Walnut keyrings for Eight & Bob

The project

Archicercle manufactured these keyrings for Eight & Bob with a function beyond holding keys: incorporating a magnet to operate an opening and closing mechanism. Each piece combines a walnut body, an engraved logo and a recess on the reverse to house the magnet.

Production combined two laser technologies, each with a distinct role. A CO₂ laser cut the outline and the keyring hole. A fibre laser was then used for both the logo and the circular recess on the reverse, with settings adjusted for each operation.

Lower power and speed settings were used to engrave the logo. The magnet recess required higher power and several passes to remove material from the walnut. The magnet was then embedded in this cavity to operate the opening and closing mechanism.

The finishing stage involved very fine-grit sanding followed by an application of linseed oil, which darkens and protects the wood. Archicercle’s contribution therefore covered manufacturing the body, engraving, preparing the recess, integrating the magnet and applying the final finish.

Processes and materials: fabrication services · available materials · studio machinery.