From the first sketch to full production: a smarter subframe developed together with Leolock
The brief
Leolock develops smart installation solutions for the construction industry, including plastic subframes: the base on which fitters install PVC window frames quickly, level, durably and sealed against draught and moisture. Where a timber subframe is sensitive to moisture and warping, plastic offers a dimensionally stable, low-maintenance base. That is exactly where Leolock wanted to push on: a subframe that makes work on site easier.
Owner Johan van Driesum had an idea for a new subframe, better matched to his own installation system and to the way his customers work. He spoke to several parties about the development and production, and chose CF kunststofprofielen (hereafter: CF). From that moment on, Leolock and CF developed the product together. CF's task: turn a rough idea into a high-quality product, suitable for large-scale production with consistent quality.
From sketch to design
Stef Schuurman, account manager at CF, sat down with Leolock and their design agency. Starting from a first sketch, they reworked the design over several rounds until everything was right. The design changed a number of times: the profiles had to stack better, a soft sealing lip was added, and the shape was refined further, each change driven by a concrete reason from practice.Good stacking pays off directly in transport and distribution. After all, the way the profiles stack determines how efficiently packing, delivery and onward distribution to the building site run. The soft sealing lip, at first just a detail, ultimately turned out to be one of the product's most important features.
From one profile to three models
CF and Leolock started out with the idea of a single profile. Along the way it became clear that practice called for more variation. The result? Three different models: one without a soft sealing lip, one with a soft sealing lip and one with a soft sealing lip on the underside. That created a wider range than originally planned, matching the varied situations on site.
From design to production
Once the design was fixed, CF developed the extrusion die and set up production for large-scale extrusion. The packaging was developed specially for and together with Leolock as well. The profiles leave the factory in bundles, in line with Leolock's small-scale and flexible distribution. As a result, both bulk volumes and small quantities arrive at the customer or on site without transport damage.The whole process took around 1.5 years, from the first sketch to full production. Today, production is running at full speed.
The result
For Leolock, the strength lies in a number of things: the special CF material (largely recycled plastic), the soft sealing lip on the profile that seals the frame neatly against the wall, and the packaging that fits their distribution exactly. And not unimportant for the market: a competitive price for a very high-quality product.
Development partner for the construction industry
This case shows what CF kunststofprofielen is good at: not just producing, but thinking along from the very first sketch. Building something serious, with room for a smile.
Do you have an idea for a profile or a product that does not exist yet? We are happy to think along with you, from design to (mass) production.
CF kunststofprofielen, your development partner for the construction industry.