Evolution power tools have over 20 years’ experience in the power tool sector and are recognised as one of the fastest growing power tool brands in the world. Evolution’s innovation comes in the form of their advanced, multipurpose TCT blade technology which cuts wood, aluminium and steel with a single blade. HJC had the privilege of collaborating with Evolution to expand their ‘Build Professional Range’ by developing their newest product from the ground up, the R210CMS compound mitre saw.
The Red Dot Award winning R210CMS needed to be accessible and affordable from two stand points. It must appeal to the hobbyist user looking to buy for the first time, and also measure up to professional competitor units in terms of accuracy, quality and versatility.
Meeting this brief under rigid cost constraints required the HJC team to work closely with Evolution’s manufacturing partners from the get-go, and involved a vital presence in the factory at crucial stages of the project. Gaining an understanding of factory capabilities first hand enabled HJC to challenge the conventional approach to existing saw construction, leading to a reduction in the number of unnecessary parts and assembly steps in critical areas. Optimising the materials and processes available led to a 10% reduction in weight and an improvement in mechanical tolerance when compared to its predecessor, achieving greater accuracy in a streamlined production cycle. Reducing the physical footprint of the CMS in relation to previous models has cut down on packing size, maximising shipping efficiency, thus reducing the carbon footprint.
Whilst many similar priced units share specification on internal componentry they compromise on peripheral design elements to meet cost point. This provided Evolution with an opportunity to add value whilst creating its own unique design language. The introduction of the central, ambidextrous handle (in-line with the blade) and carefully designed touch points, including the safety guard trigger and bevel lock, enabled the R210CMS to stand out against its entry level counterparts in both ergonomics and aesthetics.
From initial concept development to production planning and implementation, the HJC and Evolution partnership has been highly rewarding and wide ranging.