Victorinox Inlays

toolnoob · **on:** August 10, 2020, 06:52:52 AM

I was wondering if anyone knows how the stainless steel Victorinox shield inlays are mounted in the cellidor models? Are they glued in, do they "snap" into the scales, or how else are they held on? I've seen some pretty old cellidor models with the inlays still attached, so whatever method Victorinox uses, it's probably rather durable.

kamakiri · **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2020, 11:38:05 PM

I’ve seen a video where machinery is used to remove the strip of die cut logos and embed/inlay into scales using pressure and presumably heat. It was a pretty short clip so it’s possible that I didn’t understand exactly what I was looking at.

Before I saw that video, I imagined that they were set in the injection molds for the scales. The shape of the back side of the front scales make me think that’s the case...at least for some.

Perhaps they have or still use both. Can’t say for certain.

toolnoob · **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2020, 11:49:04 PM

Oh cool, but how does heat and pressure bond steel to plastic? Do you have a link to that video you've mentioned? Thanks!

toolnoob · **Reply #3 on:** August 11, 2020, 02:26:14 AM

Actually, I have found the video (or a similar one)! The application of the inlays occurs at 5:18 - but how are they held on? Via heat and pressure? Any thoughts?

kamakiri · **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2020, 04:20:52 AM

Quote from: toolnoob on August 11, 2020, 02:26:14 AM

Actually, I have found the video (or a similar one)! The application of the inlays occurs at 5:18 - but how are they held on? Via heat and pressure? Any thoughts?

That’s the one!

I think there are two aspects. Melted plastic will act somewhat like hot glue. And when the inlay is pressed in, there will be some mechanical attachment from the plastic surrounding the inlay and in surface imperfections thus ‘locking’ it in place.

I’ve made repairs to some vintage inlays. Both loose and missing. But that process is a bit of a secret.

toolnoob · **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2020, 08:05:25 AM

Cool, that would make sense. In the video, it seems there is a whiteish liquid deposited on the tray where the "stamping" machine goes to pick up the inlay. I wonder if that is some sort of lubricant? Or adhesive? Who knows lol

Huntsman · **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2020, 09:16:44 AM

Very good question - Always wondered that myself - And also kinda assumed heat and pressure too.
Plus crazy thoughts like do they 'dig/carve out' the slot for the shield

If you push the shield off through that little hole behind the cross - It pops out easily and does not seem glued
But of course always stays in situ.

Other thing that always amazes me is if you run your finger over the shield you cannot feel it as it blends in so 'flatly' with the scales

Love Victorinox and their products and techniques