Bosch Hedge Cutter

Problem/Challenge Bridge Production
Safety is the number one factor in design of any new hedge cutter; with ergonomics and manufacturing efficiency right behind. It was with this mission that Bosch/Qualcast, one of the leading names in British garden equipment, went in search of a cost and time efficient process to confirm all three; safety, ergonomics and manufacturing efficiency.

Solutions/Results Rapid Tooling
Utilizing General Pattern’s unique approach to Rapid Tooling, whereby high speed milling is used for the simpler cavity geometry and selective laser sintering (SLS) is used for the core side, the results were impressive. Bosch experienced a 50% cost savings and a 90% time savings over conventional tooling. With General Pattern’s extensive in house injection molding capacity (36 machines), Bosch was working with parts, molded in production material, in less than 5 weeks.

Benefit/Impact Injection Moulding
Feedback from focus groups lead to over 30 revisions that proved invaluable for Bosch’s commitment to maintaining some of the highest standards in the world for lawn and garden products.

Commercial
Tool Price $38,000 (left & right hand)
Performance 5 weeks