We are really excited to introduce you to Bendr! Bendr is the first amplifier that stays attached to your iPad so you can enhance your audio wherever you go.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1436532965/bendr-minimal-ultra-portable-ipad-amplifier
THE STORY
We all know that the iPad’s rear-facing speakers aren’t the best when you want watch a movie or listen to music. I had this problem too, so I bought one of the first amplifiers to come to market and it worked. But, it had a problem: it separated from my iPad so it had to be re-attached when I needed it (if I remembered to pack it with me). So I found myself just using my hand again!
I didn’t want to use the amp I bought and my hand was getting tired, so I hit the sketchbook. But a better understanding of form and function occurs in 3D, so we started making prototypes out of aluminum and polystyrene plastic. We cut the metal with tin snips and then bent it by hand. We used a thermoforming machine to heat the styrene and form it over a foam mold to give it it’s curve.
Once we had the design and function nailed down, I built the metal and plastic parts in Solidworks to create files for our manufacturers. Using our CAD files our domestic manufacturer produced this pre-production sample you see below of the metal part. It’s made of 21 gauge aluminum with a clear anodized finish. The shape, including the logo, was laser cut and then precision bent. The black plastic part is one we made, but the production parts will be injection-molded.
HOW IT WORKS
Exactly like the existing products, BENDR reflects the iPad’s sound forward, enhancing the sound and your experience. What makes BENDR different and better is that it safely and securely affixes to the back of your iPad or iPad case and stays there. It’s so small that you’ll barely notice it’s there, but you’ll be so happy it is because you’ll actually be able to hear the movie!
MANUFACTURING
As mentioned above we used a domestic supplier for our metal part and we were working with a different domestic supplier for our plastic part. Unfortunately, our costs were too high to be able to produce Bendr at a low cost in the US. So we searched some more and found a manufacturer overseas who has the ability to produce both parts for us. The aluminum will be 21 gauge with an anodized finish and the logo will be laser-etched instead of laser-cut because that will also help to reduce our costs. The plastic parts will be injection-molded polypropylene. This will ensure that each plastic part meets the tight tolerances needed. Our manufacturer will make and assemble the two parts and then ship them to us. We will then personally inspect each Bendr for quality, apply the adhesive to the back, and then ship them out to you!
Thanks for checking out the project on kickstarter.com!
