As you might have guessed, manufacturing chain link fences involves a similar process to that of knitting a sweater—assuming that the machine is a mad giant with a flock of steel wool—bearing sheep. Typically made from galvanized or LLDPE-coated steel wire, chain link fences feature a distinctive zig-zag pattern that isn’t just there for looks; each “zig” and “zag” is designed to create an optimal hook for the wire resulting in the unmistakable diamond pattern. The machine was, in fact, modeled after a cloth weaving machine in 1844 by a Norwich, UK man by the name of Charles Barnard, co-founder of the firm Bishop & Barnard. While manufacturing has changed…
From 3d printing to recycled ocean plastic, Adidas has thrown everything we know about traditional sneaker manufacturing on its head as a part of their sustainability-focused Futurecraft initiative. Described by the company as a “[creative hub] where imagination meets innovation,” their mission is to “expose the illusion of impossible and venture beyond the limits defined by the past” as a way to “disturb the present and create the future.” And while it’s one thing to create a workshop full of mediocre outsole prototypes made on 3D printers without plans to scale manufacturing, the company is…well, actually managing to get closer to that goal without sacrificing the performance needs of athletes.…
It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile device, be it iPhone, Android or Windows! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional and this week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@www.solidsmack.com. Hit it! ViewRanger Discover thousands of inspiring trail guides, download detailed topo maps, and navigate your…
Michael “Hap” Hapner is a midwest artist whose niche is repurposing everyday artifacts into colorful Spot & Dot art pieces. Our paths crossed recently at a Antique Vintage Artisan Market in Berrien Springs Michigan. Hap had brought along a sampling of his garden flower art pieces. While most of the vintage wares were muted with tones that only the passage of time can authentically produce, Hap’s pieces were brilliant in color and had intricate patterns. His work immediately caught my eye and drew me in. It was this closer inspection that helped me understand the link these works of art possessed that fit them squarely in the vintage theme. I…
When it comes to finding new uses for old tech, there’s more than one way to skin the cat. From turning an old tablet into a smart home controller to creating a dedicated home entertainment server with an old laptop, the possibilities for keeping your devices protected against the principles of Moores Law are seemingly limitless if you get creative enough. But using old hardware as planters? That’s a new one For his Plant Your Mac! collection, artist Christophe Guinet (AKA “Mr. Plant”) took a stab at converting a collection of “vintage” Macs—playing off of each’s own industrial design—into a series of species–specific terrariums as a statement against the growing…
This week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist knocks you in the pop sockets with head-boppin’ groove tuneage to help propel you through the work week in style. Whether you find yourself inking markers until they’re dry, grinding material through a bandsaw or working that 3D geometry all day, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week we’ll start things off with “Anenome” from The Brian Jonestown Massacre and work our way through tracks from Real Estate, Foxygen, Tame Impala, Youth Lagoon and others before wrapping up with “Nancy From Now On” from Father John Misty. Have suggestions? As always, let us know what you listen to, what you…