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CLIENT: FRACINO
PROJECT: VULCAN ESPRESSO MACHINE
CONCEPT DESIGN, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, 3D CAD, DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE, PROTOTYPING, PRODUCT VISUALISATION, DESIGN IP.
Slide
CLIENT: FRACINO
PROJECT: VULCAN ESPRESSO MACHINE
CONCEPT DESIGN, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, 3D CAD, DESIGN FOR MANUFACTURE, PROTOTYPING, PRODUCT VISUALISATION, DESIGN IP.

In the World of Premium Espresso, Every Detail Counts

When Fracino, renowned for their award-winning espresso machines, came to us with a vision for a premium product, we knew this was an opportunity to blend our passion for design with the art of coffee making.

Where every detail is an ode to perfection, Fracino’s aspiration for a high-end espresso machine was not just a project but a journey into the heart of premium coffee making.

4D Products embraced this challenge with a blend of respect for Fracino’s legacy and a drive for innovation. The task was to craft an espresso machine that would not only excel in functionality but also stand as a beacon of design excellence.

Embarking on a Journey of Innovation and Heritage

Immersing ourselves in the essence of their existing machines, extracting key elements that resonate with their brand identity. Our design team, a melting pot of creative visionaries and technical maestros, embarked on an exploratory phase where every sketch was a conversation between tradition and innovation.

We explored various design avenues – from the nostalgic echoes of heritage to the bold statements of contemporary styles.

Our Approach

Explore Component Configuration – Can this lead to a new form factor?

Explore Aesthetic Language – Automotive links – Aerospace Links – Industrial Links – Fracino Legacy

Explore User Centred Design – Operational Considerations – Manufacture and – Assembly Considerations – Buyer Perspectives – Barista Perspectives – Customer Perspectives

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Crafting the Vision: Meticulous Design Development

Selecting the design direction was a process akin to crafting a fine espresso blend. It required a keen sense of balance, an understanding of subtleties, and an appreciation of the brand’s ethos. With Fracino’s valuable feedback, we converged on a design that beautifully encapsulated both the legacy and the future of espresso making.

Transforming these ideas into a tangible reality involved intricate 3D modelling. Every line, curve, and texture was deliberated upon, ensuring that the virtual model was not just a representation but a true embodiment of what the Aston by Fracino was destined to be.

Prototyping: Bringing the Concept to Life

The prototyping phase was our ‘taste test’. Debuting at ‘Host Milano 2023’, the prototype was a culmination of our design philosophy and technical prowess. It wasn’t just about ensuring the machine worked flawlessly; it was about observing the reactions, the expressions of awe, the nods of approval from the connoisseurs of the coffee world.

The prototype was a dialogue with the audience, and the response was exhilarating. The praise it garnered, and the buzz of pre-orders were affirmations of our commitment to design and innovation.

Brewing a Legacy of Design and Innovation

The Aston by Fracino project is more than a milestone for 4D Products; it is a testament to our passion for blending aesthetic elegance with functional brilliance. It symbolises our dedication to pushing the boundaries of industrial design, one innovative project at a time.

In the end, what we handed over to Fracino was not just a premium espresso machine; it was a piece of art, a chapter in the story of design excellence that we at 4D Products are continually writing.

We chose 4D Products for our revolutionary Aston Espresso machine for their exceptional team and capabilities. Despite a tight three-month deadline for the HOST exhibition in Milan, 4D's efficient process from the kickoff in July was remarkable. Their swift delivery of a concept package, market analysis, and sketches allowed us to quickly progress. The team’s ability to refine designs, create 3D models, and collaborate closely with our team was instrumental in developing the first concept model. They even assisted with rapid prototyping and component design, culminating in completing the model just in time for Milan – a true testament to their dedication and understanding of our needs. We're excited to launch the new machine in Q1 2024 and are already planning our next project with 4D for the upcoming exhibition.

Adrian MaxwellMD of Fracino

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Call the design studio on 01925 607145

Email studio@4dproducts.co.uk, or use the contact form below;