4/1/2023 0 Comments Shrinkit cast![]() ![]() “Every time Lann would call, he would give me a new value-added strategy that we could implement, whether it was a way to reduce costs, expedite mass-production, or gain economies of scale.” So Zuti Facemasks made the switch to Signicast.īehind the scenes, the diverse engineering team at Signicast – a project engineer, a metallurgist, and a process engineer – could make improvements during manufacturing such as material modifications, fine-tuned temperatures or hold times, and other variables. “I figured with our engineering resources, Signicast could drive Zuti into mass production.” “This project could be a disruptive innovation for leagues,” says Ellis. That’s when he was contacted by Lann Ellis of Signicast, who was intrigued with a Modern Casting article about Zuti Facemasks. They had issues with non-fill and scrap, resulting in low percentages of viable parts. Initially, he found an investment casting supplier, but ran into obstacles. “With investment casting comes geometric advantages we could build into these masks,” Pizzuti says, “And that could help with energy distribution and, ultimately, safety.” Teambuilding Exercise “Last I checked, you have unfettered design capability with investment casting.” This was ideal since the innovative design of Zuti Facemasks allows teams to integrate stylized elements into the grille, potentially a platform for branding. ![]() “A light bulb came on in my head,” he says. Pizzuti got advice from his mentor, a long-time auto industry professional who also happens to be his mother. “There was no way I could turn a profit,” he says. When he was done, he wasn’t happy with the way they looked – and it had taken a month to build them. “Welding together quarter-inch cold-rolled steel.” “I built my first prototypes the same way they’d been built for decades,” says Pizzuti. John Pizzuti wanted to give masks a facelift to match the evolution of football uniforms, in a way that would lend itself to safety. Partly because of this, the facemask, seemingly a front-and-center opportunity for team expression, has been excluded from branding changes in pro and college leagues.Īfter all, the main role of a facemask is protection, so league rules and certification standards have discouraged modifications to its most basic design. Bold or subtle, these occasional redesigns can bolster fan merchandising, gain attention for recruitment, or grow awareness for sponsors and causes.īut what they can’t do is interfere with player safety. Introducing new uniforms, logos and design elements is a popular strategy for US football teams to enhance their identities. Then he looked to Signicast’s engineering expertise to manufacture his innovative designs more competitively – while protecting the competitors who wear them. Between clunky, welded-steel prototypes and a few discouraging production runs, John Pizzuti experienced first-hand the expense of using other methods and suppliers to bring his game-changing football facemasks to market.
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