Case Study – Fabrication Design
The PURCY CHAIR
Description
The Purcy Chair is a collapsible, portable treatment chair intended for use by mobile service providers such as barbers, hair stylists, makeup artists and so on. The chair provides the same capabilities as a traditional salon chair, ensuring clients are in the proper position for treatments. When finished with the chair can be quickly dismantled and packed away in a flight case for transport to the next job.
Services Provided
- Concept sketching and development
- 3D CAD Modelling
- 2D Engineering drawings
- Prototyping Support
Details
Project Start Date:
Apr 2019
Product Launch Date:
Nov 2021
Product Type:
Fabricated Portable Treatment Chair
Key Features:
- 6 Legged Foldable Base
- Hydraulic Lift Pump
- Foldable, Removable Footrest and Arm Rests
- Removable Backrest with Back Recline
- Removable Headrest
Categories
Fabrication Design
Sheet Metal Design
Mechanical Design
Design for Manufacture
3D CAD Modelling
2D Drawings
Prototyping
F3 Design worked closely with Aaron to create the Purcy Chair. Aaron provided initial concept sketches and details of the desired end goal, which RF3 Desgn expanded upon through a series of development sketches. Next, a 3D CAD model of the design was created. This 3D model was iterated upon and reviewed regularly with Aaron to ensure all the design goals were met. During the design process RF3 ensured that all components met the appropriate design requirements for the associated manufacturing processes.
Once the 3D Model was approved, we created a full pack of detailed 2D engineering drawings, which were sent to various manufacturing firms to build a prototype of the chair, and later for full production.
RF3 Design Ltd continues to work with Purcy Chair Co, providing ongoing support for the Purcy Chair and assisting with any other developments as required.
The images below show Purcy Chair prototype (left) and the latest production Purcy Chair (right):
From Our Customer
“Working with Robert Footitt has been an absolute game-changer. As a product engineer and designer, he stands out not just for his technical skill, but for his genuine commitment to understanding and supporting complex ideas. While many overlooked or dismissed the intricacies of my designs, Robert was one of the very few who took the time to look at the project initially and then was completely engaged throughout.
He went above and beyond—meeting me at multiple factories and locations, consistently checking in on progress, and always making time for in-depth phone calls whenever I had questions or needed advice. His willingness to listen, problem-solve, and explain made the entire process smoother and more collaborative than I ever expected.
On top of all that, his pricing is very competitive. Robert is the rare combination of talent, professionalism, and approachability. I’ll absolutely be using him for future product development, and I cannot recommend him highly enough.”
Aaron Gibson – Founder & Inventor of Purcy Chair
RF3 Design Limited
The Grainger Suite, Dobson House
Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 3PF
