iF material award 2010

The correct material choice is decisive for the implementation of good, sustainable product design - increasingly, outstanding products are marked by the innovative and efficient use of materials. Manufacturers, designers, developers, constructors and architects were invited to take part in the iF material award and to compete for one of the sought-after honors. A total of 42 entries were recognized at this year's competition - five of them also received the iF gold award for their expecially impressive achievemts.

Einzeller - 
Necklace
Tine Latein Industrial Design
iF Gold award

Flexible, lightweight, biocompatible and with a new aesthetic oscillating between randomness and intention: The necklace Einzeller is produced with selective laser melting. Einzeller utilizes the strengths of Titanium to produce a kind of snap fastener. The individual elements can be snapped together to achieve the desired length and to form a necklace or bracelet. The weight of the piece is not really noticeable. The material is biocompatible. The vibrant color is not created by pigments but by an iridescent layer, developed through anodizing.

G-series (G2/G3) - 
External HDD
SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
iF Gold award

An external hard disc, the G Series, minimizes environmental pollution through the use of environment-friendly plastic. Patterns have been effectively used for the surface, removing the need for a painting process. In compliance with the RoHS Directive (Restriction of (the use of certain) hazardous substances), halogen-free plastic was applied to the product, which has been decorated with small patterns that change with light. These patterns create images of nature, such as african baobab leaves, thereby emphasizing the design concept of considering the environment and applying environment-friendly material.

NOOK - 
Stool/side table
VIAL GmbH

NOOK the stool / side table is made from the innovative material VarioLine®. The designer used the unique properties of the material and developed NOOK from one single piece. By folding a milled pattern tension evolves that gives the product particular sturdiness and form, fixed by an aluminum catch. The plastic VarioLine®, produced by a unique single injection moulding process, has an integral foamed kernel and two non-porous surface layers. The material is a polypropylene – lightweight, robust and weather resistant and completely recyclable.

http://www.ifdesign.de/awards_material_index_e