A team project with the objective of creating a product that could be sold to fundraise. The profits being used to fund an exhibition stand for the university at the New Designers show.

 

The brief stated that the target audience would be students and university staff. Because of this we decided to create something that would be affordable and useful for this target audience.

The initial concept incorporated a bottle opener. However, this was not viable as facilities to rapidly cut metal in batches did not exist. Because of this, acrylic was used as it could be laser cut in batches, saving time and cost.

The product was modelled on Solidworks for both visuallisation and production purposes. Not only did CAD provide a basis for product development but it also served as the tool to create the cutting path for the laser cutter.

Functionally the Key-Z is a success. The product fits very comfortably in the pocket covering all sharp, potentially damaging edges, protecting the clothing. The keys move smoothly but not so easily they are loose and floppy. This is achieved by the fibre washers located between the keys and the housing plates. 

 

Construction itself is very simple and is done using a flat head screwdriver to tighten the Chicago bolts. This will be done at the point of sale due to the customer being able to choose the colour of the product's face plate, and organise where they would like there keys.