In 2005, Pipedream Products acquired Las Vegas Novelties, an established novelty company that specialized in rubber manufacturing. We hoped to gain insight into the world of rubber production and position ourselves as a major player in the market. At first, our customers had their reservations about the existing LVN product, and regardless of the changes and huge improvements made to the quality of the line, customers still weren't sold. Slowly but surely, we phased out the LVN products, keeping only the best-selling molds and moving them over to our new line, Basix Rubber Works.
After receiving a positive initial response to the Basix line, we continued to look for ways to improve the product. We've invested in state-of-the-art equipment, searched for the best nontoxic rubber available, hired seasoned professionals and perfected the entire manufacturing process, from start to finish.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what goes into creating the Basix line:
Conception and design
We start with an idea or concept and design it on a computer. In our product development meetings, we sit and brainstorm, coming up with ergonomic shapes that are visually appealing and erotically satisfying. I come up with a lot of the concepts myself and take them to the development team, which creates a 3D rendering on a computer. Once we have our 3D image, we bring in our sculptors and mold-makers, who make sure the design is feasible. If it is, the rest of the production process begins.
Rubber formula development
We work closely with select chemists to test different mixtures and formulations, ensuring that we get the consistency and feel we are looking for. Finding the right consistency was a challenge-too little or too much of one chemical can make the product too flimsy or too rigid. Finding a perfect balance while keeping the line phthalate-free was a very complicated process. Once the rubber compound is formulated, any color can be added to the same nontoxic material, ensuring that the entire Basix line is safe and phthalate-free.
Molds and colors
The Basix line consists of more than 40 styles, with up to eight colors per style. First, we determine which color we're going to run for the day, then we prepare all the molds featuring that color. We run 20 to 30 molds for each style and color, focusing on a different color each day. We run several molds or styles in a day until we finish that color. At the end of the day, we purge the machines and get them ready for the next day's color. We usually start with the lightest color and work our way to the darkest color so the purge is minimal.
Production and finishing
We've streamlined the production and assembly process and made it as simple as possible. We heat the rubber, and it passes through a dispensing station into the molds, which then are put into a cooling station. After it cools sufficiently, the rubber is pulled out of the mold and goes to the finishing crew, which irons out the seams and trims any imperfections. This includes giving the products a shine and hand-painting items such as the flesh-toned products.
During this process, we also test all of the vibrating dongs to make sure they operate to standard. Less than 5 percent of the products fail to make it past our quality-control technicians.
Packaging and marketing
For Basix, we kept the packaging clean, simple and unisex to appeal to men and women of any sexual orientation. We wanted to let the products speak for themselves, without any distractions.
Once the products have passed quality control and the artwork is ready, our assembly department places the products and insert cards into the clamshells and boxes them up. Then, we ship them out.
In 2008, Basix will continue to raise the bar for phthalate-free American-made rubber. We've stayed true to our philosophy and kept the line as simple and basic as can be, hoping to pass the savings along to our valued customers. With our new equipment and improved technology, we have the capacity to produce more than 5,000 units per day. We hope your customers will enjoy using the products as much as we enjoy making them!
Nick Orlandino is the chief operating officer of Pipedream Products.
