Focus on Innovation: Precision taking shape
As a toolmaker, Carina Schiefersteiner is responsible for crafting perfect forms so that highly complex materials can be turned into eyeglasses in the injection molding department. Ever since the company was founded in 1964, a team known for its precision has been producing forms and tools of a unique quality that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Carina, what tasks fill your day?
My focus in form making is on injection molds—whether for Silhouette, evil eye, or NEUBAU. That means I’m involved in drilling, grinding, milling, and finishing the forms so that raw material is transformed into products with millimeter-level precision. We receive the design drawings, then the parts are milled and eroded in the mechanical engineering department. We then carry out the milling, grinding, and fine-tuning work until the form is completely finished and can be handed over to the injection molding department. The design department provides the drawings, which we use as the basis for creating the forms. We’re always working on several forms at the same time, in addition to servicing and repairing existing forms.
Why did you choose this career?
I’m passionate about precise, hands-on work and the fact that it requires such attention to detail. For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a living, but I knew it had to be something technical that involved working with my hands. It takes a lot of finesse and patience to prepare the form for injection molding. Every detail counts, and that’s exactly what I love about my job.
How did your journey with the Silhouette Group begin?
In September 2011, I started a dual apprenticeship in toolmaking and plastic molding, so I learned my profession from the ground up. The apprenticeship lasts four years, and I was part of the toolmaking department from the very beginning. After twelve years, I became the first woman in the technical department, but that was never an issue; we’re a well-coordinated team. I learned an incredible amount during my apprenticeship and was also able to rotate through many departments. Later, I completed additional training in wire eroding and earned my master craftsman’s certificate at evening school in 2020. Anyone who wants to definitely has the opportunity to advance within the company.
In mold making, a great deal of finesse and patience is required to prepare the form for injection molding.
Do you face challenges from time to time?
Not within the team. Some of my colleagues have become real friends. We communicate honestly with one another and support each other. The shaping of the forms themselves is always a challenge. Silhouette’s models are characterized by their minimalist design. For me and my colleagues, that means we’re dealing with extremely thin-walled forms during production. Every micrometer counts. Our evil eye sports glasses, on the other hand, consist of many small parts, so functionality is particularly important. I’m always open to new things and look forward to working on a challenging project. In the right environment, though, it still feels easy.