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:12:06 +0000

Surrounding their ground breaking innovations, Cochlear has a collection of accessories that assist in the maintenance and understanding of the Cochlear Sound Processors. Box and Dice has worked with Cochlear for a number of years with managing, manufacturing and continually developing these products as markets change and innovations progress. As support products, the main requirement is that these items remain cost effective. Our long standing service in the industry and design experience allows us to advise on the most efficient production methods without compromising on the important design features.

We recommend that if you are considering small run manufacture, it is important to note that prototyping and development time are essential. These projects do not move quickly and lead-times are calculated in months rather than weeks.

Client: Cochlear
Design: Cochlear and Box and Dice
Products: Teddy BTE Toy Sound Processors, Everday Cases, Nucleus Demo Implant Model, Splashbox Mouldings, BTE Battery Keyrings

Photography by Richard Gates Photography