Blue Diamond, the Southampton based engineering company, has designed and manufactured a special bracing bar, engineered to stabilise and brace the frameless glass panels that are used in modern shower systems. With the growing trend towards minimalist designs incorporating bigger and heavier glass panels, the bracing arm facilitates a hygienic, frameless construction, which saves on costs.
The shower cubicle manufacturer had tried to source a standard component but without success and approached Blue Diamond to see if the company could provide a bespoke solution. The innovative new design comprises a glass saddle, which can be glued or screwed into position, adjusting boss, arm (which can be cut to length without the cut being visible) and anchor block, which is used to secure the assembly to the wall. Stainless steel screws are used to provide a long working life.
The highly polished chrome-plated-on-brass components provide excellent resistance to corrosion with alternative finishes offered in brass-effect or white to suit different shower styles. The assembly is supplied in custom packaging with a complete kit of fixtures and fittings.
As with any new product, time to market is very important and the engineers and designers at Blue Diamond worked closely with the customer to develop and agree the new design - meeting all mechanical support and ascetic requirements as well as durability.
All drawings were originated by Blue Diamond using their advanced CAD based system. Prototypes were sourced from an approved low cost base supplier in China in just 10 weeks and, following evaluation of the design, were accepted immediately for volume production.
The assembly comprises cast components (the anchor block and glass saddle), a turned adjusting boss and the arm, which is cut from standard bar. To achieve a mirror finish, the brass components need to be well prepared by precision machining and polishing before being chromed.
Blue Diamond, already well established as a quality supplier of all types of engineering components including cast and turned parts, plastic mouldings, bearings, seals and sub assemblies, offers a service which includes design and preparation of engineering drawings, material specifications, prototypes and manufacture of bulk supplies. In addition to the full design and engineering service, Blue Diamond can also include inspection, testing, stockholding and sourcing from low cost manufacturers outside the UK.