Tabletop Campfire
The Story
Current Market Product
The idea for the “Tabletop Campfire” was birthed out of a conversation with Jeramiah Sexton, from Sexton Design and Development and Trey. Mason Innovation needed a project to give them legs, of the financial sort. Something simple, to get them off the ground, build a revenue stream, and something awesome.
The simplicity and function of the alcohol-burning fireplace provides low-hanging fruit to which ‘Innovation’s design skills can be used. And the added benefit of extremely low barrier to entry is a bonus.
—One of Mason Innovation’s core values is understanding the path to high ratio ROI through carefully selected capital investments.—
Market Research
Not quite understanding the market and profitability of the idea, we proceeded with caution. First, performing market research. Then, designing a prototype and presenting that to sample audiences. Then, building a prototype for proof-of-concept and sizing. Then, initializing a manufacturing process (in this case creating a mold). And finally, casting some parts!
The market research thankfully turned out to be very rewarding. There are less than a handful of companies making alcohol-burning concrete fireplaces. -Check. And some of these companies are selling their campfire (like the one shown to the right) for $99.00 - Double Check.
Tabletop Campfire
-
Step One: The Idea
An excellent foundation to work from. Simple, purpose-built décor, with tons of room for innovation. Simple design made from concrete and rubbing alcohol.
-
Step Two: Prototyping
We knew we wanted to make some special feature within the cavities of the concrete. Because 1) no one else was doing anything different, 2) there would be no added cost it would actually reduce the cost because we’ll most likely be removing material, and 3) because playing with fire is cool.
One idea is to create helical cores to swirl the flame using convection currents (see below). The proof of concept needed an extra boost from a hairdryer, thus making the concept unattainable at this point. We proceeded to make a solid concept with a special design that is seen nowhere else on the market.
-
Final Product: For Sale on Etsy
The idea came together great. We would love to take this idea to the next level if there is expressed interest. Whether that is a new mold (maybe a long rectangle shape), custom shapes, or different fuel solutions.
Lessons learned:
1) 3D prints float in liquid silicone.
2) It would have been nice to incorporate customizability into the mold. With a blank in the mold for custom 3D printed inserts.
3) Concrete pouring is an artform. Do not take this for granted.
