Early history:
Yes we are the same folks who brought you some of Earth's first molded rubberwear way back in the 80's.
For a view of some of those early creations check out our galleries on the Rubberess Galleries site. We are often asked if any of the early items are available.
The short answer is no. These were made using techniques that were simply not viable for production. We have been on a long journey of discovery over the years.
We have greatly expanded our knowledge and technique since those early years. Our new products will have many similar features, but new methods will yield different and better products.
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our first mask design
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The production years:
Our first foray into actual manufacturing was fairly successful. We sold hundreds of masks and gloves over several years and they were very well received.
There were two issues that limited our success however. The first problem was that we were simply too successful in our "day jobs" to find a way to escape into
full-time rubber manufacturing. The second problem was "fit". Heavy rubber (and even not so heavy) masks must be made in a number of sizes. Stretching doesn't do it.
Although we had developed a very satisfactory production process that generated excellent product, we never solved the problem of economically making molds in enough
sizes to fit all of our customers.
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one of our early production masks
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The new effort:
Over the last several years we have been expending a lot of effort on re-engineering the design, modeling and mold-making processes to solve the problem of making molded
items in many sizes without excess cost. We have developed a number of interesting methods and have taken advantage of new technologies.
The photo shows a clay model (still in a fairly rough state) being worked. Computer aided design software enables us to "scale" designs. This enables us to offer many sizes economically.
The model is mounted on a custom designed measuring device that allows us to capture design data into a computer.
This new approach allows us to offer the new designs with rear zipper-closures instead of back-lacing.
The glove model and armature in the background mount on the same precision modeling/measuring device.
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A design in the making
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