Metal Cosmetic Container Turning for Mold-Free Shape Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processes for producing cosmetic product containers are limited by the need for specific plastic materials that do not alter the chemical composition of the products, restricting aesthetic options and requiring costly, non-versatile moulds for each design modification, especially for low-volume production.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the turning of metal bars to create tubular elements and caps with customizable shapes and thicknesses, followed by anodizing for aesthetic finishes, allowing for versatile, cost-effective production without the need for multiple moulds, using aluminium alloy or similar materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sheet of very thin metal is used for shaping, then the moulding or drawing process becomes quicker and simpler, but the material selection is limited and production of products requiring higher thicknesses is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the starting material from thin metal sheets to solid metal bars. This allows the production of cover elements with various thicknesses by controlling the bar dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability in material selection and thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical moulding or drawing process with a turning process on a lathe. This substitution eliminates the need for complex moulds and drawing tools, simplifying the manufacturing process while simultaneously enabling greater versatility in producing different shapes and thicknesses from solid bars.
2Shape
If moulds are changed for each modification in shaping, then the desired shape can be obtained, but the production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mould-based shaping system with a turning process using cutting tools on a lathe. This eliminates the need to manufacture and store expensive moulds for each design variation, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the ability to produce diverse shapes through programmed tool paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning process on a lathe serves as a universal manufacturing method that can produce various shapes and thicknesses of cover elements without requiring dedicated moulds for each product. A single lathe machine with programmable control can handle multiple product designs, reducing overall production costs.
3Reliability
If plastic material is used for the body, then the chemical composition of cosmetic products is not altered, but aesthetic options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container into two separate functional parts: a plastic body that ensures chemical stability and compatibility with cosmetic products, and a separate cover element made of metal that provides aesthetic features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials. The plastic body maintains chemical stability while the metal cover element adds aesthetic value, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and aesthetic features through material composition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables adaptable, aesthetically versatile, and cost-effective production of cosmetic containers with high qualitative and ornamental value, suitable for various product types and volumes, without altering the chemical properties of the contained products.
Implementation Method 1
subsequently anodized to obtain a specific stain of the outer surface (6, 12)
Data Source
AI summary
Process for the production of containers for cosmetic products, comprising the steps of: providing a first bar made of metal or metal alloy; turning said first bar to obtain an element (2) having a tubular shape and defining internally a housing compartment (3); anodizing said element (2) to obtain a surface finishing processing; and inserting a cylindrical body (9) for containing a cosmetic product inside said housing compartment (3).