As thin as possible
With its minimalist, modern design and depth of just four millimetres, the Sigma40 is one of Geberit’s particularly high-quality actuator plates. The new development brings some special challenges.
Slim and high-quality
The Sigma40 actuator plate impresses with its minimalist, modern design. Of particular note are its slender landscape format and a depth of just four millimetres. It is available with square or round buttons and in a range of different materials and colours.
This 3D file is a special one. It arrives by e-mail and ends up in the inbox of Pascal Brändli, development engineer for actuator plates in Rapperswil-Jona (CH). The sender is Geberit designer Christoph Behling. The attachment contains the first design, material and colour specifications for the actuator plate Sigma40 – and gives creative input for the new development. The goal is to be minimalist and modern, and above all – and this is new – as thin as possible.
New fastening system
Pascal Brändli gets to work with his team. The first step is to clarify the technical feasibility. “The biggest challenge was the fastening system,” says Pascal Brändli. A new snap mechanism has to be developed that not only meets the requirements of a minimal plate depth, but also allows for intuitive handling by the plumber.
Initial prototype samples
“Once the technical feasibility is guaranteed, the first product samples are produced in the prototype workshop,” explains Pascal Brändli. A particular challenge with the Sigma40 is to give the mounting frame the necessary stability despite its shallow depth. The solution is found in a glass-reinforced plastic.
Twice the development time
Compared to previous actuator plates, the requirement of “as thin as possible” doubled the development time for the Sigma40. The effort pays off: “The insights gained will be of value to us in the future,” says a delighted Pascal Brändli.