POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

FCS II surf fin plugs showing stages of production by Surf Hardware International

Object No. 2014/52/6

These objects illustrate the stages of production of the FCS II fin plug - injection moulding, assembly of the mechanism, foam over-moulding and final machining. They demonstrate the complexity involved in manufacturing a seemingly small, simple object. FCS II is the first high performance fin system to be removable by hand. The fin plugs are installed into a surfboard during manufacture. Each plug contains a mechanism which allows for the fins to be removed and replaced from the board without the need for tools. The FCS II system is designed for surfers of all ability and stays securely attached to the board even when tested by elite surfers. It can be used with older style FCS fins too. The FCS II fin system represents a continuation of Australian innovation in surfing technology. In 1980 the development of the three fin surfboard by Simon Anderson was considered the most significant change in the 80 year history of surfboard design. The subsequent development of the removable fin concept was a second major Australian innovation in surfboard design. As a recipient of a Red Dot Award and Good Design Selection the FCS II fin system is an example of outstanding Australian product design. Angelique Hutchison Curator 2014

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Summary

Object Statement

FCS II surf fin plugs (4), sectioned plug, accessories (2) in plastic bag, mixed media, made by Surf Hardware International, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2012-2013

Physical Description

Plastic bag containing 4 FCS II surf fin plugs, 1 sectioned plug, 1 metal cylindrical piece, and 1 red plastic bead. The bag is labelled in handwritten black pen 'FCSII / PHASE 3 / FINAL MOLDING / FOAMING / ASSEMBLY / MACHINING'.

DIMENSIONS

Height

360 mm

Width

220 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

Designed and made by Surf Hardware International, Mona Vale, NSW, Australia, 2012- 2013. These surf fin plugs show various stages of production of the FCS II surf fin plug. "The four processes are: 1. Injection Moulding (plug and cap). 2. Assembly of mechanism (Titanium pin and Acetal barrel) within plug + ultrasonic welding of plug and cap. (Housing the mechanism and creating a water-tight seal) 3. PU foam over-moulding. (Completing the required plug installation geometry whilst avoiding excess resin weight. This composite construction allows for a very strong, light-weight fin system) 4. Machining. (Removes the foam skin for better bonding to resin during surfboard installation and allows for precise final plug geometry)"* *Scott Norrie, Surf Hardware International, personal communication, 2014

HISTORY

Notes

These objects were lent to the Museum for the 2013 Australian International Design Awards exhibition but not displayed and subsequently donated to the Museum's collection.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Surf Hardware International, 2014

Acquisition Date

8 May 2014

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