In Autumn Semester 2008-09, Schindler Salmerón continued their Zipshape research with a group of students at the Fachschule für Holztechnik Hamburg (Hamburg school for timber technology). The research group compared Zipshape with conventional bending technology and managed to scale down the achievable minimal radius. The experiments were carried out with the example of a cantilevering rocking chair realized in walnut and cherry wood.

The manufacturing of curved parts is laborious. Special molds are needed to define the curvature during the forming and joining process– a factor that is time consuming and costly, especially in individual production and small series. Zipshape is a new universal method that makes it possible to fabricate single curved panels from any plain material without molds. An element consists of two individually slotted panels that interlock when bent to the predefined curvature.

‘This system is based on a super intelligent method of making new, completely individual forms out of wood. It is tantamount to developing a new material. It opens up countless opportunities to create something completely new.
A real innovation that creates an infinite number of new applications.’
Jury report, M Technology Award

Read more about the Zipshape: www.schindlersalmeron.com.