KoBlog #SP1 - KoBase: shape, light and feel
An aluminium alloy base, a clear PC cover and magnetic pins. Rounded corners soften the shape. Curved edges change the metal’s reflections as the viewing angle changes, while the pins secure the cover to the base.
Where we started
We wanted to make a metal model-car base that showed the character of its material. The cover also needed to stay firmly attached, so you could confidently lift the whole base by holding the cover.
Rounded corners, on the base and the cover
We gave the base larger corner radii for a softer, more rounded shape. The cover needed to follow the same outline, so its four corners had to curve with it.
Joining flat acrylic sheets could not directly create the continuous curves we wanted. We made a dedicated mould and used clear PC for the cover, matching the rounded corners of the base.
Light along the panel’s edges
The panel is made from aluminium alloy. Before machining, we check the mounting-hole positions on the actual model car. The holes are made during CNC machining, before surface finishing.
The base has an anodised finish. We also curved the panel’s edges to bring out the character of the metal. As the viewing angle changes, so do the reflections and the light and shade along those edges.
We chose a silver-grey panel with a dark frame and pins. Against the dark frame, the reflections along the panel’s edges trace its outline.
The feel of the pins pulling into place
Pins at both ends secure the cover. We chose magnets to make repeated insertion and removal easier. We wanted the magnet to pull the pin through the last short part of its travel when you let go just before it reaches its final position.
That feel needs to be checked with fully finished parts. Sandblasting and anodising affect how the parts fit together, so we worked through repeated samples with the factory, inserting and removing the pins and adjusting the fit according to how they felt.
The outward-facing end of each pin carries a laser-engraved Kind of Blu logo.
04 / ASSEMBLY
How the parts fit together
A single central screw connects the panel to the frame. Pins at both ends secure the clear cover.
The screw is shown schematically, and some internal details are omitted.
05 / IN USE
Two steps to remove the cover
With the model in place
