Unspun - Manufacturing Equipment

Unspun approached us to help research, design and develop an industrial felt milling machine for hardening the fabric using the traditional techniques. There are existing machines, but the only ones left in the country are museum pieces over one hundred years old, presenting us with a unique opportunity to thoroughly re-imagine a significant and historic piece of industrial heritage.

Our Mechanical Engineers worked from photos and diagrams in an 1892 patent to create a layout of the form and range of motion for the machine. The framework was upgraded from cast iron to laser cut and welded mild and stainless steel and the motion system was redesigned from being a belt-driven crank to a highly tuneable pneumatic and stepper motor driven system with electronic controls. The bearing system was enhanced from highly greased wooden blocks to precise hardened steel rails with dry-lined bearings and modern safety features were added including interlocked covers and emergency stop buttons