ARRK’s Prototyping division helped gardening and horticultural manufacturer Hozelock develop this summer’s new and improved Auto Reel hosepipe system.
This year’s model incorporates a number of improved design features, including a new wall hanging bracket, making it easier to fit and remove the Auto Reel system, along with improvements to interchanging hose and accessory fittings.
Work on the new model began some time ago and ARRK was called upon to assist with a working prototype of Hozelock’s new design to ensure its physical appearance matched expectations, whilst also allowing various operational trials. The model was also to be used for photoshoots and customer meetings.
In line with the customer’s requirements and ARRK’s knowledge of the processes, a model was produced using a variety of services, including CNC machining, SLS and some SLA, and a range of materials.
A number of the Auto Reel’s main components were manufactured from machined Glass filled PP, POM, PBT or ABS material, including the main exterior housings, disc inlets, mouthpiece and case belt components. SLS was also selected, because of its strength, to manufacture the unit’s wall bracket, along with timing gear, raceway lever, and drum belt.
Various downstream services were then used in the manufacture of these parts which allowed for them to be joined, strengthened, finished, colour matched, textured, painted and ultimately assembled. The Hozelock team were also able to benefit from ARRK’s location by visiting the Gloucester Technical Centre during the production process to make various checks and assessments and all with the support our project management team.
ARRK was delighted that the model met all the clients’ requirements and was delivered on time and within budget. ARRK’s team members, Rupert Sleightholme and Derek Lawrence, both agreed: “Using a combination of our traditional capabilities, coupled with additive layer manufacturing processes and ARRK’s downstream services, allowed the client to obtain a model that looks great, performs well and gives them confidence that their design is ready for the next phase of its development.”