The NeoBlade ultrasonic knife for craftsmen for $ 100
Anyone who's ever cut foam, acrylic or support after 3D printing knows the pain. A perfect print... and then a rough cut with a knife right on the visible side. It's a classic. It was this mini-tragedy that the HOZO Design team decided to eradicate. Their new gadget, the NeoBlade, is a compact wireless cutter that works not on the principle of force, but through ultrasonic vibrations - 40,000 times per second. In other words, it cuts like a knife through warm butter, but without oil and without nerves.
The NeoBlade looks like a thick marker. Weighing only 180 grams, your hand does not get tired even after a long cutting session. At the touch of a button, one of two modes is activated: Precision Mode for fine-tuning tasks (cutting off a tiny defect on a miniature) or Continuous Mode for effortless cutting of foam, acrylic or PVC.
The secret is in the high-frequency vibrations that literally push the material apart without melting, chipping or dusting. Everything is clean, smooth and neat - as if the part had just come out of the mould.
Plus, there's thoughtful cooling. A mini-fan in the body prevents the blade from heating up even during prolonged use. Two bright LEDs illuminate the working area - ideal for night sessions.
The set includes six interchangeable blades in different shapes: from a standard "spear" to curves for leather and vinyl panels, as well as a parallel cut attachment. Changing blades is quick and safe, with no risk of injury or of leaving used blades in a drawer for years.
The NeoBlade can be charged via USB-C or via the TurboDock, which charges two batteries in 30 minutes. The basic kit costs $99 (at launch), while the complete set with a dock and an additional battery costs $149.
The idea has caught on with the community so much that NeoBlade has already raised more than $620,000 on Kickstarter, instead of the initial goal of $3,821. This very eloquently shows how painful the problem of inaccurate cuts is for everyone who is engaged in modelling, cosplay or just likes to do something with their hands.
It's not a soldering iron you use to burn supports, and it's not a Chinese cutter for 20 bucks. This is a legal cheat code for modellers, cosplayers, workshops, and anyone who has ever spoiled parts at the last stage. Finally, the finishing process - the most problematic for any project - ceases to be stressful.
HOZO Design - who is it?
HOZO Design is a Shenzhen-based company that specialises in creating stylish, minimalist and highly functional tools for designers, engineers, creatives and fans of beautiful things. Their philosophy is to "make the complex simple": combine high technology, intuitive interface and premium design.
The HOZO team is actively working in the field of new generation tools: ultrasonic cutters, smart meters, laser engravers and other niche devices that make manual work more accurate, easier and more aesthetically pleasing. The main feature of the brand is the combination of engineering quality with frankly beautiful and thoughtful design.
In just a few years, HOZO Design has grown from a small startup to one of the most renowned companies in the world of creative tools with an army of fans around the world.
Sources: HOZO Design, Kickstarter