Tech Craft | Products

Our business is not about churning out thousands of Memory Sticks. Each stick is carefully selected for its unique character and individuality. It is interesting to observe how the unique features of each stick become accentuated through consideration and craft-ship. Having said this, we definitely do cater for the promotional product market and invite enquiries in this regard.
An intensive and detailed training was given in the making of the Memory Sticks. Each Memory Stick is made by hand using specialised tools. There are a number of stages in the making of each Memory Stick.
	1. Wood Selection This begins when the Doringboom tree, which is an invasive alien species, is cut down by the "Working for Water" (WFW) programme. The WFW programme is a division of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). The branches are then selected and delivered to the craft studio in Kharkams. Thereafter, the branches are measured to their correct thickness and cut to size. Each piece of wood is treated as a unique object and the individual character of each stick is preserved and brought out.
	2. Preparing the stick for inserting the USB electronics Each stick is drilled out to a specific depth using specialised dremmels. The lip of the stick must be between 1mm and 1.5mm in thickness. Working to such a fine degree of tolerance requires patience and skill. The bottom of each stick is sanded smooth and any side twigs are cut and sanded.
	3. “Potting” the USB electronics "Potting" refers to the exact placement and fixing of the USB electronics into the stick. Each USB electronic is positioned in the Memory Stick at a pre-designated depth so that it will protrude from the stick to the correct length for it to fit into the USB port of a computer. A high-grade, two-part polyurethane is mixed and carefully poured into the cavity of the stick around the USB electronic. This secures the electronic firmly in place.
	4. Quality Control There are a number of quality checks that each stick has to pass before it leaves the studio. These include checking that the diameter of the sticks are to specification, that the cut surfaces are well finished and smooth and that the sticks are free of scratches.
	5. Packaging Special care is taken to package our products. Recycled paper boxes are available on request.