Our Process
At our core, we are creators…
Product Design & Development
As with everything in life, beautiful creation begins with a strong foundation. At TAU we believe perfection from the very beginning, results in a perfect result.
MODELING
At TAU, we incorporate 3D modelling software into our design process, ensuring a robust foundation for each creation. This approach, combined with our traditional, hand-crafted technique, provides a balance between precision and artistry. Whether we're crafting from natural wood, plaster, or anything that best suits our vision- our method ensures that every model is consistent and of the highest quality. With TAU, it's about merging the best of both worlds: technology and craftsmanship.
Quality Control Check-point - Checking the model for accuracy prior to building the mold.
MOLDING
After the model is finalized, our warehouse team prepares a precise mold for consistent replication. We use a heat-resistant tooling gelcoat, which ensures a smooth and durable base. Once this base is established, it undergoes a thorough sanding process to eliminate any potential flaws. This systematic approach ensures the end product meets our stringent quality standards, with each step optimized for efficiency and precision.
Production
HAND LAYUP METHOD
The hand lay up, open mold method used by TAU reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and quality. The application of our superior gelcoat, while a significant investment, ensures that each planter boasts a smooth, velvety finish that feels as good as it looks. By interlacing our glass fiber matting with top-grade un-saturated polyester resin, we not only enhance the planter's aesthetics but also bolster its tensile strength, ensuring longevity and resilience in every product.
Quality Control Check-point - Record the product weight, craftsmen ID, date of production, quality rating, and assign a serial number.
Beautification Process
SANDING
Well known for being tedious at best, sanding is a critical component of any production, demanding immense patience and skill, luckily, our team has the patience, and the passion.
Beginning with the removal of residual wax from the molding process, this stage sets the groundwork for achieving our pristine finish. Using orbital air sanding machines, our team meticulously inspects the surface. Even minor imperfections are promptly addressed with putty to guarantee a uniform texture. Then, another round of sanding follows, refining the surface further. With each successive pass, the mold attains a smoother and more polished finish, a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence.
PRIMER
The first layer of primer applied by our craftsmen is pivotal. Before this, the surface is matte and unassuming. But once the primer is on, there's an evident shift. This layer gives us a sneak peek of the final look, turning the once flat surface into something that hints at the final product's texture and sheen. It's a crucial step that takes us closer to the end goal of a refined finish.
Quality Control Check-point - Check the product surface for defects
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. The cycle of puttying, sanding, and priming is often revisited multiple times to ensure an unparalleled finish. The primer, in its role, acts as a magnifying glass, bringing to light even the minuscule of imperfections. These minute "Pin holes", once identified, are meticulously addressed with a care and attention. As we repeat this procedure, layer by layer, the TAU product evolves, inching closer to perfection. By the end of this rigorous process, every mold emerges not just as a product but a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and precision.
Quality Control Check-point - Check the product again for any surface imperfections before sending it to paint the top coat
TOP COAT
At TAU, the painting process is elevated to an art form. Our seasoned artisans harness the superior qualities of 2k paint, applying three even coats with precision inside a state-of-the-art, automobile-grade spray booth. This advanced booth is designed for perfection, utilizing a downward air draft to ensure a clean environment. As filters work to capture and eliminate particles, the built-in exhaust systems further ensure the removal of any potential contaminants. The result? A flawless application every time, with a pristine finish free from any imperfections.
Quality Control Check-point - Compare the final product color matches the control color sample, check the product one last time for any imperfections before packaging.
Packaging
Understanding the unpredictability of shipping, we leave no stone unturned in guaranteeing the safety of your planter. At TAU we adopt a meticulous packaging approach using 5 ply cardboard, a justified investment. This isn't solely for protection; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to expert care. This robust packaging ensures our planters, masterpieces in their own right, remain untouched by transit challenges. Our dedication goes beyond just crafting an impeccable product; it's about ensuring its flawless journey from our warehouse to your space, epitomizing the TAU standard of excellence.
Materials and Construction
Materials: All products shall be constructed of glass fiber reinforced polyester resin.
Glass fibers shall be Jushi or equivalent, nominal mass per unit area 225-450 g/m2
Unsaturated Polyester resin shall be Polymal 8201PT(GP) from LuxChem (Licensed by Japan Composite Co, LTD.) and produced in Malaysia or an equivalent supplier
Gelcoat shall be LuxChem LB9777 (Licensed by Japan Composite Co, LTD.) and produced in Malaysia or with an equivalent supplier
Construction: Fiberglass planters shall be fabricated by hand layup or spray laminate method using suitable molds to attain the desired shape and surface finish. The fiberglass reinforced plastic material and gelcoat shall not be less than 3-6mm thick and in those areas requiring additional structural strength.
Performance Characteristics and Capabilities
Finished planter to meet the following minimum performance standards
Tensile Test ISO 527-4
Tensile Strength 37.1 (MPa)
Tensile Modulus 5,360 (MPa)
Bending Test ISO 178
Bending Strength 109 (MPa)
Bending Modulus 4,270 (MPa)
Interlaminar Shear Strength ISO 14130
Interlaminar Shear Strength 14.3