From Drinks Can to 1.2 Metre Recycling Bin: Fabricating Giant Replica Cans ♻️
Taking an everyday object and making it several times larger sounds straightforward until that object also needs to work.
South Coast Metal Fabrication was commissioned by Sketch Events to develop and fabricate oversized replica drinks cans for use as functional recycling bins within an Every Can Counts campaign activation.
At approximately 1.2 metres tall, each fabricated can needed to retain the familiar proportions of the original object while incorporating the practical requirements of a public recycling container.
Scaling a Familiar Object 📐
SCMF undertook the 3D modelling and technical design required to reproduce the geometry of a conventional drinks can at dramatically increased scale.
Simply enlarging an object is rarely enough.
Material thicknesses, fabrication methods, access requirements and assembly all change as scale increases.
The digital model therefore needed to become a practical fabrication solution rather than merely a larger visual representation.
Our 3D modelling and design service is used for exactly this type of work, helping turn unusual concepts into components that can actually be manufactured.
Fabricated in 2mm and 3mm Mild Steel 🔨
The cans were manufactured using 2mm and 3mm mild steel.
Individual components were formed and assembled to reproduce the cylindrical body and recognisable upper geometry of a conventional drinks can.
Maintaining the correct proportions was particularly important because the effectiveness of an oversized replica depends heavily on immediate recognition.
SCMF's custom fabrication capabilities allow projects like this to combine sheet-metal fabrication, forming, welding and technical development within one manufacturing process.
Making the Replica Functional
These weren't simply oversized event props.
An opening was incorporated into the top so members of the public could deposit used cans.
The upper section was also developed with a removable lid, providing access to the interior so the recycling container could be emptied and serviced.
This meant the project needed to combine the visual requirements of a replica object with the practical considerations of a functional product.
From 3D Model to Finished Event Piece
The completed 1.2 metre cans combined large-scale prop fabrication, technical design and functional product development.
SCMF supplied the finished pieces to Sketch Events for use within the wider Every Can Counts campaign.
Projects such as this demonstrate how 3D modelling and bespoke fabrication can help event agencies, experiential designers and brands turn unconventional concepts into robust physical objects.
Explore more of our commercial and creative fabrication work in the SCMF Selected Works gallery. 👀
Need Something Unusual Fabricated?
SCMF works with event agencies, designers, brands and creative teams on one-off fabricated objects, display structures, centrepieces and unusual commercial commissions.
Whether you have a finished design or need help developing the manufacturing solution, we can support the project from concept through to fabrication.
Ready to discuss your commercial project? Contact South Coast Metal Fabrication today to get a quote, or view our About page to learn more about SCMF.
Comments