Glance at any ceiling in virtually any classroom or corporate office around the world, and you’re bound to see ceiling tiles. Thousands of them. And plenty of those had to be precisely cut to fit just right. Before now, that meant measuring with a tape measure and cutting with a knife using a straight edge guide. Discards piled up and every failed attempt ended up in the landfill. There had to be a better way.

The goal was to improve the functionality and ergonomics of a prototype ceiling tile cutting device while simultaneously making it scalable to cost-effectively meet high-volume production demands. In other words, make it more capable and less expensive.

The design team studied the tile cutting process with the prototype tool and the manual process. We looked at the market to understand the range of tile sizes and variations the tool would need to accommodate. We identified key variables in tile thickness, size, and profiles. Differences in tile materials add complexity. The tool had to be versatile, efficient, precise, and consistent.

The Arrow RevealCut™ Ceiling Tile Workstation revolutionized ceiling tile cutting. It comes in two sizes, one for 2-foot tiles and a larger version for 4-foot tiles. The workstation can easily cut 90% of all ceiling tile sizes with just two passes of the precision-cutting blade. This system finishes at the edge for effortless installation in about 30 seconds. No more freehand cuts, slips, or mis-measurements. It provides precision, job-site safety, and material savings with every cut.

The RevealCut meets high standards for consistent results. It’s easy to transport and use. Different cartridges allow for a range of shaped cuts. These are easy to set up and accurate to within 1/16 of an inch. The design ensures fatigue-free cutting, with refined grip forms, knobs, and sliding resistance. Accessories like dust cleanup tools and blade disposal features improve functionality. A carry case allows for easy transport.

The Arrow RevealCut combines metal extrusions, end caps, cutting tools, and a platform. The metal extrusions offer precise cuts, while the faceted end caps and handgrips highlight toughness and precision. Pops of Arrow red accentuate these components. The platform’s pattern aligns with Arrow’s brand aesthetic.

Category:ToolsYear:2024Designers:Steffen Koury, Paul Metaxatos, Ben Hines, Brendan Crawford, Jim Shepard, Motiv, Boston, Massachusetts, USAManufacturer:Arrow RevealCut, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, USA