In the past, it was common for a Western company to release some hot new object, then Chinese manufacturers would rush in with knock-offs. Thankfully we’re seeing a shift away from this, where Chinese manufacturers are starting to add their own innovations to improve existing products. As one example Titaner, a Chinese manufacturer of titanium tools, is taking a more Apple-like approach: Let others be the first, then take your time to design a better version of that object.
In this case, the object that’s having a moment is the fractal vise. This all started in 2021, when artist Steve J. Lindsay designed his based on a jaw he’d seen on a milling machine from the early 1900s.
Lindsay’s design went viral, and later that year product designer Chris Borge made 3D-print files of a similar design available.
Earlier this year, British tool manufacturer MetMo successfully Kickstarted their own fractal vise design, to the tune of $1.8 million.
Enter Titaner. Rather than merely knock off the designs above, the company instead decided to design the ultimate version of a fractal vise.
First off it’s on a ball joint, greatly improving the ergonomics.
Secondly, it has a feature critical for working on delicate objects: The ability to set the clamping pressure. The user dials it in via a torque mechanism, and when the vise hits the desired pressure, it audibly clicks, like a torque wrench.
Thirdly the jaws have a width capacity of nearly 4 inches.
Lastly the jaws are reversible, allowing you to hold objects from the inside out.
The tool, being made entirely out of precision-CNC-milled titanium, is well expensive, starting at $1,100. The company’s only making 1,000 units and selling them on Kickstarter. At press time the campaign had been successfully funded, with 85 units spoken for and 27 days left to pledge.