Hello, this is "Tsumikies no Mori."
This is finally the last installment of our factory tour series!
In previous installments, we've seen the processes of cutting wood, shaping it, and rounding the edges.
This time, we'll introduce the final finishing process that completes the building blocks as "products."
"Why do they feel so smooth when you touch them?"
"How do you put the Tsumikies sprout mark on them?"
This installment will reveal those secrets 🌱
① "Sponge Sander Finishing" for desired texture
Building blocks are touched a lot by small children, aren't they?
That's why the "feel" of the corners and surface is so important.
That's where our first process for this installment comes in—
It's **"Sponge Sander Finishing"**!
Even if it's hard to tell just by looking, building blocks can sometimes have a slight roughness after wood processing.
So, we use a soft, sponge-like abrasive to gently smooth each surface, one by one.
Since it can gently polish even the corners, it results in a gentle finish that's safe and easy for small hands to touch.
▼ Here's a look at the actual processing!
Watching the video, you can see the building blocks gradually taking on the "look of a product"!
For wooden toys, not just the appearance but also the "feel" is part of the quality. In laser processing and wood processing, the final finish quality greatly affects the appearance and tactile feel.
② Laser Engraving the "Tsumikies Mark of Authenticity" - the Sprout Mark
And finally, what appears is...
The "sprout mark" 🌱, the trademark of Tsumikies building blocks!
This mark is actually engraved with laser engraving.
Laser engraving is a processing method that can engrave marks and logos on the surface of wood with high precision. It is widely used for logos and printing on wood products.
Unlike printing, it's directly engraved into the wood, so it blends with the wood's texture and creates a natural look.
"These are Tsumikies building blocks."
It's both an identifier and a small "proof" embodying our passion for craftsmanship.
▼ Here's a look at the laser engraving!
I personally really like the moment when the laser moves and the sprout mark gradually appears (laughs).
Thank you for joining our factory tour series!
This concludes our three-part "Building Block Factory Tour."
The building blocks that you usually play with casually
- cut wood
- shape it
- bevel edges
- smooth and polish the surface
- engrave marks
are completed through many processes.
Because they are for children to play with, we put a little extra effort into even the unseen parts.
We hope this factory tour has made you feel a little closer to building blocks 😊
Tsumikies building blocks here
We deliver building blocks that are particular about the warmth of wood and their feel.