Metso is a global frontrunner in sustainable aggregate technologies that first teamed up with Playwell Bricks to create a custom Metso-branded van set to give away at an aftermarket event. That gift went over so well that they returned to Playwell Bricks with a new challenge: could the Playwell designers create custom branded brick sets of Metso’s Vertimill® vertical grinding mill and their Premier™ SAG horizontal grinding mill? And more importantly, could the designer make them WORK?

Playwell Bricks designer Kostik Poloskin is not one to shy from a challenge. In fact, I’m pretty sure his eyes light up each time he gets wind of a challenge in the air.

“In the horizontal model, I used a mix of small and large pieces to mimic the grinding process. The larger pieces are placed in an intake box in front of the main drum, while the smaller ones are loaded into the drum. When the user turns the crank, the larger pieces fall through a hidden compartment, and the smaller pieces start to spill out of the drum’s exit hole, creating a realistic flow,” Kostik explains.

“In the vertical model, the mechanism is a bit simpler, with larger stones (balls) fed into the drum from the top, rotating inside a screw mechanism similar to that of a coffee grinder. The transparent wall of the model provides a view of how these stones roll and grind inside, making it not only functional but visually appealing as well. This combination of functionality and aesthetic design was a challenge, but it’s something I’m particularly proud of.”

This project taught Kostik some new tricks as well. “I learned to approach design challenges from a fresh perspective, especially when you’re working in a medium that has inherent limitations,” he explains. “Creating functional mechanisms with brick pieces requires a different approach to precision and ingenuity.

“I also learned the importance of adaptability; how certain elements of the design might need to be adjusted or rethought in order to make them work in practice, especially once the digital model is translated into a physical build. I was amazed when I first saw the built test builds in (team member) Jared’s hands and they worked!”

All of Kostik’s hard work and ingenuity paid off when Metso first revealed the two custom mill sets on their Linkedin, to the delight of their followers, many of whom requested one of each on the spot. We’re sure Kostik was pleased, but he is already off tackling the next design challenge, so you’ll just have to trust me for now.

Do you have a design challenge you’d like to see recreated in bricks? At Playwell Bricks, we specialize in production gifts for corporate gifting. Our designer will work with your ideas, budget, and gifting goals, to help you build your gifting dreams. Contact us today!