As thin as possible
New Sigma40 actuator plate
With its minimalist, modern design and depth of just 4 millimetres, the Sigma40 is one of Geberit’s exclusive actuator plates. The development came with some special challenges. A look behind the scenes.
This 3D file was an important one. It arrived by e-mail and ended up in the inbox of Pascal Brändli, development engineer for actuator plates. The sender: the renowned designer Christoph Behling. The content: the design, material and colour specifications for the development of the new actuator plate Sigma40. The goal was to be minimalist and modern, and above all – and this was new – as thin as possible.
New fastening system
Pascal Brändli got to work with his team. The first step was to clarify the technical feasibility. “The biggest challenge was the fastening system. It was clear from the outset that the existing fastening would not work on a very thin plate,” says Pascal Brändli. As a result, a number of attempts and different ideas were required before a new snap mechanism was developed that not only met the requirements of a minimal plate depth, but also allowed for intuitive handling by the plumber.
Initial prototype samples
“Once the technical feasibility is guaranteed, the first product samples are produced in the prototype workshop,” says Pascal Brändli, explaining the next steps in the project. It is important to assess the functionality here. A particular challenge with the Sigma40 was to give the mounting frame the necessary rigidity and stability despite its shallow depth of only 2 mm. The solution was found in a glass-reinforced plastic.
Twice the development time
Compared to previous actuator plates, the requirement of “as thin as possible” doubled the development time for the Sigma40 – from one to two years. However, this will pay off further down the line: “The insights gained will be of value to us in the development of future actuator plates,” says a delighted Pascal Brändli.
Geberit Know-How
In addition to its minimalist, modern panoramic format, the Sigma40 actuator plate scores highly with its design versatility. The two versions, square and round, are each available in a range of materials: brushed chrome steel in various colours, glass finish and painted steel surfaces in different colours.
