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leitodesigns

@leitodesigns

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Industrial product designer and founder @benleito.studio

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I felt like this is the perfect moment to take some time to reflect on the work I’ve been doing on and off over the past few months.

A few months ago, I had never made anything from clay, apart from a single ceramics class where I hand-built a mug. I remember experiencing a kind of zen-like focus that I hadn’t felt in a very long time.

Seeing other creators combine clay with digital production methods inspired me to give it a try myself. I’ve always been fascinated by the combination of new technologies, creativity, traditional crafts, and art. One of the things I love most about this project is how it brings those worlds together. The plaster molds, clay, and glaze techniques are centuries old, while much of the development happened through CAD, 3D printing, and digital fabrication.

What started as a simple experiment to see whether these techniques would interest me turned into a deep dive into slipcasting, plaster mold making, glazing, concrete casting, silicone molds, and countless hours of trial and error.

Along the way I made mistakes, redesigned parts, learned new techniques, and slowly gained confidence in a craft that was completely new to me.

The final pieces are not perfect, but that’s not really the point. For me, it represents the process of learning something from scratch: taking an idea, figuring things out one step at a time, and trusting that every mistake contains information for the next iteration.

Sharing my work publicly was also completely new to me. Thank you to everyone who offered advice, encouragement, and feedback along the way. It genuinely helped shape the outcome.

The first batch is finished, but the journey certainly isn’t. I’m already working on the next batch as you might have noticed, exploring new ideas, and fantasizing about what other products I might create using everything I’ve learned from this experience.

#productdesign
#amsterdam
#3dprinting
#ceramics
#interior by @leitodesigns

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4 months ago

For a museum in Arnhem, a client of Signwise, I had the opportunity to help bring a lighting concept by Studio Modijefsky to life.

Although the concept was already defined, turning it into a practical, buildable solution required extensive planning and technical development. The biggest challenge was the ceiling; extremely high, with no available information about its construction or load bearing capacity. We could only assess it after opening it up during installation, which introduced significant uncertainty and forced us to design for multiple possible scenarios.

After several visits to the museum, taking measurements, brainstorming, and aligning with the client, I developed all technical drawings in SolidWorks. I defined the requirements, sourced the necessary components, and coordinated with our production partners to ensure every part could be manufactured correctly.

Together with my skilled colleagues, we assembled all components and prepared everything needed for a smooth installation. I created several on-site alignment molds that could be placed on the floor and ceiling; combined with a laser, these ensured the lighting solution was positioned perfectly. A highly experienced scaffolding company provided the structure required to safely reach the necessary height.

Although we encountered a few minor issues (inevitable in a project of this scale with limited information upfront) we delivered a result I’m proud of. It was rewarding to play a significant role in such an ambitious and exciting project.

#lightingdesign #industrialdesign #productdesign #CAD #SolidWorks by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

During my time at Roofer, I redesigned an existing concept that had been on their website for a while. I brought new life to the “Nooit alleen bank,” or the “Never Alone Bench,” created to offer a small moment of connection for anyone who needs it (especially in school environments). With a modern typeface and a subtle heart detail, the piece now has a friendlier, more timeless feel. Sometimes a subtle shift in look and feel carries a bigger message.

It’s great to see that Heutink, a well-known school furniture supplier, connected with the concept and the redesign so strongly that it’s now sold exclusively through their platform.

#design #product #interior #productdesign
#connection #industrialdesign #durable #schoolfurniture by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

For my graduation project, I worked on a particularly meaningful assignment that allowed me to combine my passion for design and biology. I developed a concept aimed at protecting people from one of the most dangerous animals on the planet: mosquitoes. The solution had to be non-toxic, environmentally safe, durable, and effective in regions where mosquito-borne diseases pose the greatest threat.

Despite having no prior experience with textiles or sewing, I produced functional models I’m genuinely proud of. I received valuable support from my mother, whose skills helped elevate the prototypes.

Testing hypotheses and creating physical prototypes was challenging due to winter conditions and COVID restrictions, but I still delivered a well-grounded and promising concept. I also had insightful Zoom calls with well-known experts who responded positively to the idea. After months of research and development, I can confidently say I’ve earned my place as a mosquito expert.

#research #design #product #biology #graduation #productdesign #mosquitoes
#sewing #textile by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

During my time at Signwise, I worked on several technically demanding lighting solutions. Although the products appear simple from the outside, the internal engineering was complex due to limited space and strict aesthetic and functional requirements from the client. Each design had to be tailored to the customer’s preferred look and feel while also meeting location-specific constraints.

One of the biggest challenges was developing a lighting unit that had to be mounted directly onto glass while still being safely powered. This required a compact design, careful component placement, and precise integration to ensure both safety and a clean visual result.

For both solutions, I created the technical drawings and production files in SolidWorks. The project involved multiple techniques—such as laser cutting and 3D printing—which made the process both demanding and satisfying. After the engineering phase, I assembled the final products together with my skilled colleagues.

Although we encountered some issues during the project, I’m satisfied with the final result.

#lighting #solidworks #design #product #solution #prototyping #exterior #industrial by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

Although I’m most drawn to projects that balance aesthetics and functionality, purely functional challenges can be just as enjoyable — even if they’re less glamorous.

I designed this custom hinge for the toilet seat of a boat lavatory, starting by measuring the old broken hinges. Using those dimensions as a base, I recreated and refined the design in SolidWorks. To optimize it for 3D printing, I made several adjustments to minimize support material and printed a clean cap to complete the assembly.

The part was printed in PETG with 100% infill for maximum strength. It performed well initially but eventually failed — likely due to the age of the filament or forces beyond what the material could handle. Fortunately, reprinting a new version is quick and straightforward.

#3Dprinting #cad #solidworks #boat #hinge #prototyping #testing #bambulab #p1s by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

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a year ago

For a hotel project in Amsterdam, a client of Signwise, we engineered a custom wall-mounted lighting solution.

I was responsible for the sheet-metal components, the design for efficient welding, straightforward assembly, and seamless installation on-site.

During prototyping, we encountered some light leakage through unintended gaps — a reminder that light escapes as easily as water. After resolving these challenges, I’m very pleased with the final result.

#interior #hotel #lighting #productdesign #cad #sheetmetal #Solidworks #lasercuttingmachine by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

For a client at Signwise, we created this wall text. A colleague made the initial draft, after which I refined the design with small adjustments to improve CNC manufacturability. I then set up and programmed the milling operations.

Although the project itself wasn’t the most exciting, it gave me a good opportunity to experiment with brims—small bridges that keep delicate parts fixed to the CNC bed, preventing them from being launched during machining.

The final result can now be seen at LUMC in Leiden.

#cnc #productdesign #cad #manufacturing by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

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a year ago

A coworker wanted to give his motorcycle a more aggressive rear look for the people he overtakes, so I designed and 3D-printed custom rear light covers with an “angry eyes” aesthetic.

I began the project by taking precise measurements of the existing rear light. A key design goal was to reuse the original mounting screws, so no additional fastening materials would be needed. I then modelled the parts in Fusion360 and printed them with my P1S. It took several prototypes to refine the fit, printing orientation, and mounting method. I also made incremental aesthetic adjustments to enhance the “mean” eye-like appearance.

The initial prototypes were printed in PLA for ease of iteration. However, since PLA doesn’t hold up well in outdoor conditions (sunlight and moisture degrade it over time), I switched to PETG for the final print. PETG provides better durability and weather resistance, making it more suitable for use on a motorcycle.

This was a fun side project that reminded me that not every design has to be purely functional or serious — sometimes it’s just about having fun! I’m really pleased with how it turned out, and I just hope my coworker doesn’t get fined… because technically, it does block part of the light, and I’m pretty sure it’s not entirely legal.

#3DPrinting #PETG #MotorcycleMods #CustomParts #ProductDesign #3DPrintedParts #MotorcycleDesign #AngryEyes #CADDesign #RapidPrototyping #FunctionalDesign #3DPrintProject #FDMPrinting #DesignForPrint #CustomMotorcycle #MotorcycleAesthetic by @leitodesigns

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a year ago

Last weekend was the final straw… After spotting some defective pixels on the top of our TV screen, I had to take action before the black-and-white savage in our home destroyed it even further.

Coco apparently loves jumping onto the TV as part of her play routine. She likes to grab the top of the TV to launch herself over (and enjoys doing it…).

To solve this, I designed a top cover that fits over the top of the screen and snaps into the speaker groove at the back to secure it in place. In theory, it creates a slippery, rounded surface that prevents Coco from gripping the top of the screen. Moreover, it protects the front from her sharp claws.

I started by measuring the TV dimensions. Using rapid small prototypes and fine adjustments, I created a shape that fits well on the TV’s edge while keeping printing times and material usage low. After that, the design needed some secure grip on the TV (since Coco does a lot of pull-ups…).

I noticed a groove on the back of the TV and considered snap fits that follow its curve and lock into place. Because I didn’t have proper measuring tools, I got the rough curve by cutting small cubes out of a piece of paper, each representing 5 mm. This way, I quickly created a curve that was roughly accurate.

This was one of the largest prints I’ve ever done. I connected the pieces with tight-fitting joints to create the large object. Thanks to the smaller prototypes, the final product snapped on perfectly.

It remains to be seen whether the project is successful, as Coco will probably find another creative way to bypass this blockage. However, it was still a lot of fun designing the solution.

#Design #Problemsolving #fusion360 #cat #industrialdesign #interior #3dprinting #rapidprototyping by @leitodesigns

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a year ago