Creativity Takes Shape with Resin

Acquaviva Picena, (AP) Italy – In 2002, Gianluca Rosati founded Exetera, a company that specializes in designing and producing elaborate gift items. Exetera also creates products for other markets, such as model airplanes. In fact, Gianluca has “played” with resin since he was a child, creating models as a hobby.

When he began Exetera, Gianluca created his objects by hand, a time-consuming and expensive production method. Today, thanks to the Roland MDX-40 milling machine, Gianluca’s production cycle is considerably shorter. Once he conceives an idea for a new project, he designs it on the computer and then gives it shape with the MDX-40. Using these technologies, Gianluca can create up to 60 new items each year. The entire production cycle, from idea to finished product, takes only about a month. The MDX-40 saves him 3 to 4 weeks on each production cycle by simply allowing him to quickly render a well-finished product in resin.

Exetera’s production cycle can be summed up in several precise steps: First the idea is developed, then the item is designed on the computer, and then the prototype is created with the MDX-40. Once the prototype is ready, Exetera’s employees use it to make a mold into which resin is cast. The created object is then silver-plated and, sometimes, colored.

The process requires meticulous and careful work from highly skilled craftsmen. Exetera employs four staff members who are supported by a series of contractors as well as a network of representatives all over Italy that assist with nationwide marketing.

The object in resin before and after being silver-plated

Gianluca is particularly proud of the latest objects he has made with the MDX-40: emoticons and cards. The cards show some imperfections in their workmanship, which make them seem almost handmade.

Roland MDX-40

Gianluca’s advice to anyone who would like to start their own business is concise: “Care deeply about what you produce, use the available technology, and diversify your product line.”

We asked Gianluca how the current economic crisis is affecting his business. Gianluca’s opinion is that people are afraid to spend their money and, in spite of the fact that Exetera has not raised prices in two years, customers tend to haggle about price these days.

In Gianluca’s view, the skill of the craftsman still makes an important difference in creating quality objects. He believes that although technology has made his craft accessible for mass production, there is no replacement for a true craftsman’s skill in designing and manipulating objects.

Gianluca says that the most important aspect of his work is being able to continually offer new items to the market. He uses today’s technology to bring his innovative designs to his clients, in much the same way that journalists use the Internet to bring news to their audiences. Gianluca registers the trademarks for his drawings, so his designs are protected and his rights are preserved. The emoticons are a clear example of his innovative work: Gianluca has designed 12 emoticon shapes and has new designs in the pipeline.